Outreach and Advocacy Adviser (LICA 10)

Result of ServiceThe goal of this function is to lead the development and implementation of the programme’s communications and media relations strategy to ensure visibility, advocacy, and the effective promotion of ATCMA’s results, partnerships and impact across the COMESA region. Work LocationLusaka, Zambia Expected duration6 months, with possibility of extension Duties and ResponsibilitiesBACKGROUND: The Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access (ATCMA) Programme is a flagship initiative funded by the European Union (EU) and jointly implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The four-year programme aims to increase sustainable intra-African trade and trade between Africa and the European Union by improving market access for specific value chains and strengthening the export competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). ATCMA also seeks to reduce trade barriers, enhance compliance with quality standards, and promote value addition and export diversification. By prioritizing women- and youth-led businesses, it contributes to economic inclusion and sustainable business practices. The ATCMA Umbrella Programme operates at two levels: 1. Continental Component – fostering coordination, policy coherence and knowledge sharing across Africa; and 2. Sub-Regional Components – implemented in partnership with five Regional Economic Communities (COMESA, EAC, ECCAS, ECOWAS, and SADC). The present position pertains to the COMESA sub-regional component, jointly implemented by UNIDO and ITC, which aims to advance regional integration, strengthen productive and trade capacities, and enhance the participation of African enterprises in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). PROGRAMME STRUCTURE The COMESA ATCMA Programme is structured around five components leading to five outputs: Specific Objective 1: • Output 1.1: Market access barriers identified and reduced • Output 1.2: Strengthened quality compliance and standards • Output 1.3: Value-chain revision mechanism facilitated Specific Objective 2: • Output 2.1: Enhanced value addition and diversification • Output 2.2: Enhanced SME capacities and opportunities for business and export Within this structure, ITC is responsible for implementing Outputs 1.1, 1.3, and 2.2, while UNIDO leads Outputs 1.2 and 2.1. Coordination and complementarity between the Continental and Sub-Regional Components are ensured throughout programme implementation to maintain a coherent overall framework. IMPLEMENTING AGENCIES: The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) UNIDO is a specialized agency of the United Nations with a unique mandate to promote, dynamize and accelerate industrial development. UNIDO’s vision is a world without poverty and hunger, where industry drives low-emission economies, improves living standards, and preserves the liveable environment for present and future generations, leaving no one behind. Its work is concentrated on three focus areas: ending hunger by helping businesses from farm to fork; stopping climate breakdown by using renewable energy and energy efficiency to reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions; and supporting sustainable supply chains so that developing country producers get a fair deal and scarce resources are preserved. The International Trade Centre (ITC) is the joint technical cooperation agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization (WTO) dedicated to promoting trade-led, sustainable development. ITC works to make micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in developing countries more competitive in global markets, thereby accelerating economic development and contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through its initiatives, ITC supports job creation across value chains and service sectors, including in support to youth and women’s economic empowerment. RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the overall guidance of the ITC Programme Coordinator, direct supervision of the ATCMA COMESA Regional Programme Manager and in close collaboration with the ITC Programme Manager, the UNIDO Industrial Development Expert at HQ, respectively in Geneva and Vienna, and the UNIDO-ITC project teams in Lusaka and HQs, the Outreach and Advocacy Adviser will be responsible for the following duties: • Contribute to the development and implementation of a programme communications strategy aligned with the programme’s objectives, including an analysis of target audiences, key messages, distribution channels, and performance indicators, in line with ATCMA's overall communications strategy. • Coordinate and report on the organization of advocacy and outreach recurring meetings with COMESA Secretariat, EU, UNIDO, ITC and other partners and beneficiaries in order to streamline the communication process within the programme, align visibility materials and establish action plans. • Oversee (or supervise) the production of videos, infographics, and photos highlighting the programme’s results, successes, and beneficiary testimonials. • Draft and oversee the production of communications products, such as press releases, media invitations, newsletters and news articles about the activities and outcomes of the programme, based on content provided by ITC and UNIDO experts; • Prepare and manage an editorial calendar for social media posts related to the programme and manage the accounts while ensuring audience engagement. • Develop and publish content on relevant websites and coordinate its dissemination across social media platforms. • Manage and update a database of press contacts and institutional partners to enhance the dissemination of information about the programme. • Plan and coordinate press conferences, briefings, and media events to increase the visibility of programme activities and results; organize media coverage of the programme’s activities • Engage proactively with print, radio, television, and online media for workshops and events organized under the programme. • Monitor, analyse, and report on communications approaches, activities and strategies to assess their performance and effectiveness and make necessary adjustments. • Contribute to the finalization of programme reports by supporting editing, formatting, and layout to ensure accuracy, readability, and alignment with established branding standards. • Monitor media coverage and compile a press review following each media engagement.. • Keep abreast of the latest trends in communications and maintain expertise in relevant and emerging technologies. • Document lessons learned and contribute to the knowledge management system. • Perform other duties as required. Copyright: The personnel has to ensure that s/he has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform his/her services under this consultancy contract and for the subsequent dissemination by ITC in any form. Documentary proof is to be submitted to ITC. Should any license fee be due for the use of copyrighted materials of third parties, the Consultant shall request the prior written permission from ITC. S/he has further to ensure to obtain accreditation to event(s), if required. Qualifications/special skillsEDUCATION: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, digital communications or related field. Note: A first-level university degree in the areas mentioned in combination with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. EXPERIENCE: A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area. Experience working with international development organizations is desirable. Experience working with European Union funded projects, in particular in Africa is desirable. Experience in data analytics, data visualization or related areas is desirable. COMPETENCIES: ITC core values: Integrity, inclusion, integrity, humility and humanity. • Professionalism: Knowledge of MS Office. knowledge of Enterprise Resource Planning software (SAP), content management systems (SharePoint) collaboration platforms (MS Teams) and shared task tracking tools is desirable Ability to perform a broad range of administrative functions, e.g., budget/work programme, human resources, database management, etc. Ability to apply knowledge of various United Nations administrative, financial and human resources rules and regulations in work situations. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. • Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. • Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches. • Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. • Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology. LanguagesFluency in English and French (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage Additional InformationThis vacancy is open for Zambian nationals only. This contract will be administered on behalf of ITC by UNOPS. Applicants must be authorized to work in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.