Advocacy and Communication Officer

Article 4 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child obliges States parties to “undertake all appropriate legislative, administrative and other measures for the implementation of the rights recognized in the present Convention”. Independent National Human Rights Institutions (NHRI’s) are an important mechanism to promote and ensure the implementation of the Convention on the Right of the Child (CRC). The Committee on the Rights of the Child (the Committee) considers the establishment of such bodies to fall within the commitment made by States parties upon ratification to ensure the implementation of the Convention and advance the universal realization of children’s rights.

In its General Comment No. 21, the Committee describes the role and characteristics of independent human rights institutions for children. The Committee encourages States parties to establish specialist independent human rights institutions with the aim to promote and protect rights of the children.

Realizing its commitment under CRC, the State of Pakistan has established a National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) through the Act XXXII of 2017. The preamble of the Act says; “WHEREAS it is expedient to set up a National Commission on the rights of the child in accordance with international obligations and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereof.”

The National Commission on the Rights of Child Act, 2017 stipulates a broad and overarching mandate for the promotion, protection and fulfilment of child rights as enshrined in Constitution of Pakistan and international treaties particularly CRC. As a State watchdog, the NCRC works independent of the Government and is accountable to the Parliament of Pakistan. The primary functions and powers of the NCRC include, among others, to conduct inquiries into allegations of child rights abuse(s); review existing and proposed legislation from child rights perspective; carry out research and advise on policy matters pertaining to the situation of child rights in Pakistan; contribute awareness-raising and advocacy initiatives and suggest measures to follow up on the implementation of concluding observation of the Committee. The Commission became operational in February 2020, with the appointment of the Chairperson and its Members. 

NCRC is seeking a motivated and collaborative writer and communicator to convey the Commission’s mandate and profile its work. This is an exciting opportunity to direct the communications strategy, oversee media relations and collaborate with the Government ,UNICEF and rights-based organizations to maximize outreach and advocacy for child rights issues with specific focus on birth registration, violence against children, child marriage, corporal punishment and child labour. The Advocacy and Communications Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Chairperson – as part of a cross-functional team, the Communications Officer may also take guidance from the Head of Programme, Commission Members and other senior staff.

• Develop NCRC communications strategy
• Work with the Chairperson, Head of Programme and senior management to lead the development and implementation of the Commission’s external communication strategies– including, Commission’s report deliverables, external digital communications (digital analytics and performance reporting), media/public relations, proposal and grant writing communications
• Help identify, develop, and maintain key communication channels in the human rights, child protection, intra-governmental, and overall child rights spaces
• End-to-end oversight of the external communication campaigns, projects and deliverables, including executing communications strategy, writing/editing content, overseeing design and print production, acquiring stakeholder approvals ad needed (executive, administrative, financial etc.), and distribution
• Plan and execute communications for awareness raising and advocacy for NCRC’s work
• Develop, draft, research, prepare, fact check, sub-edit and secure clearances for news-based, well-researched content to lead the narrative on NCRC’s work/mandate to show impact ( e.g. Chairperson’s official messages on child rights-related International Days, quarterly newsletters, annual reports, post-event reports, talking points, and press releases)
• Maintain communications calendars and/or budgets for all critical communications campaigns
• Create and oversee digital and traditional media campaigns around important policy launch dates and International Days (in collaboration with the Communications Associate)
• Monitor news and popular trends to identify key moments for NCRC’s proactive communications around child rights issues and news.
• Ensure messaging and other communications guidance is regularly updated and shared with the Chairperson and senior management, including proposing communication initiatives, securing internal support, and seeing them to completion
• Managing media engagement and support
• Maintain close involvement with the Communications Associate to strategically lead NCRC’s media relations work – including: ensuring updated media lists and liaison, coordination with human rights-based journalists, effective distribution mechanisms are in place for time-dependent communications products including press releases and statements.
• Ensure highest standards of accuracy and editorial content in all external outputs. Offer editorial guidance and manage projects including the development and promotion of publicity campaigns
• Servicesdelivery and event management
• Oversee delivery of communications services for NCRC events, including social/digital media campaign, video production quality, banners, standees and documents/brochures
• Help organize events (both digital and physical), including communications and logistical support
• Work with NCRC strategic partners, NHRIs, Government departments, parliamentarians, provincial-level departments to work together on policy launches, consultations, and high-level coordination meetings.
• Maintain and keep updated on vendor contracts (printing, designing, logistics, and web hosting services).