Communications Officer, Family Planning 2020

Communications Officer, Family Planning 2020

United Nations Foundation - Washington, DC 20006

Overview

Family Planning 2020 (FP2020) is a global partnership with the goal of enabling 120 million more women and girls to access and use contraceptives by 2020. FP2020 supports the rights of women and girls to decide, freely and for themselves, whether, when and how many children they want to have. FP2020 provides a platform to enhance information sharing and to support the coordination of efforts across the larger FP2020 community to advance access to family planning information, services and contraceptives under the guiding principles of rights, quality, equity, and voluntarism. The FP2020 Secretariat is hosted by the UN Foundation.

The Communications Officer, FP2020 will be an integral part of the Communications Team and will work under the direction of the Communications Director, FP2020. The Communications Officer, FP2020 will serve in a key role on the FP2020 Secretariat, providing general communications and public relations support in alignment with FP2020’s strategic priorities. These priorities are geared to support coordination and problem solving at the global, regional, and country levels with the overarching goal to enhance the ability of women and girls to access and use modern contraceptive information, services and supplies.

The position will support a range of activities undertaken by the Communications Team including but not limited to content creation, writing, editing, social media support, partner engagement, website support, and media relations.

Working Relationships

Communications Officer, FP2020 will be based out of the UN Foundation’s offices in Washington, DC. This is a staff person who will represent FP2020 externally and must work diplomatically with partners, be strategic, and have the ability to multi-task and work efficiently. The position will also require a close working relationship and tight coordination with the Public Affairs teams of the UN Foundation, Every Woman Every Child, and other core partners.

Responsibilities

Support development of FP2020’s annual Progress Report, conducting outreach to partners, developing messaging for both traditional and social media, supporting development and execution of media launch plan, and liaising with design firm and other vendors as needed

Primary editor of monthly online newsletter, responsible for soliciting content, editing all content, and overall look and tone of newsletter; also responsible for ensuring that each issue is completed and distributed in a timely manner

Provide writing and editing support for documents such as media advisories, press releases, talking points, articles, blogs, and web and email communications

Work with FP2020 stakeholders - including Secretariat staff - to collect and develop interviews, stories, news articles and other content for the FP2020 website, publications, and email communications; this includes proactively identifying opportunities for media engagement and spokesperson interviews

Cultivate relationships with traditional and digital media outlets to support media relations activities

Assist with the creation of presentations, communications materials, and events in support of Secretariat and FP2020 partners

Support efforts of FP2020’s Communications team

Provide planning and onsite support for events

Support communication campaigns to highlight FP2020 developments, activities and events

Support and enhance relationships with core partner communication teams

Work with UN Foundation Public Affairs team and FP2020 staff to ensure consistency of branding and messaging

Attend relevant events as needed and report back to the team

Proactively look for opportunities to improve internal and external communications

Other duties as assigned

Selection Criteria

A minimum of 3 years in communications and/or public relations

Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Communications, Journalism, International Relations, or a related field

Proficiency in French desired

Proficiency in HTML desired

An interest in and passion for global campaigns related to international development issues strongly desired

Must have excellent written and verbal communication and be able to demonstrate professional writing experience

Proven ability to capture institutional voice; some executive-level writing strongly preferred

Experience using social media tactics for professional use

Willingness and desire to learn new technologies, tactics, and strategies

Basic knowledge of design programs desired, including Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and others

Knowledge of photography and basic video editing desired

Ability to learn quickly, manage multiple demanding projects simultaneously, prioritize well independently, and meet tight deadlines

Sound judgment, exceptional organizational skills, resourcefulness and keen attention to detail a must

Highly collegial attitude and ability to cultivate relationships with a variety of internal and external constituents

Familiarity with the United Nations system, global health, reproductive health, international development, and nonprofit issues a plus

Ability to meet regular attendance/tardiness policy

Ability to work under pressure and handle stress

Willingness to travel internationally

Benefits & Compensation

For full-time, benefit eligible employees, UNF offers an excellent range of benefits, including:

A choice of two health plans through CareFirst (PPO or HDHP with HSA),

dental insurance,

vision discounts,

flexible spending accounts,

403b retirement savings plan with a generous matching contribution,

group term and supplemental life insurance,

short-term disability,

long-term disability,

health club discounts,

commuter benefits, and

employee assistance program.

Additionally, all benefit eligible employees have 12 paid holidays, 20 vacation days, 10 sick days, 3 personal days, and 8 weeks of parental leave.