Knowledge Management Communication and Advocacy Consultant, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Job Description

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the UN Women Special Representative to AU&ECA, the Knowledge Management, Communications and Advocacy Consultant will support the planning and implementation of partnership and communications initiatives to increase the visibility, credibility, and standing of UN Women among partners, the media, and the public. The consultant will work in close collaboration with programme lead, operations, and technical teams in the AULO, Regional and Headquarters communications teams, staff of other UN agencies through the UN Communications Group (UNCG) as well as media, donors, and civil society organizations.

Description of Responsibilities /Scope of Work

• Support the design and implementation of AULO's external communications, advocacy, and outreach strategies aligned with AU policy processes and UN Women's continental priorities, including but not limited to the Spotlight Initiative Africa Regional Programme 2.0 (SIARP 2);
• Conduct political, media, and stakeholder analysis to inform advocacy positioning and messaging, ensuring strong integration of gender equality and women's empowerment perspectives;
• Integrate communications and advocacy approaches into regional programmes and flagship initiatives, including the SIARP 2, African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI), Women, Peace and Security, GEWE financing, and AU gender commitments;
• Monitor and analyze print, broadcast, and digital media at continental and regional levels and provide strategic insights to AULO, Regional Office, and HQ;
• Support the planning and execution of different intergovernmental engagements, high-level dialogues, SIARP 2, AGCCI regional convenings, and joint AU-UN Women campaigns and advocacy moments;
• Coordinate in-country UN Women/UN system corporate and local campaigns and special events.

Coordinate and contribute substantively to the development and dissemination of advocacy materials and knowledge products:

• Develop and produce communication instruments and materials, including briefing materials, press releases, and drafts of articles, and manage its dissemination in alignment with UN Women corporate standards, Spotlight initiative Branding Guidelines and AU messaging frameworks;
• Identify and develop compelling storylines, human interest features, and impact narratives including SIARP 2, AGCCI alumni achievements for publications, campaigns, and digital platforms;
• Promote and disseminate corporate advocacy materials for launching flagship initiatives, publications, and campaigns including SIARP 2, AGCCI knowledge products across regional and continental platforms;
• Manage the translation/adaption/rewriting of information received, printing and dissemination of publications and audio-visual materials.

Coordinate media relations and strategic Visibility for the AULO Office:

• Coordinate AULO's media relations and cultivate strong partnerships with continental and regional media outlets, journalists, and digital influencers, working in close coordination with RO and HQ Communications teams;
• Maintain and update media contact databases and respond to press inquiries on UN Women's AU-related work and regional policy advocacy, in coordination with RO Communications teams;
• Organize press briefings, roundtable discussions, interviews, and media engagements around AU Summits, AFRSD, Pre CSW, CSW, and any other high-level SIARP 2 Regional, continental and global events;
• Support the development of talking points and media messaging for Special Representative, in collaboration with programme teams.

Build strategic Communication, Advocacy and Donor Visibility:

• Identify and develop new communication partnerships and alliances to enhance visibility and position UN Women, SIARP 2, and AGCCI within AU policy platforms, donor engagements, and regional advocacy spaces;
• 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; and
• Provide inputs to packages for programme initiatives for donor review;
• Coordinate donor visibility and strategic messaging, ensuring alignment with funding agreements while amplifying impact, partnerships, and regional policy influence.

Maintain AULO's web/ online presence:

• Coordinate AULO's digital presence, including website content and social media accounts/platforms based on corporate requirements;
• Support strategic digital storytelling and campaigns on AU policy milestones, SIARP 2, AGCCI achievements, and regional advocacy priorities;
• Upload and curate content in knowledge management systems, including policy updates, advocacy products, campaign materials, and regional success stories.

Facilitate knowledge building and sharing:

• Identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learned from different programmes of AULO and ensure exchange of information;
• Provide training and workshops on communication and advocacy as appropriate.

Perform other functions within the incumbent's functional profile as required to support the effective functioning of AULO.