Consultant: Communications and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a joint strategic engagement between the two Agencies since 2008. The Joint Programme aims to protect girls and women by accelerating abandonment of FGM and also providing care for its consequences for those who are already subjected to the practice. The programme will also support initiatives which have served to amplify efforts to position the issue of FGM high on the international Agenda.

Recognizing the importance of communications and the role of media, especially in the Phase II, the Joint Programme is looking at capitalizing on ongoing continental, regional and sub-regional opportunities and initiatives to ensure that efforts are well articulated and coordinated across all level. Along with the framework of activities developed within the multilateral context in Ethiopia, the need to align communications with the documentation of existing evidence on laws, policies and best practices on FGM is raised and realized. Communication will also be a tool to advocate on the integration of FGM elimination within relevant policies and continental documents.

This emphasized with the development of the 5 year PoA for the African Union Initiative on Eliminating FGM (2019-2023) and the need for a communication strategy within and regarding this same PoA.

Given the strategic importance of the Phase III, and with the existing Memorandum of Understanding between the UNFPA Liaison Office, the African Union Commission (AUC) and UNECA, the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint programme  is currently working closely with the AU Commissions’ Department of Social Affairs on  the implementation of the African Union Initiative on Eliminating FGM; informing development of an Africa Atlas on FGM, organizing capacity building including media induction on FGM, support organization of High Level Events on FGM seeking political commitments to reinforce the AU Initiative on Eliminating FGM elimination. This will require strong and coordinated media and communications elements.

It is against this background that the need for a recruitment of a short term Communications and FGM Consultant working with the Liaison Office for the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme Coordination to develop, implement and monitor the communications strategy on FGM is urgently requested.

Scope of Work

Specifically, the consultant will do the following:

• Support the implementation of a comprehensive communication strategy to guide the work of the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme on FGM in 2020  and beyond; Specifically develop a strong media component to amplify data on FGM, cost drivers, shifting trends, social norm change, best practices;
• Provide support to implement a comprehensive communication strategy to support the African Union Initiative on Eliminating FGM;
• Brand the African Union initiative on the Elimination of FGM and give it continental visibility;
• Develop info graphic products, brochures and other products to ensure the visibility of the issue of FGM;
• Draft press release, briefing notes, policy briefs as needed and agreed supervisors;
• Provide communications support for UNFPA-UNICEF Joint program’s involvement in: reporting, documenting, working side events organized/being held in the margins of the High Level Meetings; the Specialized Technical Committees relevant to the elimination of FGM agenda at the AUC; and other relevant platforms and processes at continental and global levels;
• Ensure the visibility of FGM, specifically engaging with the donors supporting the Joint Programme on FGM;
• Contribute to ensure the full operationalization of the FGM Community Space in the MyUNFPA intranet as well as providing contents for the stakeholders’ webpages such AUC/DSA; UNICEF and UNFPA;
• Liaise with the Media and Communication Branch in NY to ensure visibility of the FGM work with the AU;
• Perform any other related assignment as requested by respective supervisor’s i.e Head of Division for Health, Nutrition and Population of the AUC, the Joint Programme Coordinator and the Chief of the UNFPA Liaison Office.

Required qualifications and experience

• MA Degree from a recognized educational institute in communication or international relations;
• 5 years of experience with continental and international institutions;
• Strong organizational, administrative and time management skills;
• Ability to take initiative, multitask, work in dependently and pro-actively;
• Good understanding of UNFPA and key regional institutions such as AUC and ECA;
• Experience working in communications with AUC and/or UN system is an asset;
• Strong reading/writing and analytical skills; and
• Fluency in English; French will be an advantage.

Duration:  16 April 2020 to 9 March 2021

How to Apply:  Candidates should send their resume/curriculum vitae and letter of motivation, with "Consultant:  Communications and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)" in the subject by 24 February 2020 to JPEndFGM@unfpa.org.