JOB DESCRIPTION

The Position:

UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency. UNFPA implements activities addressing sexual and reproductive health of the population, especially those related to achieving three UNFPA transformative results. UNFPA expands the possibilities for women and young people to lead healthy and productive lives, aiming at delivering  a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. Within its unique mandate, UNFPA intensifies activities and advocacy efforts related to the needs and capacities of youth and vulnerable populations. UNFPA provides data for evidence-based policy making, and  addresses challenges related to demographic changes, supports youth-oriented policies and programs, and programs promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment. Guided by the 1994 Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), UNFPA partners with governments, civil society and other agencies to advance its mission.

UNFPA Serbia operates in line with its Country Programme Document (CPD), which is agreed upon with the Government of Serbia and outlines the strategic priorities and interventions in the country. Through the implementation of the CPD, and as an active member of the UN Country Team (UNCT), UNFPA contributes directly to coordinated UN efforts and the achievement of shared development outcomes defined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). The UNSDCF, jointly agreed by the UN system and the Government of Serbia, supports the country’s development agenda, including the 2030 Agenda and EU accession reform processes.

The current CPD (2021–2025) guides UNFPA’s work with a strong focus on promoting the health, well-being, and social equity of women and young people, particularly those in vulnerable situations. This includes women from both rural and urban areas, women with disabilities, Roma communities, and older persons. The programme is implemented at both national and local levels to ensure broad and sustainable impact.

The Country Office is currently in a transitional phase—finalizing the implementation of the 2021–2025 CPD while preparing the new CPD for the 2026–2030 period, which is expected to be approved by the end of August 2025. While the new programme will define broader priority areas, it will continue to prioritize the empowerment of vulnerable groups and the advancement of their rights and opportunities across all sectors.

Under the overall supervision of the UNFPA Head of Office and direct supervision of the Communications Analyst, Communications Consultant will support the CO in promoting the work of UNFPA in Serbia under the current UNFPA CPD 2021-2025, and in relation to transition to the new CPD 2026-2030 , including the communications activities under Joint Programmes implemented by the CO as well as the Project “Improved health literacy and access to health care services of Roma women and girls in Serbia”.

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person”s potential is fulfilled.  UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.
Job Purpose:

Communication Consultant will provide daily support to the Communication Analyst in the following activities and will liaise closely for inputs as necessary from the programme team at the CO:

You would be responsible for:

• Support in preparation and implementation of the CO communication plan and corresponding reporting;
• Support in monitoring and evaluating the appropriate and timely dissemination of advocacy and communication materials to target audiences, and participate in the evaluation of their impact;
• Support in drafting, editing and proof-reading of all materials, capturing key messages of UNFPA work in the country, collating amendments from colleagues (including, but not limited to concept notes, brochures, lists of participants, press-releases, fliers, biographies, feature articles related to activities/events, human interest stories and any other advocacy materials);
• Supporting in preparation of background communication and promotional materials for briefing and visits of media, high level UNFPA staff, donors, and other special interest groups as well as assisting in the planning, logistics and administrative arrangements for visits;
• Supporting the production, editing, and retouching of photos and videos, including serving as photographer at events. Assisting with the coordination and logistics of film and photography shoots, including accompanying professional photographers and videographers. Candidates should have proven experience in photography and videography, supported by a portfolio or similar evidence of previous work;
• Organizing and generating support for special events and activities to promote country programme goals;
• Assisting in developing and maintaining close collaboration with mass media, as well as with groups and organizations whose support is essential to the achievement of advocacy and communication objectives;
• Support in updating social media on a regular basis with relevant material, highlighting key events and achievements. Support in managing and updating UNFPA CO website;
• Assisting in planning and implementing new initiatives. Brainstorming and generating story ideas and creative ideas for campaigns, promotions, and event themes;
• Support in organizing and managing media archive. Establishing/maintaining an up-to-date documentation centre for publications, press releases and clippings, as well as photographic and audio-visual materials. Mapping major media outlets and compiling a database of media lists and stakeholder contacts;
• Monitoring mainstream media and informing CO staff  on any development relevant to the work of UNFPA;
• Maintaining media events calendar, ensuring timely preparation of promotional activities;
• Support in negotiating and purchasing communication related series and materials, ensuring most cost effective options are explored. Following up on the production of advocacy and communication materials (e.g., films, videos, audio-visuals, etc.), and overseeing the qualitative aspects of production, (e.g., quality control, translations, reviews of layout, graphic design and printing);
• Assisting with representing CO at press and other events and providing logistical and technical support as required;
• Assisting in conducting of joint events and initiatives in collaboration with the UN Communications Group;
• Assisting and participating in joint RO and cluster initiatives;
• Perform other relevant duties and assist with other communications tasks as required.

