Communication Specialist NO3 at UNICEF

UNICEF contributes to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in Nigeria with a mandate to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. UNICEF’s Nigeria country programme: Aims to accelerate the realization of the rights of all children and women to survival, development, protection and participation. Promotes efforts to reduce infant, child and maternal mortality; expand access to quality basic education; and strengthen social and child protection systems. Uses a rights-based and gender-sensitive approach Plays a catalytic role in supporting federal, state and local governments in identifying key bottlenecks that hinder realization of the rights of disadvantaged children, supported by equity-focused, inclusive advocacy, planning, action and monitoring at all levels. Supports adolescent development.

Purpose for the job

Accountable for developing, leading, and implementing a comprehensive communication and advocacy strategy that supports UNICEF Nigeria’s mission, priorities, and programmes by building public engagement, strengthening the organization’s visibility, and promoting awareness and respect for the rights of children and women, especially through digital channels and social media.

The role ensures that communication efforts contribute to programme results by generating compelling, rights-based content and fostering partnerships that amplify impact at national, regional, and global levels.

A central function of this role is to position U-Report as UNICEF Nigeria’s flagship digital platform for adolescent and youth participation, civic engagement, and accountability.

The Communication Specialist will drive the scale-up, innovation, and meaningful integration of U-Report across sectors to ensure that young people’s voices influence policy, inform programme design, and contribute to

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

Within the delegated authority and the given organizational set-up, the incumbent may be accountable for all or assigned areas of the following major duties and end results.

Communication strategy

Ensure that the Country Office has a clear communication strategy and associated work plan to support the country programme objectives and get children’s issues into the public domain, strengthen political will in support of UNICEF's mission and objectives, and enhance the organization’s credibility and brand.

Duties & Tasks

• Lead the development and execution of social media strategies and content based on advocacy and communication objectives with paid advertising principles in mind, while working closely with programme sections, and country and regional offices to ensure social media objectives and tactics are integrated and aligned.
• Contribute towards the strategy and execution of social media content related to special projects, UN observances, the SDGs and child rights as needed.
• UNICEF’s rights- and results-based programming approach is appropriately reflected in the communication strategy, work plan and products.
• Maintain close collaboration with Regional Communication Advisers and HQ Communication Officers for effective overall coordination.

Content Creation

• Lead the planning, development, and implementation of dynamic, interactive, and meaningful social media content strategies UNICEF’s country channels.
• Lead on the writing of social media packs, crafting engaging content from key messages with paid marketing strategies in mind, as relevant, for all advocacy priority areas.
• Demonstrate leadership and initiative in strategizing ways to effectively reach UNICEF’s target audiences through social media channels – as designated by integrated campaign objectives, the Communication and Advocacy Strategy, and the Strategic Plan.
• Work with programmes and resource mobilization section to support UNICEF’s approach to donor recognition and visibility on country digital channels

Celebrities and special events

Ensure that the Country Office has a well maintained and continually developed contact list of appropriate, nationally known personalities who have been identified, engaged and support UNICEF’s effort and who actively participate in special events and activities that support country programme goals.

Duties & Tasks

• Develop and implement digital influencer/Goodwill Ambassador engagement strategies and activations in line with advocacy and communication objectives.
• Develop, maintain and update celebrities contact list/database.
• Establish, document, review and refine process of working with celebrities, including special events, media opportunities, field trips etc.

• Participate in global advocacy activities by planning visits of Goodwill Ambassadors, National Committee representatives, Executive Board members etc. including preparing information materials (e.g., press releases, programme summaries, country fact sheets and media kits), and necessary logistic arrangements. Highlight the achievements of the country programme. Maintain close collaboration with Regional Communication Advisers and HQ Communication Officers for effective overall coordination.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have

Minimum requirements:

Education

• Advanced university degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations.
• (*A first University combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree in the field of journalism, communications, external relations, public affairs, public relations or corporate communications.)

Work Experience

• Five years of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in communication, print, broadcast, and/or new media.
• International and national work experience (for IP). Field work experience (for NO). Background/familiarity with Emergency situations.

Language Proficiency

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

Method of Application

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