Advocacy and Communications Specialist – Fixed Term, Baghdad

About the role

UNICEF Iraq is seeking an experienced Advocacy and Communications Specialist to lead the country office’s advocacy agenda and oversee its communications team. Reporting to the Representative, you will shape public advocacy strategies that promote children’s and women’s rights across Iraq.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement a public advocacy strategy aligned with programme outcomes and UNICEF’s global priorities.
• Manage media relations, including press releases, interviews, and proactive outreach.
• Build and maintain networks with government, NGOs, donors, and other key stakeholders.
• Coordinate national and regional campaigns, including disaster risk reduction and humanitarian advocacy.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on advocacy impact and communication activities.
• Lead a team of a Communication Officer (NO‑2) and a Communication Associate (GS‑6), providing supervision, coaching, and capacity‑building.

Required profile

• Advanced university degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or Social Science.
• Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in advocacy and communications.
• Proven experience managing teams and delivering strategic communication products.
• Demonstrated ability to design innovative advocacy approaches that attract public attention.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to influence child‑rights policies in a challenging environment.
• Professional development within a global humanitarian organization.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.