National Post: Communications Analyst, Zambia, NOB

The Position

The Communications Analyst post is located in the UNFPA Zambia Country Office. The Communications Analyst reports directly to the Representative who provides overall strategic direction, and collaborates with the Deputy Representative and technical staff. S/He coordinates all media and communications activities for UNFPA in Zambia, and provides strategic support towards knowledge management, advocacy and resource mobilization efforts in support of UNFPA’s programme of cooperation with the Government of Zambia. 

Job Purpose

The Communications Analyst will play a critical role in positioning UNFPA as a bold, vocal and visible thought and action-oriented leader in both development and humanitarian contexts of Zambia. S/He will further contribute to securing national, regional and global political and financial support for achieving UNFPA’s mandate and to build the UNFPA brand.

The purpose of this position is therefore to lead internal and external communications initiatives of the Country Office, including providing strategic contribution to advocacy and resource mobilization efforts.

In all activities, s/he fosters collaboration with UNFPA programme staff, UN Zambia communication group and other thematic groups, and ensures the timeliness, adequacy, relevance and quality of substantive outputs. 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

A. EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION

• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with electronic and print media to amplify the voice, results, leadership and messages of UNFPA among target audiences. This includes systematically identifying UNFPA stories/data of interest and proactively pitching them to national, regional and global press corps; and
• Regularly scan the substantive multi-media environment and maintain feedback loops on potential opportunities as well as reputational risks to the UNFPA mission and mandate.
• Provide timely and field-driven digital content, such as video stories and images, for use on UNFPA’s country, regional and global websites, social media platforms and intranet;
• Manage and regularly update UNFPA Zambia social media platforms with and work closely with regional and headquarters social media teams to enhance the quality of UNFPA’s social media content and its outreach; and
• Design visual assets such as illustrations and info-graphics.
• Providing substantive support towards advocacy, resource mobilization and strategic partnerships by ensuring that messages on key issues are effectively packed and disseminated. This includes drafting press releases, annual reports, newsletters, policy briefs, fact sheets and other materials; and
• Provide strategic support to high-level and public events, visits of senior UN officials, field visits and other donor and UNFPA initiatives.
• Serve as the UNFPA focal point for risk communication activities by the Government and UN Zambia during emergency contexts. 
• Providing strategic support and focus on social behavioral change communication and the use of social media strategies and other digital solutions to deliver integrated SRHR/GBV information linked to service delivery.

B.  INTERNAL COMMUNICATION

• Assist the UNFPA Representative, Deputy Representative and UNFPA technical leads in preparing written materials, including talking points, speeches, OPEDs and responses to media interviews.
• Establish close working relationships with the UN Communications Group, UN staff and Agency communication officers to identify communication synergies and ‘one UN’ opportunities.
• Build communications capacity of staff members and staff of implementing partners in communicating for impact, including responding to emergency/humanitarian crises, as needed.
• Ensure that evidence, technical knowledge and analysis of lessons learned are collected, managed, disseminated and available for use by UNFPA staff.  
• Supervise the Communications Assistant and ensure that the staff member under her/his supervision has a clear understanding of her/his individual responsibilities and accountability to the team in accordance with UNFPA's established Policies and Procedures; and 

C. OTHER

• Carry out any other duties as may be required by the UNFPA Operations Manager or (Deputy) Representative. 

Language

Fluency in oral and written English. Working knowledge of another UN Official language is an asset.

Qualifications and Experience

Education:    

• Advanced university degree (Master degree) in communications, journalism, public relations or other related fields. 

Knowledge and Experience:

• At least 2 years of progressively responsible professional experience and a proven track record in developing and implementing communications strategies;
• Knowledge and experience in advocacy and resource mobilization as it links to strategic communications;
• Knowledge of substantive areas of UNFPA’s work;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• In-depth knowledge of social media platforms and how each platform can be deployed in different scenarios;
• Knowledge of graphic design and production of info-graphics using Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop); 
• Considerable skills in photography, video editing and production are an asset;
• Familiarity with working in humanitarian settings is an asset;
• Previous proven experience in documenting promising or best practices; and
• Ability to work independently and in teams, in a multicultural environment.

Required competencies

Values

• Exemplifying integrity
• Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,
• Embracing cultural diversity,
• Embracing change

Core Competencies

• Achieving results,
• Being accountable,
• Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,
• Thinking analytically and strategically,
• Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,
• Communicating for impact

Functional Competencies

• Conceptual innovation in the provision of technical expertise;
• Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners;
• Building strategic alliances and partnerships;
• Adaptation/application of knowledge in different contexts;
• Job knowledge/technical expertise; and
• Integration in a multidisciplinary environment

Compensation and Benefits:

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce - click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements. 

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts. 

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.