Qualifications and Experience: 

Education:  

• A first-level university degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Information, Political Science, or related field required. A Masters Degree in a communications related field is considered a strong asset.

Knowledge and Experience: 

• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in the national or international level in communications with proven record in story/communication materials for a variety of media, video productions, website management, or related fields;
• Prior experience in working in communications in thematic areas that are relevant for the subject project and UNFPA mandate – i.e.. women from marginalized groups, good understanding of sexual and reproductive health and rights, youth well being in general will be considered an  asset;
• Good understanding and command of new and evolving technologies;
• Proficiency in current office software applications and digital platforms. Usage of software applications (Photoshop, PaintNet, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, Premier Pro, Scribus, Word, PowerPoint and other graphics applications) distinct advantage;
• Experience in producing communication materials (printed and online) for a variety of media;
• Proven experience in producing interactive web content;
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills;
• Excellent writing and interpretation skills, as well as strong analytical aptitude and strong communication skills, and attention to detail;

Other Desirable Skills:

• Previous experience in the UN or other international development organizations, especially in areas related to gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health is an asset;
• Ability to perform well under pressure, adapt to change, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment;
• Ability to network with external professional organizations to research and improve service delivery;
• Ability to work in an international and multicultural environment;
• Proven experience in graphic design, photography and/or videography, supported by a portfolio or similar evidence of previous work.

Note: 

Applicants should demonstrate proven experience in graphic design, photography, and/or videography, supported by a portfolio or other relevant samples of previous work. Portfolio links can be included in the cover letter or submitted as separate attachments.

Languages: 

Excellent command of English and Serbian language is required.
Monitoring and progress control, including reporting requirements, periodicity format and deadline:

The monitoring of work progress and adherence to the reporting requirements will be conducted by UNFPA CO.

Performance Indicators for evaluation of results:

• Communications plan implemented as planned;
• Web and social media content regularly updated;
• Communications database, including portfolio of various components, regularly updated;
• Public quality communications materials released in a timely fashion.

Expected travel:

Possible travel to different project sites, in line with the main tasks and job requirements. Official travel associated with the assignment will be authorized, arranged, and the related costs such as DSA paid in accordance with UNFPA’s Duty Travel Policy and procedures. Any travel undertaken by an individual consultant must be pre-approved by UNFPA.

Only individual consultants whose assignment involves travel or who will provide services from UNFPA premises must submit a Health Statement for Individual Consultant from a recognized medical practitioner confirming they are medically fit for the assignment. This statement shall be valid for one year unless otherwise indicated by the medical practitioner. An updated statement will be required if the existing statement will expire during the consultancy or if the individual consultant will travel to a location not covered by the statement.

Compensation and Benefits: 

The monthly remuneration will be paid in the local currency, based on the applicable United Nations exchange rate at the time of payment. Local individual consultants are generally compensated in the same currency as staff members performing similar duties at the same duty station. Please note that individual consultants are not considered United Nations staff members and are therefore not exempt from income taxation on payments received from UNFPA. The consultant is solely responsible for any applicable income taxes, and UNFPA does not provide reimbursement for such tax obligations.

Only individual consultants whose assignment involves travel or who will provide services from UNFPA premises must complete the BSAFE security awareness training and submit a printed copy of the certificate to the Hiring Office.
UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA”s workforce – click here to learn more.
Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants” bank accounts.

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.