BackgroundThe Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Communications Officer works as part of the GBV Area of Responsibility (AoR) Coordination Team based in Geneva. The GBV AoR Strategy 2018 – 2020 highlights the need to strengthen communications, the GBV AoR website, and knowledge management. New GBV AoR initiatives, including the Help Desk, the Community of Practice (CoP) and the scale up of regional teams of GBV in Emergency senior advisors (REGA) also require communications support.

International Medical Corps (IMC), as a core member of the GBV AoR, has committed to support improved GBV AoR communications through a seconded GBV AoR Communications Officer position, with funding from the U.S. Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM).

Job Purpose

The GBV AoR and IMC are seeking dynamic communications professional with knowledge of, and commitment toward, issues related to GBV prevention and response in humanitarian settings, to develop and lead a GBV AoR Communications Strategy. The GBV AoR Communications Officer will perform a range of tasks related to communications, including updating the GBV AoR website, supporting the GBV AoR Community of Practice and Help Desk, strengthening internal GBV AoR communications, developing stories for external audiences, supporting advocacy initiatives, and promoting visibility of the GBV AoR through media, including social media. The GBV AoR Communications Officer will support the GBV AoR Coordination Team (CT), as well as REGA teams, GBV Sub-Cluster Coordinators, Task Teams/Reference Groups, and Core and Associate Members. The Communications Officer will also coordinate with the UNFPA Humanitarian Advocacy and Communications Adviser, who heads advocacy and communications of the Humanitarian Office, to create synergies and reinforce advocacy and communication on behalf of the GBV AoR, and the NORCAP Communications Officer for communication related to REGA.

Location

The GBV AoR Communications Officer will ideally be based in Geneva for ease of work with the GBV AoR Coordination Team. The position will require limited travel for meetings and possibly to support select field missions.

Main Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function with or without reasonable accommodation. The tasks listed are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and are not necessarily all-inclusive

The GBV AoR Communications Officer will support communications needs on behalf of the GBV AoR Coordination Team and Task Teams/Reference Groups, as well as REGA and country-based GBV Coordinators.

Specifically, the Communications Officer is required to:Communication strategy

1. Develop a communications strategy for the GBV AoR, in consultation with the AoR members, and in coordination with the UNFPA Advocacy and Communications Adviser and NorCap, which outlines plans for publication of regular GBV AoR updates, support for advocacy initiatives, regular maintenance of the website, development of materials and support for task teams, reference groups and social media engagement to promote awareness for ongoing initiatives and resources.
2. Steer implementation of the GBV AoR Communications Strategy.

Communication systems and channels

1. Strengthen channels of communication and visibility of the GBV AoR, including traditional media outlets and social media engagement
2. Regularly update the GBV AoR website as a strategic hub for GBV AoR activity and communication
3. Post and distribute reports and updates, including Mission Reports, Call to Action Reports, Task Team/Reference Group- Reports, Policy Documents, Consultations
4. Support linkages and synergies between the Community of Practice and Helpdesk
5. Create awareness of the Community of Practice and the Help Desk, and share knowledge generated by the initiatives
6. Facilitate effective communication with GBV Sub-Cluster Coordinators through Skype Group regarding monthly updates, UNFPA information, GPC information, changes in HNO/HRPs, and upcoming events and webinars
7. Support the Learning Reference Group (LRG) to share information on learning opportunities, develop rollout plans for new resources and tools.
8. Revise the existing Note on Communication with the Media on issues related to GBV.
9. Liaise with task teams, reference groups, and special initiatives to function as main focal point for development, review, and distribution of communication materials.

Communication products

1. Support the development of tailored communications to support advocacy initiatives, in consultation with the Policy and Advocacy Reference Group (PARG) and other relevant stakeholders at the global and field-level
2. Support the development of feature stories from the field, showcasing innovations or good practices, in collaboration with GBV Sub-Cluster Coordinators and GBV AoR Members
3. Support the development of feature stories related to REGA engagement and capacity building, in consultation with the NorCap Communications Officer.
4. Develop stories on global events such as the Call to Action, ICPD, SVRI, as well as special campaigns such as the 16 Days of Activism.
5. Draft and edit additional communications products, as needed, for various internal and external audiences

Additional Support

1. Support the GBV AoR Coordinator in resource mobilization efforts related to communications, which may include contributing to proposal development
2. Perform other tasks as assigned by the GBV AoR Global Coordinator or her designate

Required Competencies 

i) Values: Exemplifying integrity; demonstrating commitment to the GBV AoR core values and humanitarian principles and the UN system; embracing cultural diversity; embracing change.

ii) Core Competencies: working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships; communicating for impact.

Code of Conduct

It is our shared responsibility and obligation to prevent matters involving Sexual Exploitation & Abuse, Trafficking in Persons, Child Safeguarding and any suggested violation to our Code of Conduct, which may involve Conflicts of Interest, Fraud, Corruption or Harassment.  If you see, hear or are made aware of any suggested activities then you have an obligation to report.

• Advanced University Degree or equivalent in communications, gender studies, social anthropology, law and women’s rights, sociology, cultural studies, public health, demography, socio-economics, or another related field

Technical Competencies

• Demonstrable background in communications for humanitarian organizations.
• Excellent writing skills
• Excellent editing skills
• Creative, imaginative and storytelling skills
• Demonstrated experience in website content management systems and willingness to learn about new systems (Drupal, WordPress)
• Strong knowledge of all Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher)
• Demonstrable competencies and experience with media and social media software, applications and communication tools (Mail Chimp, Facebook, Twitter, etc.).
• Photo editing and video production skills are a plus

Other

• Knowledge of the UN system, the Cluster Approach and the Transformative Agenda.
• Strong interest and motivation for inter-agency coordination
• Fluency in English, written and oral; good working knowledge of French and/or Arabic is encouraged
• Values: Exemplifying integrity; demonstrating commitment to the GBV AoR core values and humanitarian principles and the UN system; embracing cultural diversity; embracing change.
• Core Competencies: working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships; communicating for impact.

Equal Opportunities

International Medical Corps is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex , sexual orientation, national or ethnic Origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.