Communications and Advocacy Specialist

Background

The scale, severity and complexity of needs across Syria remains overwhelming. An estimated 70% of the country’s population is in need as of the end of 2024. The increase in numbers of returnees to various Syrian governorates increases the pressure on the already existing overwhelmed services. 

Six UN Organizations have developed a Joint Programme to Strengthen Urban and Rural Resilience and the Conditions for Recovery in Syria, with a current budget of approximately US$ 18 million during the period 2025-2026 to be impmented in Eastern Aleppo, Syria.

The United Nations Joint Programme (UNJP) enables the participating UN organizations to respond to people’s needs in the dynamic Syria context with the required early recovery and resilience programming that supports basic social services provision and livelihoods, while facilitating social cohesion and supporting the resolution of local disputes.

To support the effective implementation of the programme, the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office is looking to recruit a Communications and AdvocacySpecialist. Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Joint Programme Manager, and as part of the Programme Management Unit (PMU), the M&E and Coordination Specialist implements the communications strategy, designs, manages and facilitates the implementation of Joint Programme communications and publication strategies of the Joint Programme, to promote public and media outreach and to advocate and mobilize support for UN Organizations. 

The Communications and Advocacy Specialistplans and prepares the communications products of the Joint Programme and has a working relationship with the Joint Programme Manager and Communication & Public Information Specialist at the UN Resident Coordinator Office. The Communications and Advocacy Specialistalso works in close collaboration with the Participating UN Organizations, national stakeholders, international and local media, subject matter experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful Joint Programme communication and advocacy strategy implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

1. Ensures planning and design of internal and external strategy for communications and outreach focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Planning and elaboration of communications needs assessments for Joint Programme
• Elaboration of the Joint Programme communications and outreach strategy based on the UN communications strategy.
• Integrate advocacy and communication strategy into Joint Programme. 
• Follow up with UN agencies to ensure receiving  timely and quality inputs to be utilized in communication and visibility 

2. Ensures elaboration and implementation of the Joint Programme publications strategy and plan focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Elaboration and implementation of the JP publications strategy and plan based on the UN publications policy.
• Identification and development of storylines for publications and substantive articles contributing to debates on key Joint Programme issues.
• Coordination and management of all JP publication activities, including content management, norms for publishing, design, liaison with printers and other suppliers to oversee production and supervision of publications dissemination.
• Ensures that all participating UN agencies work is appropriately visualized and included in the communication materials.

3. Supports the campaigns, outreach and public information focusing on achievement of the following results:

Launches and campaigns

• Creation and promotion of campaigns to local, national and international media on Joint Programme and therefore achievements.
• Management, promotion and dissemination of advocacy materials for launching flagship initiatives and publications.
• Creation, promotion and maintenance of public information campaigns on Joint Programme activities.

Outreach

• Preparation of the content for the UN system website ensuring consistency of the materials.
• Contribute with stories and articles to UN system web site, intranet, and the UN Resident Coordinator Office web-based knowledge management system.
• Increased coverage and understanding of the Joint Programme through development and maintenance of media contacts and providing newsworthy information to national public and donors. 
• Formatting, packaging and submission of Joint Programme initiatives for donor review in close collaboration with Participating UN Organizations, under the supervision of Joint Programme Manager.
• Develop and maintain close contacts with national stakeholders, multilateral and bilateral donors, civil society and private sector for implementation of the communications strategy, organization of roundtable discussions, press conferences, briefing sessions, interviews, launches, etc.
• Regular newsletter to donors, donor reports, and community awareness where appropriate.

Public information

• Effective responses to inquiries for public information materials.
• Innovative and creative solutions to sensitive or strategic public communications issues.
• Advocacy and promotion of Joint Programme’s purpose.

   4. Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to Joint Programme goals and activities.
• Monitor practices, and project-specific news and developments in order to ensure guidance to the UN system that reflects the best and most current available information. 
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

           Institutional Arrangement

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision and overall guidance of the UNJP Manager. And will also work in close collaboration with the Communications’ focal points of JP Participating Organizations, and with the PMU in Damascus.

Competencies

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies :

Required Skills and Experience

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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