National Consultant - Design Communication, Advocacy and Campaign Materials

Background

UN Women works to end discrimination against women and girls, advance women’s empowerment, and achieve equality between women and men as partners in development, human rights, humanitarian action, and peace and security. It places women’s rights at the center of its work and leads UN system efforts to turn gender equality and gender mainstreaming commitments into action.

This assignment supports a project focused on increasing women’s participation and leadership within the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF). The initiative aims to widen the pool of uniformed women available for peacekeeping deployments by promoting institutional policies, training opportunities, healthcare for female personnel, and accountability for sexual harassment and abuse at the institutional level.

Role overview

The consultant will report to the Head of Office and receive technical support from the programmes team. Working with UN Women and RSLAF, the consultant will provide technical support for designing advocacy materials in close coordination with the RSLAF Public Relations and Communications Unit. The role also includes support for campaign outreach, documentaries, lessons learned, best practices, event organization, and other campaign-related communications activities.

The consultant will help coordinate communication and visibility efforts throughout the project period to promote gender equality, women’s advancement within the RSLAF, and women’s participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions. This includes developing communication products such as inspirational videos showcasing the lives and work of female RSLAF personnel serving on duty.

In collaboration with project stakeholders and under guidance from UN Women and RSLAF, the consultant will also develop a strong communication and advocacy plan for publicizing RSLAF policy actions and the rollout of revised policies, along with project visibility and other communications deliverables.

Deliverables and responsibilities

• Create and promote strong, high-quality advocacy materials.
• Draft concept notes that describe the communication approach and methodology for proposed outputs.
• Develop a detailed communication strategy aligned with project objectives and UN Women communication standards.
• Provide technical support for media relations and engagement.
• Prepare media engagement reports and supporting documentation.
• Compile visibility and outreach evidence such as media coverage, press releases, and event summaries.
• Produce and promote communications and reporting products of high quality.
• Prepare a comprehensive report covering all communication and visibility materials produced.
• Consolidate communication outputs in line with programme reporting frameworks.
• Submit deliverables and progress updates on time.
• Provide periodic progress reports and final reporting as requested.
• Deliver a final report highlighting gaps, lessons learned, and practical recommendations.

Work arrangement

This consultancy is home-based. It is open to residents of Sierra Leone, and the consultant is expected to travel regularly to RSLAF locations across the regions.

Core values and competencies

UN Women expects the consultant to demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity. The role also calls for awareness and sensitivity to gender issues, accountability, creative problem-solving, effective communication, inclusive collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and leading by example.

Functional competencies

The role requires strong knowledge of gender equality and women’s rights, familiarity with UN Women, and proven experience in communications, advocacy, and public relations. The consultant should communicate sensitively, effectively, and creatively with different audiences, show strong outreach and networking ability, work independently, manage multiple tasks efficiently, and stay focused on impact and results. The consultant should also interact well with colleagues and senior management, maintain a constructive attitude, identify opportunities, and build strong relationships with clients and external stakeholders.

Additional strengths include knowledge of gender equality and women’s empowerment, the WPS agenda, political science, law, development, and public policy; strong writing and communication skills; understanding of the UN system and inter-governmental processes; familiarity with Sierra Leone’s government policy environment, especially security sector institutions; and strong IT skills, including databases, extranet, and office software.

Required qualifications

A master’s degree or equivalent in communication, public policy and governance, gender/women’s studies, international development, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree plus two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted instead of an advanced degree.

The consultant should also have experience using social media.

Professional experience should include at least 5 years in communications, advocacy, and/or public relations. A minimum of 5 years’ experience in communications, events, campaign management, or a related field is required, preferably with international organizations or companies. Graphic design and video editing skills are considered an advantage. Strong oral and written communication and editorial abilities are essential, including the ability to create content for online platforms and social media.

Additional desirable experience includes managing stakeholders in complex environments, strong knowledge of the UN system and UN Women, familiarity with Sierra Leone’s security sector policy environment, and experience with gender equality, women’s empowerment, EVAWG, the WPS agenda, gender analysis, and related UN mandates. Experience with women’s movements is also valuable. The consultant should have strong analytical, facilitation, and negotiation skills, experience conducting research and reviewing social, economic, and public policy trends, and the ability to write briefs, policy briefs, and newsletters. Experience working with traditional media is an added advantage.

Language requirements

Fluency in English is required. Fluency in Krio is an advantage.

Statements

UN Women was established in July 2010 by the United Nations General Assembly as part of UN reform, combining the mandates and resources of four former UN entities focused on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

UN Women is committed to diversity, inclusion, and mutual respect. Recruitment and employment decisions are based on qualifications, competence, integrity, and organizational need, without discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, ability, national origin, or other protected grounds.

Candidates who need reasonable accommodation for the recruitment process should include that request in their application.

UN Women maintains zero tolerance for conduct that conflicts with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UN Women, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. Selected candidates must follow UN Women’s policies, procedures, and conduct standards and will undergo reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. Additional information may be requested as part of the background screening process.

Applicants must complete every section of the application form, including education and employment history. Incomplete applications may be removed from consideration.