Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Communications Specialist will support the development of a comprehensive and context-specific Communication Plan that will guide the overall hygiene campaign implementation. The role involves both a month of remote work and one in-country mission of approximately one month, during which the specialist will conduct field consultations and coordinate closely with stakeholders.
Design and deliver a Communication Plan, including:

• Definition of culturally appropriate and inclusive key messages;
• Identification of target groups and outreach strategies;
• Customization of communication channels for each group (e.g., schools, churches, clinics, market audiences);
• Development of a time-bound implementation schedule;
• Definition of monitoring framework linked to behavior change indicators.

Stakeholder Engagement and Field Collaboration

• Conduct consultations with Water PNG, community representatives, teachers, health workers, youth and women’s groups, and local authorities to inform the development of inclusive messages and formats.
• Integrate GEDSI (Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion) considerations across the plan, including through visuals, language, and access to materials.
• Ensure consistency of messaging with broader WSSDP and national hygiene objectives.

Knowledge Products and Guidance

• Review and advise the Implementing partner (IP) on the design of outreach materials including posters, banners, outreach message and videos.
• Review and provide inputs on the training booklet and the methodology of the activities implemented by IP to ensure maximization of outreach and behavioral change impact
• Recommend clear instructions for trainers, teachers, and implementing partners on how to deliver and contextualize key messages in training and public sessions.

Coordination and reporting

• Provide periodic updates to the UNOPS team and contribute to donor reporting as required.
• Submit a draft Communication Plan after fieldwork, followed by a final version incorporating feedback from stakeholders.

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master degree or equivalent) in communications, journalism, public relations or another relevant field is required.
• A Bachelor’s degree in the above disciplines and in combination with additional two (2) years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a master’s degree.

Experience:

• Minimum five (5) years of experience designing and implementing communication strategies for public health, WASH, or behavior change initiatives;
• Demonstrated experience applying GEDSI-sensitive approaches in communications is required;
• Experience in developing, disseminating, and monitoring the reach of knowledge products, social media content, and articles for grassroots level audiences is an asset.
• Experience working with graphic design and video production, and familiarity with creating slide decks, info sheets, social media content, and other standard communication products is desired.
• Understanding of local contextual knowledge in Papua New Guinea is an advantage.