Programme Specialist- Communications and Advocacy

Host entity: UNWomen SOM

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Communication, advocacy, public information, Gender, women's rights, Project management, programme development, strategy

Application deadline: 27/10/2026

Mission and objectives

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; the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development; human rights; as well as humanitarian action and peace and security. Placing women's rights at the centre 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 strong and coherent leadership in support of Member States' priorities and efforts, building effective partnerships with civil society and other relevant actors.

Assignment context

Communications is a key component of UN Women’s work and constitutes a vehicle for ensuring visibility for successful UN Women Somalia initiatives, results and programmes, as well as raising awareness about key issues of gender equality and women’s empowerment. Effective communications also contribute to resource mobilization. In this regard, the UN Women Somalia Office intends to engage a UN Volunteer to facilitate communications initiatives and events and increase the visibility of UN Women activities.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Country Programme Manager, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Communications and Advocacy
• Within the framework of Somalia’s Strategic Note, develop a communications and information strategy and carry out communications activities to promote and share information about UN Women Somalia and its programmes
• Propose and implement a media plan to ensure visibility of project specific and office strategic interventions;
• Contribute to the production of content and communication materials - human stories, videos, articles, etc, highlighting programme results and women’s voices
• In collaboration with programme staff, prepare key advocacy messages in relevant programmatic areas;
• Coordinate targeted dissemination of office publications and communication products, including UN partners, donors, NGOs, academic institutions, private sector and other partners
• Draft brochures, fact sheets, articles, success and human impact stories

Media relations and production of information and communication materials
• Ensure timely preparation of quarterly newsletter and annual report as per UN Women guidelines in coordination with respective program staff;
• Systematically generate social media messages for different social media outlets;
• Prepare communication and visibility materials
• Ensure professional photographic coverage of meetings, workshops, campaigns, and other program activities; manage and maintain a centralized photo library and communications database to facilitate accurate reporting, preserve institutional knowledge, and increase programme visibility and outreach.
• Regularly update the partners and donors contact list and media database.

Knowledge management and knowledge sharing
• Support the development and management of knowledge products, research reports, policy analyses and information materials, in line with UN Women Knowledge Management Strategy and Donors’ Visibility guidelines;
• Conduct research to find relevant data and information needed to inspire and inform development of new knowledge products;
• Maintain a photo library and information/communications data base;
• Ensure that results-based programming approach is appropriately reflected in the communication strategy, work plan and knowledge products;
• Provide support to resource mobilization and amplify programme results;
• Prepare inventory of office knowledge products and ensure systematic dissemination and usage.

Coordination and administrative support
• Represent UN Women in the UN Joint Communications Group and take part in joint UN communications and advocacy initiatives;
• Extend support to promotional, knowledge sharing events or training workshops organized
• Provide assistance for the organization of public events, conferences and advocacy initiatives of the office;
• Coordinate the activities related to the observation of international campaigns including IWD and marking of 16 Days of Activism to EVAW etc
• Administrative support to the office team, including initiatives such as report launches
• Review of translations, contacts with printing companies and other vendors to ensure communications and advocacy materials production are in line with UN Women’s Standard Operating Procedures and Communications Guidelines.
• Other ad hoc tasks to support UN Women communication team

Provide administrative and logistical support to the formulation and management of UNW in Somalia programmes
• Provide administrative support in the preparation of programme work plans, budgets, and proposals on programme implementation arrangements, including tracking the delivery of funds;
• Provide administrative support to the executing agencies / responsible parties on routine delivery and reporting of programme supported activities and finances;
• Provide administrative support for the audit of programmes/ projects and support implementation of audit recommendations;
• Identify sources, and gather and compile data and information for the preparation of documents, guidelines, speeches and position papers, in collaboration with the Programme team.

