Contribute to the development and implementation of a communications and media relations strategy to ensure visibility and effective promotion of the programme.
Work Location
Gaborone, Botswana
Expected Duration
One year, with possibility of extension
Background
The Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access (ATCMA) SADC programme is implemented jointly by UNIDO and ITC.
UNIDO: A UN specialized agency promoting industrial development, low-emission economies, improved living standards, and environmental preservation. Focus areas: ending hunger, reducing industrial greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting sustainable supply chains.
ITC: A joint technical cooperation agency of the UN and WTO, promoting trade and exports from developing countries and economies in transition, with focus on MSMEs, job creation, and SDGs achievement.
The position is in the Office for Africa (OA), Division of Country Programmes (DCP), based at ITC Gaborone Office.
The EU-funded ATCMA Programme aims to sustainably increase intra-African and EU-Africa trade, with continental and five regional components (ECOWAS, COMESA, SADC, ECCAS, EAC).
The four-year ATCMA SADC Programme focuses on addressing market access challenges for selected value chains through:
Supporting countries in complying with standards and technical regulations (quality infrastructure, conformity assessment, regulatory frameworks).
Maximizing MSME export potential through value addition, branding, sustainability, technology transfer, business promotion, and trade/investment support institutions.
The ATCMA SADC Programme is structured into five components with the following outputs:
Specific Objective 1:
Output 1.1: Market access barriers identified and reduced
Output 1.2: Strengthened quality compliance and standards
Output 2.1: Enhanced value addition and diversification
Output 2.2: Enhanced SME capacities and opportunities for business and export
Coordination is ensured between the continental and sub-regional components for a coherent ATCMA framework.
Duties and Responsibilities
Develop and implement a programme communications strategy aligned with ATCMA objectives, including analysis of target audiences, key messages, distribution channels, and performance indicators, ensuring gender equity principles.
Organize advocacy and outreach meetings with SADC Secretariat, EU, UNIDO, ITC, and other partners to streamline communication processes, align visibility materials, and establish action plans.
Produce visual content (videos, infographics, photos) highlighting programme results, successes, and beneficiary testimonials; maintain a database of visual content.
Draft and produce communications products: press releases, media invitations, brochures, newsletters, and news articles based on content from ITC and UNIDO experts.
Prepare and manage editorial calendar for social media; ensure audience engagement.
Develop content for relevant websites and support dissemination through social media platforms.
Create and maintain a database of press contacts and institutional partners.
Plan and coordinate press conferences, briefings, and media events; organize media coverage of programme activities.
Engage with print, radio, television, and online media to promote workshops and events.
Monitor, analyze, and report on communications activities and strategies; assess performance and effectiveness and adjust as necessary.
Compile press reviews following media engagements.
Keep up-to-date with latest trends in communications and emerging technologies.
Work in collaboration with the SADC Communications and Public Relations Unit aligned with SADC communication policies.
Perform other duties as required.
Available for short-term duty travel.
Ensure all intellectual property permissions are obtained for materials used and disseminated; secure event accreditations if required.
Qualifications/Special Skills
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, digital communications, or related field.
A first-level university degree with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
Experience
Minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, or related field.
Experience with international development organizations and/or EU as donor, especially in Africa, is desirable.
Experience in data analytics or data visualization is desirable.
Competencies
ITC Core Values: Professionalism, Integrity, Respect for Diversity
Professionalism: Knowledge of MS Office; knowledge of ERP software (SAP), content management systems (SharePoint), collaboration platforms (MS Teams), and task-tracking tools is desirable. Ability to perform administrative functions, apply UN rules and regulations, demonstrate pride, efficiency, persistence, and calm under stress. Commitment to gender equality.
Teamwork: Collaborate effectively, value input from colleagues, prioritize team agenda, support group decisions, share credit and responsibility.
Creativity: Proactively improve programmes, suggest new solutions, think “outside the box,” take calculated risks, and explore innovative approaches.
Client Orientation: Consider clients’ perspectives, establish productive partnerships, monitor developments, inform clients of progress, and meet deadlines.
Technological Awareness: Stay abreast of technology trends, understand applicability and limitations, and apply technology to work tasks.
Languages
Required: Fluency in English and French (oral and written)
Desirable: Knowledge of Portuguese
Additional Information
Contract administered by UNOPS on behalf of ITC.
Vacancy open for locally residing Botswana nationals.
Applicants must be authorized to work at the duty station.
Candidates selected from outside the duty station are responsible for relocation expenses.
Deadline : Nov 24, 2025
Start Your Application
Applications for this position must be completed on the recruiting organization's website.
