Communication Assistant, G-5, ECARO: Rome, Italy

Contract

This is a G-5 contract. This kind of contract is known as General Service and related categories. It is normally only for nationals. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be more than 3,786 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, a voice

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favouritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfil their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations

UNICEF is operating in Italy based on formal agreements with national authorities aimed at providing technical support for the protection and social exclusion of refugee and migrant children and for the implementation of the third phase of the EU Child Guarantee – including piloting of models to counter social exclusion and child poverty address to the most disadvantaged children.

The communication function supports the UNICEF ECARO in Italy for the emergency response as well as the more regular programming in external communication, including media relations, strategic partnerships building and public advocacy as core roles. In close coordination with the programme team and the communication team in the Regional Office and in the National Committee for UNICEF, the communication programme focuses on enhancing UNICEF’s digital presence, share of voice and public engagement. In addition to core roles, the communication provides the Italy team with professional expertise and guidance on all aspects of external communication, while also acting upon UNICEF’s global communication priorities in a locally - appropriate way.

How can you make a difference?

Given the increased role of UNICEF in the country, beyond the refugee and migrant emergency, the Communication Assistant will report to the Coordinator and support the Programme in external and media relations, strategic partnership building with key target groups, digital outreach, public campaigns in support of effective programme delivery, the timely production of communication assets and organization of advocacy events. Also, the Communication Assistant is responsible for administrative services and financial support of moderate scope.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks

Communication Materials

• Support the Coordinator with the development of a communication strategy in collaboration with the RO and the Italian National Committee

• In collaboration with portfolio managers, ensure timely production of various communication products for advocacy purposes in line with the communication strategy

• Gather content of relevant country efforts to develop communication materials for dissemination through social and traditional media channels

• Support the production of information materials (human interest stories, multimedia products, press releases) that meet quality standards and that is in line with UNICEF brand and visibility plans

• Assist in the development and implementation of C4D activities for promotion of social and behavioral change and educational materials in support of effective programme implementation and under the leadership of the relevant programme section

Partnership

• Provide support to media partnership building and maintaining donor relations

• Assist in developing and maintaining close collaboration with organizations and individuals whose support is essential to promote children’s rights

• Organize communication and advocacy events with main partner organizations, based on programme priorities

• Logistical and Administrative support during the field visits, donor and media tours

• Maintain and update media database for the Italy Outpost Office

Financial and administrative support

• Organize data and information, maintains records, files and work plans for the monitoring of project/programme implementation

• Assist in the financial (i.e. VISION processing) and administrative processes for the communication work plan including preparation of contracts, procurement requests, PCAs, other relevant inputs

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Assist in monitoring the annual budget of the communication section and financial expenditures

• Assist in data collection and analysis in line with KPIs outlined in the communication strategy, including media monitoring and the survey on the public perception of UNICEF in the country

The incumbent will significantly contribute to synergies between strategic communication and programme delivery while enhancing the ability of the country office to communicate effectively for the rights of every child.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Completion of secondary education is required, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to the field of communication.
• A minimum of five years of practical professional work experience in communication, print and broadcast media, or interactive digital media.
• Knowledge of communication, technology, user-centered design, youth engagement strategies and approaches.
• Able to work independently, has sound judgment and strong organizational skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships;
• Fluency in English and Italian is required.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA).

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are

• Builds and Maintains Partnerships [1]
• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness [1]
• Drives to achieve results for impact [1]
• Innovates and embraces change [1]
• Manages complexity and ambiguity [1]
• Thinks and acts strategically [1]
• Works collaboratively with others [1]

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.