Advocacy and Communications Manager

Hosted EntitiesRBM Partnership to End MalariaJob categoriesCommunications, Programme ManagementVacancy codeVA/2023/B5007/26745LevelICS-11Department/officeECR, GVA, GenevaDuty stationGeneva, SwitzerlandContract typeFixed TermContract levelP4DurationOne year initially, renewable subject to programme need, funding availability and satisfactory performanceApplication period19-Sep-2023 to 03-Oct-2023

Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.

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Apply Apply Print Expand all [+] Background Information - Job-specific
RBM Partnership to End Malaria The RBM Partnership to End Malaria is the larges...

RBM Partnership to End Malaria

The RBM Partnership to End Malaria is the largest global platform for coordinated action towards a world free from malaria. It is comprised of over 500 partners - from community health worker groups and researchers developing new tools, to malaria-affected and donor countries, businesses and international organisations. 

Since its inception in 1998, the RBM Partnership has played a critical role in global efforts that reduced malaria deaths by half and saved 10.6 million lives. The Partnership is now committed to building on these significant gains and ending malaria for good.

Expansions in financing, strong political commitments, novel diagnostic and preventative measures, and multi-sectoral coordination have facilitated this progress. The RBM Partnership is central to the global fight against malaria and has played an essential role in mobilising political will and financial resources, as well as scaling up innovative interventions to put the world on a path to eliminating malaria.

Despite these gains, malaria still poses a significant threat to public health and sustainable development. Malaria continues to affect the poorest and most marginalised disproportionately and restricts human development and poverty alleviation. The African continent accounts for over 90% of the global malaria burden and therefore stands to gain the most from malaria elimination.

Malaria is a smart investment that contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goals, including ending poverty and ensuring quality education. 

RBM's Vision is a world free from the burden of malaria.

The RBM Partnership is a global health initiative created to implement coordinated action against malaria. It mobilizes for action and resources and forges consensus among partners. The Partnership is composed of a multitude of partners, including malaria endemic countries, their bilateral and multilateral development partners, the private sector, nongovernmental and community-based organizations, foundations, and research and academic institutions. The partners join the RBM Partnership on a voluntary basis through their commitment to a malaria-free world. The RBM Partnership is based in Geneva, Switzerland and is hosted by UNOPS.

The Advocacy and Communications Manager is responsible for driving the development and execution of RBM Partnership's communications and advocacy initiatives. The incumbent will provide expertise to support  the organization's messaging and brand identity which will also support the organisation's  resource mobilization efforts.

The incumbent will work under the guidance and supervision of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to achieve the core objectives and strategic priorities of the RBM Partnership, and specifically the respective Partner Committees of Advocacy and Resource Mobilization (ARMPC) and Strategic Communications (SCPC). The incumbent will lead the Secretariat work in these areas, through facilitation and coordination of partnership engagement and an integrated management of the ARMPC and the SCPC. The incumbent is expected to be willing and able to travel up to 40% of their time. 

Functional Responsibilities
Advocacy and communications management Support the CEO and RBM Board t...

Advocacy and communications management

• Support the CEO and RBM Board to keep malaria high on the political and developmental agendas and mobilize donor and malaria endemic country resources for the malaria fight through a variety of advocacy and communications efforts. 




• Develop talking points, briefings and presentations for the RBM CEO and RBM high level presentations. 




• Advocate for malaria elimination to become a central theme in the sustainable development agenda and in the context of Universal Health Coverage, pandemic preparedness and response, health equity, innovation, and other key development and health topics.In collaboration with the Partner Committee Co-chairs (PC Co-chairs) and technical working groups, provide strategic leadership in advocacy and communications to the RBM Secretariat, respective Partner Committees and Partnership.




• Lead convening of RBM partners, coordinating high level advocacy efforts and shaping the dialogue.




• Ensure cohesion between advocacy and communications strategies and activities of RBM Secretariat.




• Lead all stages of advocacy and communications strategies within the RBM Partnership and Secretariat to ensure consistency through the implementation of workplans 




• With guidance from the CEO, Co-chairs ofPartner Committees and technical working groups, lead the design and the delivery of the advocacy messaging, plan events, engage partners, build and sustain campaigns with the objectives of the current and future RBM Strategic Plans. 




• Ensure that communications platforms are used in an effective manner to deliver key messages, calls to action and advocacy messages. 




