Background

I. Organizational context

UN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace, and security. Placing women's rights at the center of all its efforts, UN Women leads and coordinates United Nations system efforts to ensure that commitments on gender equality and gender mainstreaming translate into action throughout the world. It provides solid and coherent leadership supporting Member States' priorities and efforts, building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors.

UN Women focuses on integrated approaches to address the root causes of inequality from a perspective of the transformation of the systems that perpetuate gender inequalities and discrimination and with a peacebuilding approach:

• women's voice, leadership, and female autonomy
• strengthening of global normative frameworks, and gender-responsive laws, policies, and institutions that promote gender equality at the national and subnational levels
• Effective participation and protection of women in all areas of peacebuilding, security, and humanitarian action
• women's equitable access to services, goods, and resources
• financing for gender equality and economic empowerment
• positive social norms, including through engaging men and boys
• production, analysis, and use of gender statistics, sex-disaggregated data, and knowledge; and
• UN system coordination for gender equality and women's empowerment

The Strategic Plan 2022-2025 aims to achieve gender equality, the empowerment of all women and girls, and the full enjoyment of their human rights. The Strategic Plan is anchored in the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, UN Security Council resolutions on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development, and other relevant intergovernmental outcomes, such as resolutions of the General Assembly and agreed conclusions of the Commission of the Status of Women. UN Women contributes to the gender-responsive implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, SDG 5 on gender equality at the center of the SDGs and in coordination with all the other Goals to ensure comprehensive progress.

II. Background

In alignment with UN Women's Strategic Plan 2022-2025, Communication and Advocacy is a key cross-cutting area of UN Women's mandate, which supports the corporate and programmatic goals and objectives, in particular goal 2.5 Improved credibility and brand recognition of UN Women by positioning the organization as a leader in gender equality and women's empowerment, and 2.6 Promoting awareness, understanding, support and respect for women's issues and rights, and support for UN Women's mission, priorities and programs at the regional level.

To support the implementation of these strategies, the UN Women Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean is seeking to hire a Communications and Advocacy Analyst consultancy who can provide communications and advocacy assistance in support of the implementation of regional and national initiatives, programs, and campaigns.

The consultant will be in permanent communication with his/her supervisor and support staff for decision making and course of action to carry out assignments.

III. Consultancy objective

This consultancy's main objective is to assist in the planning and implementation of the Office communications and advocacy strategies to increase the standing and awareness of UN Women with partners, the media, and the public for the Latin American and Caribbean Region, according to the needs and demands that arise.

The Communications and Advocacy Analyst works in close collaboration with the Programme, Operations and technical teams in the CO/MCO/RO, HQ/Regional communications teams, staff of other UN Agencies, Government officials, media, multilateral and bilateral donors and civil society.

The results of the consultancy will strengthen the presence of UN Women and contribute to:

1. Increase UN Women’s reach, credibility and authority in gender equality and women empowerment.
2. Foster internal, regional, interagency and HQ collaboration between teams and thematic areas.
3. Improve the quality of the reporting and use of data for decision-making.

The results of this consultancy will report to the results management system in a quarterly and monthly basis.

Duties and Responsibilities

IV. Scope

The successful performance of the incumbent will effectively contribute to the development of quality projects/programmes reports. In particular, the consultant is expected to carry out the following functions, activities and tasks:

1. Plan and design communication and outreach/advocacy strategies and plans

• Prepare and conduct communication needs assessments for the RO, including projects, programmes and corporate change initiatives.
• Analyze requirements and synthesize proposals for elaboration of communication strategies and campaigns; ensure gender perspective.
• Integrate communication, advocacy, and outreach strategies into proposals for project/programmes and other initiatives.
• Monitor and analyze print and social media and draft reports.
• Coordinate in-country UN Women/ UN system corporate and local campaigns and special events as required.
• Provide advice and guidance to CO/ MCOs communications and social media colleagues in the region.

