Communication and Outreach Officer

Volunteering Communications & PR Elections & Governance

Overview

Support electoral processes and civic education initiatives across the Pacific Islands.

You have:

• Political Science, Communication Studies, Education, Data Science or Research, Civic Education/Public Policy, or other relevant programs; experience with electoral processes is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization.
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, and reporting skills; accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.), email, and internet; familiarity with database management and office technology equipment.
• Self-motivated; ability to work with minimum supervision and with tight deadlines.
• Affinity with or interest in governance, elections and/or development work, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN system.

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

This United Nations Volunteers (UNV) assignment is part of UNDP’s election support programming—the Pacific Elections Assistance Program (PEAP)—supported by the Government of New Zealand. PEAP provides focused, efficient, and sustained electoral support to Pacific Island Countries over the next five years. It has been established as a platform to deliver a comprehensive package of assistance to national and regional partners supporting democratic governance in the Pacific region.

This initiative focuses on three outputs: (i) Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) will be able to deliver effective, efficient, and inclusive elections with increased capacity and resources; (ii) EMBs will be able to make robust and informed decisions, safeguarding the integrity of elections with improved independence and stronger mandates; and (iii) Citizens will be able to actively engage, understand, and be committed to protecting democratic rights and values.

By combining multinational electoral support into a single program, PEAP is able to efficiently provide technical advice across multiple focus areas and countries, enabling a continuous, long-term approach to addressing electoral challenges and responding accordingly.

Research Pacific electoral topics

Collect data for the Pacific Election Database

Prepare reports and articles

Assist in Civic Education Curriculum development

Support civic education initiatives across the Pacific

Draft reports for the program

Generate monthly updates and newsletters

Provide workshop support

Assist the Democracy and Inclusion Officer as necessary

Support Election Advisors as needed

Adaptability and flexibility Self-management Political Acumen Effective Communication, Information Dissemination Data Analysis & Research Skills Civic Engagement Initiative Multitasking Problem-solving

Political Science, Communication Studies, Education, Data Science or Research, Civic Education/Public Policy, or other relevant programs; experience with electoral processes is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization.

Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge:

Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, and reporting skills; accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing.

Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development.

Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.

Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.), email, and internet; familiarity with database management and office technology equipment.

Self-motivated; ability to work with minimum supervision and with tight deadlines.

Affinity with or interest in governance, elections and/or development work, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN system.

Fiji, one of the larger countries in the South Pacific region, has a relatively high level of human development and is one of the most developed economies in the region. Fiji became independent in 1970. Its multi-ethnic population, which numbers approximately 900,000, is growing slowly due to a moderately low level of fertility and a high level of emigration. The economy rests primarily on sugar production and tourism but is becoming more diverse, with manufacturing now an important sector of employment. The unit of currency is the Fiji dollar.

Fiji comprises approximately 330 islands, approximately a third of which are inhabited. Fiji covers about 1.3 million square kilometers of the South Pacific Ocean. The two major islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu. The capital city is Suva, which is located on the south-eastern side of the main island of Viti Levu. The population is made up of a mixture of native Melanesian and Polynesian islanders and a blend of Indian, European, Chinese, Rotuman, and Rabi islanders, making it a rich and vibrant mix of cultures, sights, sounds, and exotic island delicacies. English is spoken widely on the island, and it is the common language of communication, although the native indigenous Fijian language is spoken by many, as is the Hindi language.

Fiji enjoys a mild and stable climate most of the year, due to the large expanses of open water that surround its islands. The wet season extends from November to April, but rainfall occurs throughout the year. Tropical cyclones can blow up between November and April, although they are rarely dangerous. Fiji enjoys year-round tropical temperatures of between 25 and 29 degrees with generally high humidity, making it a perfect location for sun-lovers.

Suva, the capital of Fiji, has a population of approximately 141,000 and is a multiracial and multicultural city. Suva is the largest city in the whole of the region, but it remains easy-going and friendly. It has reasonably modern facilities, including two large hospitals, sporting facilities, restaurants, and supermarkets. Modest accommodation is readily available in Suva, but the availability of small apartments is limited. An open mind and flexibility come in handy when looking for housing in Suva. The public transport is quite good: local buses run every day of the week, and taxis are affordable. Public transport is also available for exploring and visiting other parts of the country, which provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and tropical nature.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 11 months ago - Updated 9 months ago - Source: unv.org