Communication Assistant

Contract

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

Transnational conservation crimes are among the fastest growing high-value, low-risk illegal activities and are causing irreparable damage to the Amazon. In response to this critical threat, UNODC implements the project ECOS – Regional Cooperation to Combat Environmental Crimes. This initiative is part of the Global Programme on Crimes that Affect the Environment and aims to improve regional cooperation and capacity of enforcement and justice system actors to detect, interdict, investigate and prosecute transnational conservation crimes in the Amazon.

Under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator the National UN Youth Volunteer will undertake the following tasks an responsibilities:

• Support the Environment Team in developing communication strategies. • Support the Environment Team in preparing documents, such as official letters, news releases, agendas, presentations and others. • Translate documents, presentations, and other documents and materials into English-Portuguese (and vice-versa) and Spanish-Portuguese (and vice-versa). • Support in activities, adapting and disseminating communication materials, audiovisual products and relevant information. • Support the development of content and updates for the country office website and social media (Instagram, Twitter) related to projects in the environmental area. • Support the team ensuring high quality of publications produced, visibility materials and other products. • Support the team in the preparation, organization and coverage of national and international events. • Liaise and coordinate with the Regional Communication team regarding communication documents, materials and products. • Assist in the preparation of travel and meeting arrangements. • Assist in the management and update of mailing lists used by the team. • Perform any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day). • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country. • Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc. • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers. • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/Expected Outputs:

• As an active member of the UNODC team, it is expected to be provided efficient, timely, attentive, and quality support to the Environment Team, including: o The support to the implementation of communications and visibility strategies of the environment team. o The support to overall communications related tasks. o The key results have an impact on creating effective communications and dissemination of information. • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment. • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the activities participated in and capacities developed.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNODC; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNODC procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNODC in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNODC’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Communications at national and/or international level (up to 3 years). Experience working at the UN will be an asset. • Effective oral and written communication skills, particularly in writing formal documents. • Accuracy and professionalism in the production and editing of documents. • Good command of computer tools (Word, PowerPoint, and others) and audiovisual equipment. • Good or intermediate command of design programs: Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign. • Ability to work with minimal supervision and under tight deadlines. • Motivation to contribute towards peace and development and to serve others. • Good interpersonal, networking and communication skills. • Willingness to contribute and work as part of a team. • Flexibility and openness to learn and have new experiences. • Respect for diversity and adaptability to other cultures, environments and living conditions. • Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.

The assignment will be in Brasília, the Federal capital of Brazil and seat of government of the Federal District. Brasilia is a family duty station and classified A (hardship). The living conditions in Brasilia are good as well as the access to health services. The accommodation facilities are in general good, and the choice is wide. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. Brazil is security level 3 (moderate). United Nations Department of Safety and Security UNDSS Brazil advises to exercise a high degree of caution in Brazil due to high levels of serious and violent crime, particularly in major cities. Violent crime as muggings, armed robbery, kidnappings, and sexual assault, is very high. Avoid shanty towns (favelas) in the big cities and if you are attacked or robbed, do not resist. Demonstrations can occur at any time and may turn violent with little or no warning. All United Nations personnel must scrupulously comply with UNDSS procedures and recommendations during their assignment in Brazil. For missions in rural areas or indigenous reservations, special procedures may apply; UN personnel should consult with the local DSS office in advance.