Provide administrative support to the financial management of the Programme Unit
• Create projects in Quantum, prepare budget revisions, revise project awards and status; and determine unutilized funds and the operational and financial close of a project;
• Provide administrative support in monitoring and preparation of budget and the finances of Programmes, and in the preparation of FACE forms;
• Prepare non-PO vouchers for development projects;
• Process all payments related to the Programme, as delegated;
• Maintain follow up of advances to implementing partners, review their financial reports (FACE form) and supporting documentation together with Project Managers and take the appropriate action;
• Create requisitions in Quantum for development projects; register good receipts in Quantum.

Provide administrative support to the Programme Unit
• Undertake all logistical, administrative for organization for meetings, workshops, events, and missions;
• Draft minutes in meetings, as delegated;
• Assemble briefing materials and prepare power-point and other presentations, in collaboration with the Programme team;
• Organize and coordinate filing of documents; maintain mailing lists.

Provide administrative support to the Country Program Manager
• Assist the Country Program Manager in coordination and convening weekly team meetings and consolidation of work plans/presentations;
• Assist the Country Program Manager in scheduling meetings with donors, UN and CSOs;
• Organize, compile, and process documentation and information from donors, and programme team as inputs to various databases and documents.

Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing
• Provide administrative support to the organization of trainings and retreats for the office staff and partners on programme and operations-related issues.

Incumbents perform other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation.

Skills and experience

At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in public relations, journalism, mass communications, or programme implementation, with proven experience in developing and executing communication campaigns on social issues.

Additional assets:
Experience with web content management systems, including Drupal or similar platforms.
Knowledge of graphic design software.
Relevant experience with UN Women or another UN entity.
Experience developing gender-related campaigns and materials.

Competencies and values

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Self-management

Living conditions

Somalia remains a complex duty station characterized by a combination of security, operational, and infrastructural challenges. The Monitoring and Reporting Specialist will be based in Mogadishu, which serves as the operational hub for the UN and the diplomatic community. UN Women operates under the broader UN security umbrella, and international personnel must adhere strictly to UNDSS security regulations, including restricted movement and mandatory use of armored vehicles for official travel within Mogadishu. Travel to field locations (e.g., Baidoa, Garowe, Kismayo, Hargeisa, Dhusamareb) is conducted only through approved UN flights and in coordination with UNDSS. Accommodation is typically provided in UN-approved compounds or secure international guesthouses with perimeter protection, security personnel, and restricted access. These facilities offer acceptable living conditions, including reliable electricity, generators, clean water, and internet connectivity; however, options can be limited and relatively costly. Access to imported food and basic goods is available within the airport green zone, though the range of items may vary. Somalia has a hot and arid climate, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C. Cultural norms strongly emphasize modest dress and respect for local customs. Alcohol is prohibited in most areas. Access to quality medical services in Mogadishu is limited; most UN personnel rely on UN clinic facilities for primary care and medical evacuations are used for more serious conditions. Banking facilities are available, though most transactions are conducted through mobile money platforms. Despite these constraints, Somalia offers a highly dynamic and professionally rewarding environment, particularly for those committed to advancing gender equality, women’s rights, and peacebuilding in a rapidly evolving context. The assignment requires a high level of cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and the ability to work under pressure. The Monitoring and Reporting Specialist should be prepared for an environment that can be demanding but also deeply impactful, with significant opportunities to contribute to meaningful change for Somali women and girls. Somalia is a unique duty station that provides an enriching professional experience but requires resilience, flexibility, and the ability to operate effectively in a challenging and sometimes hazardous environment. Living and working conditions may involve periods of physical hardship and limited comfort. As such, volunteers must show stamina, commitment, and a willingness to adapt to operational realities.

The Summary of National UN Volunteer Specialist Entitlements in Somalia:

• Monthly Living Allowance and Well-being differential sum of USD 1,067
• Insurance coverage (including UPTO 3 eligible dependents)
• Exit allowance: USD 120 per month served paid upon the satisfactory completion of assignment
• Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month, parental leave, sick leave
• Free access to different learning platforms and UN & UNV network

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.