Communications and Advocacy Officer, Managing a decent future of work together

Introduction

The project "Managing a decent future of work together - Asia-Pacific, EU and ILO promoting international convergence for higher labour standards” is a collaborative initiative between the European Union (EU) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). With a budget of 5 million Euros for a period of four years, this EU-funded project sets out to address the challenges and opportunities arising from megatrends such as new technologies, demographic shifts, climate change and changing trade patterns, which are significantly impacting decent work opportunities. This project aims to stimulate mutual learning on these common challenges and create opportunities to promote the adoption and effective implementation of international standards and policies in line with shared values. The project focuses on high- and middle-income partner countries in the Asia and the Pacific region, notably Japan, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Palau, India, Malaysia and Thailand, with possible activities also in Brunei. With its focus on social justice and labour protection, the action seeks to increase resilience of the EU and partner countries to future health crises, energy crises, economic crises (which could disrupt trade), as well as security crises. 

The project’s outputs include research and policy dialogues on megatrends with a view to enabling policy shifts towards ensuring more decent work in the EU and in Asia/Pacific,  provision of technical support to promote and facilitate the adoption and/or the implementation of relevant ILO Conventions, as well as enhancing knowledge and understanding among relevant actors of the implications of the megatrends on the world of work and the possible coping mechanisms  through communication and advocacy.

Working with national public institutions, social partners, and research institutes, the project activities will include conducting joint research, organising policy dialogues, workshops, seminars, undertaking capacity development through practical trainings, and developing new tools and knowledge products for social partners and enterprises.

Reporting lines

The Communications and Advocacy Officer will work under the Project Manager  in Bangkok and will be directly involved in the planning and implementation, monitoring and reporting of all communications and public reporting components of the project. Technical guidance will also be provided by the Head of the Regional Economic and Social Analysis Unit (RESA). 

Description of Duties

The incumbent will perform the following duties:

1. Develop and execute strategic communication and visibility plan in alignment with project objectives and target audience needs, including ensuring communications materials are culturally appropriate and language accessible across target countries. 
2. Support the design, development, and implementation of the project information campaigns;including  international labour standards promotion and ratification of ILO Conventions
3. Coordinate the design, development, and content uploads to ILO website and other relevant online and social media platforms, including Asia Pacific-RESA  and other relevant repositories. 
4. Coordinate the drafting, design, development, and dissemination of quarterly Newsletters for the programme, monthly updates to the programme website, regular social media posts, news releases, programme updates, event notifications and invites, tools for dissemination via online and traditional media platforms.
5. Coordinate the publication, design, and printing process of publications developed under the project and  lead the development of press and social media packages following publication or event schedules. 
6. Coordinate internal clearance processes for news releases, publications, and other products in close coordination with ROAP Regional Communications Unit, other ILO stakeholders,  and the EU.
7. Develop and implement tools to measure and monitor the impact communications  activities, including campaigns, social media analytics, and provide recommendation and implement improvements. Maintain and update existing mail and email lists of target audiences to ensure effective dissemination of project information.
8. Establish and maintain close links with external stakeholders including media representatives, other UN agencies, donors, social partners and civil society organizations and others.
9. Support and build capacity of implementing partners and external stakeholders in respect of communications outputs and skills. 
10. Coordinate external consultants and service providers in relation to the provision of services related to communications and visibility, such as graphic design, copywriting, editing, content creation, web design, and other aspects.
11. Undertake missions to support the implementation of communications and visibility activities as assigned. 
12. Perform other duties as may be assigned by the supervisors.

Required qualifications

Education

A university degree in communications, journalism, international relations, social sciences, or other relevant disciplines. 

Experience

At least three years of experience in the field of public relations, campaign management, journalism, or strategic communications. Knowledge and experience working with the ILO and/or other UN agencies in the ASEAN region is an asset. Familiarity with ILO policies and procedures particularly with technical cooperation projects would be an advantage.

Languages

Excellent command of English in speaking and writing. 

Competencies

• Excellent writing skills including an ability to nuance and adapt messages to different audiences.
• Advanced working knowledge of relevant computer software including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint; proven proficiency in InDesign or, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, AI design tool such Canva, or other equivalent graphics software; proven proficiency in web management.
• Proven skills in external communications and liaison and mobilization work with media and civil society. 
• Proven ability to act with integrity and transparency by maintaining social, ethical and organisational norms, and meeting all commitments within the prescribed time, cost and quality standards. 
• Ability to promote knowledge sharing and learning culture, and to focus and guide others to meet objectives at individual and group levels.
• Commitment to women empowerment, gender equality and human rights, a clear understanding of principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion and ability to implement these in communications campaigns, and communicate these to partners. 
• Excellent report-writing skills and communication skills and ability to build networks to obtain cooperation with partners.
• Ability to work on own initiative as well as a member of a team.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with diverse and multicultural / gender-sensitive teams and stakeholders. 
• Ability to manage competing priorities. 
• Ability to oversee the work of and provide guidance to staff.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.