Child Rights Advocacy & Communication Officer

We are currently seeking to recruit a Child Rights Advocacy & Communication Officer.

About the Role

Applicants from EU and EFTA can apply as well as persons with a valid Swiss work permit. Working in 50 developing countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas, Plan aims to reach as many children as possible, particularly those who are excluded or marginalised with high quality programs that deliver long lasting benefits by increasing its income, working in partnership with others and operating effectively. Plan’s Advocacy and Liaison office in Geneva is aligned with Plan International’s strategy One Plan One Goal pursuing contact with key decision-makers who can support the realization of lasting change for children.The UN Liaison and Advocacy office contribute to a lasting environment in which the rights of children and youth are respected, protected, and fulfilled.The office will realise its interventions within relevant UN human rights treaty bodies and mechanisms in Geneva. It will follow actions and activities within the broader UN system in the rest of the world. Through its work the offices enhance child protection, strive for non-discrimination and inclusion as well as increase child participation. The office is actively involved in: Improving implementations of the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC). Enhancing international law and policy development on child rights. Mainstreaming child rights into other human rights processes. The Advocacy and Communication Officerwill support the Head of Office in strengthening the collaboration with other Plan offices in order to facilitate and support involvement with relevant Geneva based United Nations bodies and mechanisms. S/he will increase Plan’s influence regarding child rights and contributes to Plan’s global advocacy and communication work worldwide. By increasing Plans visibility and profile at the UN, duty bearers are reminded of their responsibilities and obligations to act and Plan’s voice is increasingly taken to account. Dimensions of Role: In collaboration with Plan’s Programme team uses key messages developed in the field in wide ranging work with key external stakeholders Supports Plan with the development of effective tactics to use in successful advocacy campaigns Identifies and pursues advocacy opportunities independently Advises Plan staff on UN related activities and collaborates with them on advocacy and communication work Typical Responsibilities - Key End Results of Position: Advocacy:The advocacy and Communication officer will have an active role in supporting Plan’s advocacy and lobbying activities, including the development of current advocacy workas well as supporting in identifying additional advocacy and communication opportunities relevant to Plan’s work. Child rights advocacy: The Advocacy and Communication Officer will assist in profiling and visualizing Plan’s strategic involvement within relevant UN agencies and bodies. This work includes UN periodic alternative reporting, advocacy activities within the Human Rights Council, UNHCR, UNICEF, etc. Campaigns: The Advocacy and Communication Officer will also contribute to Plan’s Global advocacy campaigns: including Because I am a Girl, Count Every Child and Learn Without Fear. This will include: Engage in the NGO working groups Lobby relevant stakeholders in regard to defined advocacy asks. Identify advocacy opportunities relevant to Plan’s work Advocate for policy change which Plan supports Internal and external communication and information: The Officer will develop a communication and information strategy in cooperation with Plan’s New York Office in order to strengthen and find new ways of enhancing the office’s current internal and external communication and information channels and increase Plans visibility. This will include: Produce and distribute a periodic newsletter, Produce advocacy briefs and leaflets Write press releases and articles Ensure regularly updating and uploading information material/website and intranet, Develop use of social media. Strengthen the communication and collaboration with other Plan offices in cooperation with Plan’s New York Office in order to facilitate and support their presence and involvement in connection to the United Nations Manage to communicate decisions taken at the UN relevant to Plan offices Actively assist in increasing Plan’s visibility at the UN. Manage surveys, evidence based and desk research and compilation of information Human Resources: Internship support and recruitment: Plan’s liaison and advocacy will on a regular basis recruit and take in interns who will follow and support the work carried out by the office. The Advocacy and Communication Officer will be responsible for the administration related to interns, including the recruitment of new interns as well as to supervise their work and provide inputs and support in order to facilitate their work. Consultants: Occasionally, he/she will also be responsible for hiring consultants, develop contracts and ensuring that all contractual obligations are fulfilled. Other Responsibilities: Being a small office with few staff members, the Advocacy and Communication Officer will take part in carrying out various tasks to facilitate the well-running of the office, including some administrative tasks. The Officer needs to keep abreast of the current development issues as well as communications and advocacy trends, and ensure that all activities undertaken on behalf of Plan, externally or internally, are executed in accordance with the overall aims of the organisation and in line with Plan’s policies and procedures. Success indicators: Positive relations developed with external stakeholders as indicated by invitations for cooperation Better understanding and awareness of UN related work within Plan as indicated by more interaction and involvement, subscription to the newsletter and/or use of communications coming out of the Office Interns are recruited and managed in a professional manner Plan’s work is more visible both inside and outside Plan Dealing with Problems: Intercultural communication needed as well as diplomatic skills. Ability to analyse both UN documents, interpret situations and find appropriate responses is required. Ability to make priorities when many issues are coming up at the same time. Communications and Working Relationships: Internal: Medium level of contacts: Child rights, advocacy and communication officers in CO’s, NO’s,RO and Advocacy offices, thematic experts and campaign managers. The Advocacy and Communication Officer will have an important role in strengthening the communication and collaboration with other Plan office in order to facilitate and support their presence and involvement in connection to the United Nations. The incumbent shall be able to communicate decisions taken at the UN relevant to Plan offices in an understandable language. External: Medium level of contacts. The Officer will be representing Plan in its advocacy work. The officer will interact with stakeholders including INGOs, UN agencies and bodies, journalists and Permanent Missions in Geneva. Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours Required to Achieve Role’s Objectives: Knowledge A Master degree or equivalent experience in human rights, political science, international development, communication or any other specific field relevant to Plan’s work. Documented experience in international work environments and intercultural communication, including agood understanding of NGOstructures and the UN human rights system and how these operate. Documented experience in advocacy and lobby work with international actors Documented experience in writing advocacy briefs, articles and press.-releases Skills Analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work to a high standard, manage stress while prioritising multiple tasks and meeting deadlines. Excellent communication, networking, and inter-personal skills. Knowledge about child rights Proven excellent writing skills in English Ability to translate “UN language” to understandable common language Diplomatic attitude Fully computer literate - skilled and confident user of office applications such as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, e-mail and calendar applications. Good knowledge of social medias including uploading and developing materials for websites and intranet. Experience and knowledge of layout design and media. Behaviours Demonstrated commitment to advocacy and communiction. Versatile, personable and flexible, including taking up various tasks done in a small office. Self-driven and persistency. Independent professional able to contribute to the overall goal of the organisation. Creative and with initiative to seek workable solutions. Works collaboratively and listens actively to the views of those involved. Decisive and results focused following debate. Capacity to work in a multi-cultural environment. Physical Environment: Normal office work, not physically heavy. Some travels will be necessary to attend meetings and workshops. Languages: Excellent written and spoken English and French required. Fluency in Spanish would be advantageous. Location: This position is based in Geneva Reports To: UN Representative and Head of Office Closing Date: 20th May 2012 Salary: Competitive with comprehensive benefits. Applicants from EU and EFTA can apply as well as persons with a valid Swiss work permit.

References will be taken and background and anti-terrorism checks will be carried out in conformity with Plans Child Protection Policy. Plan operates an equal opportunities policy and actively encourages diversity, welcoming applications from all areas of the international community.

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