2. Coordinate and implement the development and dissemination of advocacy materials in the region

• Develop and produce communication instruments and materials, including social media packages, briefing materials, press releases, and drafts of articles, and manage its dissemination.
• Identify and propose information opportunities, activities, approaches and platforms and partners.
• Promote and disseminate corporate advocacy materials for launching flagship initiatives, publications, and campaigns.
• Coordinate the translation/adaption/rewriting of information received, printing and dissemination of publications and audio-visual materials.
• Follow guidelines, policies and procedures from HQ and RO.

3. Coordinate media relations for the RO

• Manage relationships with press in country; maintain and update database of relevant press;
• Respond to a variety of inquiries and information requests; prepare related correspondence;
• Organize roundtable discussions, press conferences, and briefing sessions for press, as required;

4. Build and maintain partnerships and maintain relations with donors

• Identify and develop new communication partnerships and alliances to enhance visibility;
• Liaise with advocacy partners and undertake outreach to civil society organizations, governments, and other groups to ensure that newsworthy information reaches the public and donors;
• Provide inputs to packages for programme initiatives for donor review.

5. Maintain the RO’s web/ online presence

• Manage RO’s websites’ content and maintenance based on corporate requirements;
• Manage the RO’s social media accounts in line with corporate social media policy;
• Upload information to knowledge management system on a regular basis, including news, updates, and resources.

6. Facilitate knowledge building and sharing

• Identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme country goals and activities; Provide training and workshops on communication and advocacy, as appropriate.

7. The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

8. Supervisor/Managerial Responsabilities: the consultant coordinates 5 affiliate personnel.

V. Contract management

Payment for services will be made monthly, subject to satisfaction and approval by UN Women. The final payment must be accompanied by the consultant's performance evaluation along with the certificate of payment (COP) to process the final payment.

The Consultant contract includes all costs (all-inclusive); the Organization will not assume any costs or benefits in addition to the fee for services. Therefore, it is the consultant's responsibility to have medical insurance for the period of the contract, and it is recommended that it includes medical coverage for COVID-19 related illnesses. Additionally, medical coverage should be international in cases where the contract requires international assignments or missions.

If selected for this vacancy, proof of medical coverage will be required within the first two months of the contract.

VI. Performance monitoring and evaluation

The consultancy will be managed by UN Women. The Deputy Regional Director will supervise this consultancy. The consultant is not a United Nations staff member and will carry out the activities related to their consultancy in a virtual way, from their workspace under the work plan.

The consultant will be reporting to Deputy Regional Director, and will be supported by the EVAW Specialist, who will be the point of contact on the contract and payment issues.

Three months after the beginning of the consultancy, an evaluation of the selected person's performance and the products produced will be carried out. In case of not being favorable, the contract will be terminated by mutual agreement within 30 days.

For the consultancy's optimal development, the supervisor will provide the consultant with the existing documents and information that UN Women has related to the consultancy's topics. It is the consultant's responsibility to obtain primary and secondary data from other sources, if necessary.

The consultant will maintain permanent coordination with their supervisor to effectively execute and develop the products requested by this consultancy. They will also provide information as requested within the framework of the terms of reference.

The expected travel of the consultant will be decided case by case scenario depending on regional and programmatic priorities.

VII. Performance indicators

• Timely presentation of products / deliverables according to the TORs
• Work quality
• Compliance with expected results
• Compliance with the competencies as mentioned above (Ref. Profile of the consultant)
• Compliance with the Organization policy guidance and procedures.

VIII. Intellectual rights, patents, and other property rights

The right to equipment and supplies provided by UN Women to the consultant for the performance of any obligation under this contract shall remain with UN Women. Such equipment shall be returned to UN Women at the end of this contract or when the consultant no longer needs it. When returned to UN Women, such equipment shall be in the same condition as when it was given to the consultant, subject to normal wear and tear. The consultant shall be responsible for compensating UN Women for damaged or broken equipment regardless of normal wear and tear.

