Job Announcement: Communication Specialist to Enhance UNFPA Cameroon’s Outreach
Overview:
UNFPA Cameroon seeks an experienced Communication Specialist to lead a short-term, transformative project aimed at optimizing the Country Office’s (CCO) communication strategies and operations. The consultant will play a pivotal role in evaluating the current communication unit, recommending and implementing structural improvements, and upskilling the team to leverage innovative tools and platforms for maximum impact.
Key Responsibilities:
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In-Depth Analysis: Conduct a comprehensive diagnostic of the existing communication unit, encompassing its structure, workflows, outputs, and the utilization of both traditional and emerging technologies (e.g., AI-powered content tools).
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Strategic Recommendations: Based on the assessment, formulate a detailed restructuring plan that enhances efficiency and incorporates cutting-edge communication tools. Special emphasis will be on bolstering digital communication and social media management. Document lessons learned and offer actionable recommendations for ongoing improvement.
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Hands-On Implementation: Guide the initial phases of the restructuring plan, facilitating the adoption of new tools and technologies. Deliver tailored training sessions on social media strategies, engagement, and content creation, not only for the communication team but also for other relevant CCO staff.
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Partnerships and Visibility: Analyze and advise on the CCO’s networking and liaison structures, both internally within UNFPA (Regional and Headquarters) and externally with partners. Provide strategic guidance to elevate the CCO’s visibility and amplify its impact through collaborative efforts.
Proposed Work Plan: Optimizing UNFPA Cameroon’s Communication Unit
Phase 1: Comprehensive Assessment (Weeks 1-2)
- Document Review: Thorough analysis of job descriptions, work plans, and existing communication materials.
- In-Depth Interviews: Engage with communication staff, program leads, and country leadership to gather insights and perspectives.
- Channel Evaluation: Assess the efficacy of current communication channels, including social media platforms, identifying strengths and weaknesses.
- Innovation Exploration: Identify opportunities to leverage innovative tools and technologies (e.g., AI, automation, data analytics) to enhance communication efforts.
Phase 2: Strategic Recommendations (Weeks 3-4)
- Restructuring Plan: Develop a detailed draft plan for optimizing the communication unit’s structure, roles, and responsibilities.
- Technology Integration: Incorporate recommendations for adopting new tools and technologies to streamline workflows and maximize impact.
- Social Media Strategy: Outline a comprehensive social media strategy, including tactics for increasing engagement, reach, and influence.
Phase 3: Implementation and Capacity Building (Weeks 5-8)
- Onboarding Support: Assist in the seamless adoption of new tools and technologies, providing hands-on training and guidance.
- Job-Specific Training: Deliver targeted on-the-job training to equip communication staff with the necessary skills to utilize new tools effectively.
- Capacity Enhancement: Conduct workshops on social media best practices, content creation, and community management to strengthen the team’s capabilities.
- Long-Term Sustainability: Develop a comprehensive capacity building plan to ensure ongoing skill development and knowledge transfer.
Phase 4: Finalization and Reporting (Weeks 9-12)
- Lessons Learned: Document key insights, challenges, and successes throughout the consultancy period.
- Recommendations: Offer actionable recommendations for continuous improvement, emphasizing the ongoing use of innovative tools and social media strategies.
- Final Report: Submit a comprehensive report summarizing the assessment findings, activities undertaken, outcomes achieved, and future directions for the communication unit.
Timeline: 3 months
Location: Remote work with travel to UNFPA field offices within Cameroon as needed.
Deliverables:
- Week 1: Inception report outlining the methodology and detailed work plan.
- Week 4:
- Restructuring plan/organogram for the communication unit.
- Updated Terms of Reference for each communication team member.
- List of recommendations with a Gantt chart outlining implementation timelines.
- Week 8: Capacity building plan.
- Throughout the Consultancy: Training materials and workshop reports (as needed).
- Week 14: Final report summarizing findings, activities, and outcomes (submitted two weeks after the consultancy period).
Monitoring and Progress Control:
- Regular progress updates will be provided to senior management through meetings.
- The Deputy Representative will oversee the consultant’s work and the completion of deliverables.
- All deliverables will be submitted in digital format.
- The final report, including annexes containing all consultancy deliverables, will be due two weeks after the consultancy period.
Supervisory and Reporting:
The Communication Specialist will report directly to the Resident Representative, ensuring alignment with UNFPA Cameroon’s strategic priorities and communication objectives. Regular progress updates and consultations will be conducted to ensure effective collaboration and timely delivery of project outcomes.
Qualifications and Expertise:
- Essential:
- A minimum of 7 years of demonstrated experience in strategic communication, ideally within the humanitarian or development sector.
- Proven leadership and management experience in overseeing communication teams.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Fluency in both English and French.
- A Master’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 9 years of relevant professional experience may be considered.
- Desirable:
- Prior experience working with UN Agencies, particularly UNFPA, within the West and Central Africa region and Cameroon.
- Demonstrated expertise in leveraging innovative communication tools and platforms, including AI-powered solutions.
- Proven track record in developing and executing successful social media strategies.
- Experience in drafting comprehensive reports and conducting research.
UNFPA Support:
UNFPA Cameroon is committed to providing the necessary resources and support to ensure the success of this consultancy. This includes:
- Travel and Allowances: Coverage of travel expenses and Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) for in-country travel to UNFPA field offices.
- Workspace: Access to meeting rooms and office space at the UNFPA Cameroon Country Office as needed.
- Communication Tools: Provision of a dedicated UNFPA phone number and email address for official communication.
- Logistics and Procurement: Support for logistics and procurement related to organized events and activities.
Additional Considerations:
The strengthening of the Country Office communication unit is a priority initiative due to the urgent need to accelerate resource mobilization efforts and achieve the ambitious targets set for the 8th Country Programme Document (2022-2026). The selected Communication Specialist will play a critical role in enabling UNFPA Cameroon to effectively communicate its impact and advocate for the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women, girls, and young people in the country.
To apply for this consultancy, please submit your application through the official UNFPA recruitment portal by clicking on the “Apply Now” button.
