Assistant Communication Officer

Volunteering Communications & PR

Overview

Support communication and advocacy initiatives effectively.

You have:

• Digital marketing and graphic designing experience is needed.
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills.
• Ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, email, and internet.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
• Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain.
• Have affinity with or interest in UNICEF’s work, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

This United Nations Volunteer assignment is part of UNICEF Jamaica’s Communication and Advocacy portfolio and is designed to strengthen the capacity of the Country Office Communication Team in delivering high-quality advocacy, content production, digital engagement, and child and youth participation initiatives. As a small team with a broad communications mandate, the office requires additional hands-on support to enhance the visibility and impact of UNICEF’s work across multiple platforms.

The Assistant Communication Officer will contribute to the development and implementation of communication and advocacy activities by providing creative, technical, and operational support. The role supports content creation, storytelling, digital innovation, public outreach, and stakeholder engagement efforts, helping to promote key messages, increase public awareness, and strengthen engagement with children, young people, partners, and the wider public.

Task description:

The Assistant Communication Officer supports the development and implementation of communication and advocacy initiatives, ensuring effective outreach and engagement across multiple platforms. The role involves creative, technical, and operational support to enhance visibility, promote key messages, and strengthen public awareness of organizational initiatives.

Key Responsibilities 1. Graphic Design and Visual Content Development • Design high-quality visual materials for digital and print platforms, including social media graphics, flyers, one-pagers, and branded items. • Ensure all designs align with organizational branding guidelines and maintain visual consistency. • Translate communication messages into engaging visual formats in collaboration with the communications team. 2. Communications Support • Develop written and visual content tailored to diverse audiences across multiple channels. • Create public information materials, including safety messaging during emergencies. • Support the drafting and review of press releases and digital content. • Design and manage social media content to strengthen digital presence and engagement.

3. Event Coordination and Support • Assist in planning, organizing, and executing events, ensuring smooth logistics and operations. • Design event branding materials, signage, and promotional assets. • Represent the organization at events, engaging stakeholders and promoting key initiatives. 4. Disaster Management and Emergency Communication • Support emergency response activities, including distribution of relief supplies. • Develop communication products such as response plans, preparedness guides, and awareness materials. • Produce multimedia content (videos, graphics) highlighting response efforts and preparedness messaging.
4. Photography and Videography • Capture high-quality images and video content for programs, events, and field activities. • Produce, edit, and deliver multimedia storytelling content aligned with communication goals. • Document program impact through visual storytelling, including work in dynamic and field environments.
5. Website Management and Content Development • Maintain and update website content using a Content Management System (CMS), ensuring accuracy and usability. • Publish web articles, blogs, press content, and multimedia features. • Troubleshoot technical issues and optimize user experience. Expected Outcomes • Enhanced quality and consistency of communication materials. • Increased digital engagement and public awareness. • Effective support for events and campaigns. • Timely and impactful communication during emergencies. • Strengthened visual storytelling and documentation of organizational impact.

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

Required Experience:

• Experience in communications, public information, digital marketing, graphic design, multimedia production, or related fields.
• Experience developing communication products for digital and print platforms, including social media content, publications, websites, photography, and video materials.
• Experience using graphic design, multimedia editing, and social media management tools, as well as website content management systems (CMS).
• Experience supporting communication campaigns, public outreach initiatives, events, stakeholder engagement, or advocacy activities

Additional Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including drafting, editing, reporting, and content development.
• Accuracy, attention to detail, and professionalism in the preparation and review of communication materials.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including community groups, youth organizations, government counterparts, and development partners.
• Familiarity with communication for development (C4D) approaches and digital engagement strategies.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to work effectively in multicultural teams and challenging operational settings.
• Strong computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, digital communication platforms, and online collaboration tools.
• Sound security awareness and adherence to organizational procedures.
• Demonstrated interest in UNICEF’s mandate, volunteerism, and the values and principles of the United Nations system.
• Desirable: Valid national driver's license and ability to drive manual transmission vehicles in challenging terrain.

The UNICEF Jamaica office is located in Kingston, the capital city of Jamaica. While crime rates are high, violent crime tends to be concentrated in inner-city areas. There are many residential areas in Kingston that are considered relatively safe and which provide comfortable living conditions in gated communities or townhouse complexes. Public transportation is easily accessible. Risks to UN personnel are considered low.

The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance.

Travel to duty station (will be provided in the event the duty station is not within commuting distance from the place of recruitment. The applicable Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as final repatriation (if applicable) and exit allowance for satisfactory service.

Specific UN Volunteer entitlements, including insurance coverage, Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA), Entry / Exit lump sums, among others, are available at: https://app.unv.org/calculator.

The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at: https://explore.unv.org/cos.

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Potential interview questions

Added 2 months ago - Updated 1 month ago - Source: unv.org