Mission and objectivesUNFPA works to improve the lives of people in more than 150 countries around the world, which are home to 80 percent of the world's population. In Latin America and the Caribbean region and sub-region, UNFPA has offices in 30 countries. UNFPAs Regional Office in Panama City, Panama provides strategic support and technical advice to the Country Offices: technical cooperation, training and support to empower our partners and colleagues on the ground to ensure that the reproductive health and rights of women and young people are placed at the very centre of development.
ContextThe organization was created in 1969, the same year the United Nations General Assembly declared โparents have the exclusive right to determine freely and responsibly the number and spacing of their children.โ UNFPA calls for the realization of reproductive rights for all and supports access to a wide range of sexual and reproductive health services โ including voluntary family planning, maternal health care and comprehensive sexuality education. Since UNFPA started its work, the world has seen progress: The number and rate of women dying from complications of pregnancy or childbirth has been halved. Families are healthier. Young people are more connected and empowered than ever before. But too many are still left behind. In 2018, UNFPA launched efforts to achieve three transformative results, ambitions that promise to change the world for every man, woman and young person: ending unmet need for family planning, ending preventable maternal death, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices. The Communications Expert will work in the communications team at LACRO in Panama, under the direct supervision of the Regional Communications Adviser. S/he will focus on media outreach, campaign and event management, digital communications and integrated marketing. The communication team at the Regional Office provides strategic communication support and advice as a key lever for the achievement of programme results, particularly to support the transformation of social and gender norms as well as evidence-based advocacy, also by scaling up the use of new technologies and collaborative communication strategies. The team is responsible for promoting the impact of UNFPA's mission and work, as well as its brand, across the region. Tools and channels used include traditional media, campaigns, events, the UNFPA website, and social media platforms in Spanish. The team supports communications focal points in the Sub-regional and Country Offices in the Caribbean, Central America and South America. The Communication Expert provides substantive input into planning and implementing the regional advocacy and communication efforts. S/he also substantively contributes to the implementation of the regional communications strategy.
Task DescriptionThe objectives of the regional communications strategy are to: a) Position UNFPA as the global leader in Sexual Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR) and population dynamics, as well as a champion/defender of girls, women, young people and populations that are in vulnerable situations. b) Increase and leverage brand power and strategic communications to seize opportunities for resource mobilization and partnerships. c) Build a strong communications culture within UNFPA across Latin America and the Caribbean to strengthen and ensure fit-for-purpose communications capacity. The Communication Expert contributes to these objectives by: โข Pitching media interviews, articles and coverage ideas related to UNFPA's mandate and actions in Latin America and the Caribbean. โข Drafting regional press releases that can be adapted to national contexts. โข Organizing press conferences, media briefings, and interviews with UNFPA spokespeople. โข Developing communications and media plans for report launches, major events and campaigns that include UNFPA spokespeople and partners from government, donors, the private sector or influencers. โข Monitoring the UNFPA brand and relevant news. Managing the list of journalists and outlets, keeping it up to date and building on it to also include blogs and podcasts. โข Writing and editing copy, script ideas, articles, blogs and other products that are tailored to specific audiences and are part of regional campaigns and distributed through digital communications channels. โข Producing and editing multimedia packages with technical and CO inputs that highlight the impact of UNFPA's work across the region and related to priority issues. โข Ensuring all products (text, design, videos, photos, social media posts and more) are consistently in line with global narratives, regional messages, and branding guidelines. โข Creating Trello boards on issues, events, report launches, donors and internal/external campaigns. Scheduling posts for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn using Sprout. Collecting and analyzing data on a regular basis, contributing to monthly reports and on the results of specific campaigns. โข Supporting staff engagement. โข Maintaining regular contact with the communication focal points across the region to provide technical assistance, plan content production for different audiences and channels, and support high-level and media visits. โข Contributing to the promotion and coverage of high-level events; Online and offline, supporting the promotion of donor and partner contributions by collecting information from focal points, as well as contributing to develop a marketing plan and products.
Competencies and valuesโข Exemplifying integrity โข Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system โข Embracing cultural diversity โข Embracing change โข Achieving results โข Being accountable โข Developing and applying professional expertise / business acumen โข Thinking analytically and strategically โข Working in teams and managing relationships โข Communicating for impact โข Advancing a policy-oriented agenda โข Delivering results-oriented programmes โข Internal and external communication and advocacy for results.
Living conditions and remarksPanama is a family duty station and considered to be a safe place to live. However, like in any city around the world, it is always good to be aware of your surroundings and to be alert. There is a wide range of goods available in Panama and many modern shopping complexes as well as department stores and designer stores. There are suitable residential areas, accommodation options, good hospitals, schools, universities, banks, and a wide selection of restaurants. There are beaches, mountains and national parks in the rainforest that are said to have the broadest range of flora and fauna in the world. Panama does not have any serious health concerns to worry about, however, it is important to note that in some areas such as the Darien province, it is recommended to take precautions for malaria. The Centers for Disease Control website also recommends yellow fever vaccination for travel to Darien province and the San Blas islands. Weather: Panama has two seasons, the dry season, which is from January until late April or early May, and the rainy season which is the rest of the year. The daytime temperature ranges between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit with the evenings being cooler by 5 to 10 degrees. The average humidity is 70% Average cost of living: USD1,120 Currency: Panama Balboa; pegged 1:1 with the US dollar. Internet: High-speed internet is readily available in cities like Panama City, Colon, and David. In remote areas, you'll find DSL, cable, or satellite internet. Panama is a unique country. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.