• Engage key stakeholders in collaboration with all PCs and technical working groups and identify opportunities to engage leadership at the country level, aligning the language within the malaria community.

• Develop new and creative mechanisms to increase the visibility and understanding of considerations for malaria elimination and lobby at the highest political level.




• Coordinate the communities’ positions with key partners organizations such as the Global Fund and others.




• Represent the Partnership and the CEO in international conferences and meetings, related to advocacy and communications topics, to ensure synergies and coordination.




• Support the RBM CEO in their efforts to better engage RBM Working Groups into the Partnership agenda.




• In collaboration with the RBM Secretariat, Partner Committees Co-chairs and partners, lead and oversee the development and implementation of resource mobilization strategies, including engaging donor and endemic countries, private sector and private foundations to to drive policy change, resource mobilization, and increased political commitment to malaria elimination




•   Assist the CEO in responding to inquiries from the media including other communication platforms to the Partnership, in collaboration with the other Secretariat colleagues, and ensure that appropriate responses are made in a timely manner.




• Provide assistance to the CEO in efforts of  building and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders, including governments, partner organizations, donors, and media outlets, to amplify RBM's influence and advocacy efforts.

Integrated management of the Advocacy and Resource Mobilization Partner Committee (ARMPC) and Strategic Communications Partner Committee (SCPC)

• Support the RBM CEO, ARMPC and SCPC Co-chairs to provide management in the design, development and implementation of the advocacy and communications strategies and activities of the Partnership.




• Implement publications; provide inputs, content development, oversee the production and dissemination of press releases, publications, articles and sharing of project knowledge and successes.




• Identify potential crisis communications situations, create potential responses, and maintain a strong crisis communications protocol and capability.




• Work with the Partner Committee Co-chairs, Working Group Co-chairs and steering committees to align and build consensus on advocacy and communications initiatives and events to generate broad political support.




• Develop ARMPC and SCPC workplans in collaboration with all related stakeholders.




• Build effective relationships with relevant stakeholders with regards to the advocacy and communications matters.




• Collaborate with internal teams to identify and pursue strategic partnerships that enhance RBM's visibility, credibility, and capacity to achieve its goals.




• Support fundraising efforts by creating compelling narratives for donor engagement and contributing to grant proposals and other resource mobilization activities.

Strategic Communications:

• Develop and implement a communications strategy that aligns with RBM's mission, vision, and objectives, and drives global awareness and engagement.




• Lead the development of compelling content, including press releases, op-eds, reports, and multimedia materials, that effectively communicates RBM's impact and key messages.

Media and Public Relations:

• Cultivate relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers to secure high-quality media coverage.




• Develop media strategies that position RBM as a credible and authoritative source on malaria-related matters.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Develop and implement metrics to assess the effectiveness of communications and advocacy initiatives, using data-driven insights to refine strategies and tactics.


• Perform other related responsibilities as assigned, including replacing and backstopping for others as required.

Competencies
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and ex...

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.



Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.



Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).



Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.



Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.



Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.



Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education A Master’s degree preferably in advocacy, communications, ...

Education

• A Master’s degree preferably in advocacy, communications, journalism, law, political science, international relations, development studies, business management, public administration, public health, social sciences or another relevant field is required. 

• A combination of a Bachelor's degree preferably in advocacy, communications, journalism, law, political science, international relations, development studies, business management, public administration, public health, social sciences with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above

Experience

Required

• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in advocacy and communications, of which 3 years has been at senior management and/or leadership level is required. 


• Proven experience of 5 years in the area of strategic advocacy or strategic communication with a focus on global health issues is required.


• Documented high-level advocacy or other experience with national and health-sector leaders is required. 

Desirables:

• Experience working in challenging and politically complex situations.


• Experience working in a developing country or malaria-endemic country.


• Proven ability to manage staff located in other geographical locations. 

Languages

• Full working knowledge of English is essential. 


• Working knowledge of French is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration
Contract type:  Fixed Term Appointment (FTA - UN Staff) Contract level: ICS...

Contract type:  Fixed Term Appointment (FTA - UN Staff)
Contract level: ICS-11 / P4
Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability

For more details about United Nations staff contracts, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/UN-Staff-Contracts.aspx

Additional Information
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. Applic...

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.




• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.




• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.




• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 




• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.




• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.




• Geneva, Switzerland is a family duty station.

Terms and Conditions 

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 




• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.




• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.




• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

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TOGETHER, WE BUILD THE FUTURE

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.

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