Programme Specialist, Communications and Business Development

JOB DESCRIPTION

You would be responsible for: 

A.  Communications and Business Development Strategy

• Leads the development and updating of UNFPA's Communication and Business Development Strategy and activities, with particular attention on promoting and projecting UNFPA's brand and image accurately and effectively. 
• Oversees the implementation of the approved Communication and Business Development S Strategy and its activities for the Ghana Country Office.
• Identifies communications activities and develop storylines for publications and articles on crucial Ghana CO programmatic areas in close collaboration with concerned staff and implementing partners.
• Oversees content and design of all communications collaterals developed in the Ghana Country Office.
• Oversees all communications - print, digital, broadcast - developed by UNFPA and ensure it aligns with UNFPA's overall vision, and liaises with implementing partners and vendors to ensure communication and media products meet UNFPA standards.
• Liaises with the UNFPA Media and Communications Branch at UNFPA Headquarters and the UNFPA West and Central Africa Regional Office to keep the Ghana CO communications work aligned with UNFPA’s regional and global communications efforts.
• Works closely with the thematic teams and the Monitoring and Evaluation Team to ensure that scientific and official data substantiates all Ghana CO communications.

 B.        Increasing visibility of UNFPA Programmes

• Works closely with relevant technical specialists to draft speeches, talking points, opinion editorials and other communications materials for the Representative; prepares the Representative for media interviews as necessary.
• Develops and nurtures relationships with journalists and media houses across traditional and non-traditional news platforms to amplify and raise UNFPA's visibility.
• Oversees the monitoring of relevant news media to identify trends in coverage priorities to position UNFPA media outreach effectively.
• Creates and manages a risk communications strategy for the Ghana CO, in line with the CO Communication and Business Development Strategy, to help anticipate and respond to sensitive issues and potential flashpoints related to UNFPA mandate.
• Oversees the updating and maintenance of UNFPA Ghana website and other relevant digital media platforms within the wider context of UNFPA corporate online technology, with support from UNFPA Headquarters.
• Creates, promotes and contributes to campaigns for local, regional and international media that positions UNFPA and influences the reflection of thematic areas based on the current Ghana CO programme interventions.
• Supports and advises programme teams and staff based in Accra and at sub-office on communication and media activities, including editing and developing innovative communication campaigns that will amplify and popularize UNFPA Ghanal's work and mission in Ghana.

C.         Networking and Partnerships

• Participates in the UN inter-agency Communications Group and promotes UN joint initiatives led by the Office of the Resident Coordinator. 
• Establishes cooperation with communication counterparts in other agencies and among other development partners to create synergies. Proactively works to forge a strong "Delivering as One" UN image through publicizing the significance of local UN reform efforts, joint programmes, and common services. 
• Develops and maintain media contacts providing newsworthy information to the public and donors to increase coverage and understanding of UNFPA's work in the country while ensuring coherence in public information activities and messages.
• Pursues innovative ways to maintain and create new partnerships with government, development partners, donors, and private sector in communications-related areas.
• Cooperates with all staff within the UNFPA CO to garner support for all communication and media-related requirements.

D.         Advocacy and Resource Mobilization Support

• Assists CO advocacy efforts through creative material for the ICPD agenda with national institutions and other UN agencies represented at the national level.
• Supports the development and dissemination of UNFPA CO advocacy materials and publications including good practices and stories from our programme communities. 
• Develops and implements a communication plan for each donor funded programme/project and ensures all donor-funded activities receive high visibility in accordance with the donor agreements and their branding guidelines.
• Contributes to resource mobilization efforts through effective positioning and highlighting of programme activities and results related to UNFPA’s mandate in media and other forums, with attention to leveraging programme support and resources from traditional and non-traditional sources. 

E.         Knowledge Management 

• Guides and cooperates with the Ghana CO staff to support the integration of media and communication through their respective programme and operations areas.
• Collaborates with M&E Team and contributes to design, lay-out of donors reports and CO Annual Report, among other publications.
• Organizes and facilitates training sessions to improve and increase communication and media skills and capacities of relevant Ghana CO staff.

Perform any other duties as requested by the Supervisor and the UNFPA Management team.

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education: 

• Master’s degree in the field of Media/Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or equivalent professional experience in the communications areas, combined with an Advanced Degree in a relevant discipline.  

Knowledge and Experience:

• At least five years of increasingly responsible professional experience at the national or international level in media/communications, journalism, public relations, political science or development work in a relevant discipline.
• Substantive knowledge and practical experience in communication strategy development, including demonstrated expertise implementing visibility communications or media projects.
• Strong media contacts and proven success pitching stories to media outlets.
• Knowledge and expertise in UNFPA mandate areas a distinct advantage.
• Excellent research and writing skills, with experience in writing reports, newsletters, and programme updates.
• Excellent understanding of web production, social media, and multimedia tools.
• Intimate knowledge and ease of navigation of traditional and new digital and social media.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated team player in an international team environment.
• Prior experience in the multilateral system is an asset but is not mandatory.
• Experience using Microsoft Office software packages and web-based management systems such as the ERP system, Quantum, QuantumPlus, Quantum PowerBI, etc.
• Demonstrated experience in working successfully as a member of a multidisciplinary team.

Languages: 

Fluency in English; knowledge of other official UN languages is desirable.

Required Competencies:

Values:

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

Functional Competencies:

• Advocacy/ Advancing a policy-oriented agenda,
• Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/ building strategic alliances and partnerships,
• Delivering results-based programmes,
• Internal and external communication and advocacy for results mobilization.

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. 

Managerial Competencies:

• Providing strategic focus,
• Engaging in internal/external partners and stakeholders,
• Leading, developing and empowering people, creating a culture of performance,
• Making decisions and exercising judgment.

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