UN Women is entitled to all intellectual property and other proprietary rights, including but not limited to: patents, copyrights, and trademarks, concerning products, processes, inventions, ideas, know-how, documents, and other materials that the consultant has prepared or collected in consequence of or during the execution of this consultancy, and the consultant acknowledges and agrees that such products, documents, and other materials constitute work carried out under the engagement of UN Women. However, if such intellectual property or other property rights consist of any intellectual property or property rights of the consultant (i) that existed before the consultant's performance of his or her obligations under this contract, or (ii) that the consultant may develop or acquire, or may have developed or acquired, independently of the performance of his or her obligations under this contract, UN Women will not and shall not claim any ownership interest therein, and the consultant shall grant UN Women a perpetual license to use such intellectual property or other property rights solely for the purpose and the requirements of this contract.

Competencies

IX. Requirements

Core values:

• Respect for diversity
• Integrity
• Professionalism

Core competencies:

• Awareness and Sensitivity Regarding Gender Issues
• Accountability
• Creative Problem Solving
• Effective Communication
• Inclusive Collaboration
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Leading by Example

Functional Competencies:

1. Knowledge and Expertise in Communications and Digital Media.

• Knowledge of best practices in digital outreach and digital advocacy.
• Experience in effective management of online platforms and content development.
• Excellent knowledge of social media marketing.
• Updated knowledge of interactive digital outreach tools.
• Creativity in planning digital outreach initiatives to serve UN Women’s mandate.
• Strong skills in writing, editing and communications in both English and Spanish.
• Knowledge of gender sensitive language.

2. Management and result orientation

• Demonstrates excellent judgment, particularly with regard to being able to prioritize according to importance and urgency.
• Highly organized, with particular ability in devising systems to ensure follow-up.
• Enjoys multi-tasking and managing several projects at one time.
• Focuses on impact and result.
• Ability to work as a positive and valued member of task teams and demonstrates conflict resolution skills.
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
• Builds strong relationships with team and partners.
• Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view.
• Displays high level of discretion.

Required Skills and Experience

X. Selection procedure and application requirements:

The selection process will be carried out through a desk review, which consists of a formal verification to verify that the applications comply with the documentary evidence to be examined and the minimum requirements established for the consultancy, followed by the technical evaluation of the received applications, which will be qualified based on the technical requirements established in the following qualification table:

Short-listed candidates may be called for a competency-based interview on the level of knowledge of the subject area and on the specific topic of this consultancy. The relative value of the interview (if it is determined necessary after the desk review) will be 50% of the total score (i.e., 50% for the requirements compliance table and 50% for the interview).

XI. Documents to be submitted for the application

1. UN Women Personal History Form (P11), which can be found in https://www.unwomen.org/sites/default/files/Headquarters/Attachments/Sections/About%20Us/Employment/UN-Women-P11-Personal-History-Form.doc
2. Personal identification (ID card, passport).

IMPORTANT NOTES

• Submitting the application: only one (1) file must be uploaded in PDF format. A guide is attached for you to perform this step. https://www.wikihow.com/Merge-PDF-Files.
• UN Women assumes no responsibility and only describes one of the many ways to compress documents related to the application. You may use whichever one you deem appropriate.
• Incomplete applications or those received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those applications appropriate for the shortlist will be contacted for an interview (if applicable).
• Consultants who have an employment relationship with public institutions can only be hired if they present proof of a work permit (license) without expiration and a letter of no objection to the consultancy's performance, issued by the employing institution. If the candidates are linked to a research institution, academic center, or university, presenting a letter of no objection issued by the employing institution is sufficient.
• The selected consultants must have medical coverage and present proof of their coverage within two months of signing their contract.
• If the consultant needs to travel, medical coverage, required vaccines according to the destination, and travel insurance must be confirmed.
• If the consultancy is international, the currency will be US dollars or the local currency.

UN Women is committed to achieving workplace diversity in gender, nationality, and culture.

At UN Women, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. UN Women recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, competence, integrity, and organizational need.

If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.

UN Women has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to UN Women's policies and procedures and the standards of conduct expected of UN Women personnel and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. (Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.)

People from minority groups, indigenous groups, and people with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.