COMMUNICATION ASSOCIATE

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

The communication team at the Regional Office, provides strategic communication support and advice as a key lever for the achievement of programme results, particularly to support the transformation of social and gender norms as well as evidence-based advocacy, also by scaling up the use of new technologies and collaborative communication strategies.

Under direct supervision of the Regional Communication Adviser for Latin America and the Caribbean, the Communication Associate provides substantive input into planning and implementing the Regional Office’s advocacy and communication efforts.

The Communication Associate substantively contributes to the development and implementation of the Regional Office advocacy and communication strategy.

The Communication Associate applies established systems and procedures, and assists in the documentation of substantive knowledge by compiling, synthesizing and analyzing information relevant to population dynamics, reproductive health and gender issues in the context of regional advocacy and communication efforts. S/he is instrumental in facilitating communication and advocacy program activities, using and developing appropriate mechanisms and systems and ensuring compliance with established procedures.

Advocacy and Communication Strategy

Provides input in the development and implementation of the Regional Office's advocacy and communication strategy, by compiling and analyzing information, receiving inputs from staff and partners, and supporting program activities. Maintains relationships with key media partners and communication focal points in COs to strengthen the overall effectiveness of UNFPA public information activities. Supports the development and execution of UNFPA communication campaigns by liaising with mass media, drafting speeches, preparing press releases, articles and human-interest stories for regional and international press as well as for UNFPA digital channels at HQ/RO, coordinating the production of audiovisual products and facilitating information about UNFPA to the requesting parties. Provides support to the monitoring and evaluation of Regional Office's advocacy and communications activities, establishing and implementing mechanisms to systematically assess the achievement of results, conducting field visits, participating in planning and review meetings and contributing regular inputs to reports. In coordination relevant with Country Office counterparts, guides the implementation of the Regional and Country Offices’ advocacy and communications strategy, coordinating delivery of the strategy inputs and supporting the engagement of key stakeholders. Supports LACRO and UNFPA headquarter units on regional and global advocacy/communication initiatives and relevant information requests.

Development and Production

Coordinates and guides the development and production of general promotional tools and items as well as information, education and communication materials, in alignment with the institutional communication guidelines. Supports the preparation and editorial production of key institutional publications like the Regional and Global Annual Report, the State of the World Population Report and other related substantive publications and documents, including infographic and human-interest stories. Contributes to the creation, promotion and dissemination of lessons learned, success stories and best practices.
Provides support to the implementation of the Regional Publishing Policy, including submissions and requests.

Monitoring and event management

In close cooperation with the Regional Communication Adviser and Crisis Communications Team, supports the monitoring and environmental scanning activities and prepares briefs on an as-needed basis for the Regional Director and Representatives, Communication Focal Points and HQ staff. Provides logistical support to projects by coordinating review meetings and other project related workshops and events.

Key partners / stakeholders

The Communication Associate develops and maintains collaborative relationships with all regional advisers, programme and administrative staff in the Regional Office and with communication focal points in Country Offices of the region.

Required Competencies: Exemplifying integrity Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system Embracing cultural diversity Embracing change

Core Competencies: • Achieving results • Being accountable • Developing and applying professional expertise / business acumen • Thinking analytically and strategically • Working in teams and managing relationships • Communicating for impact

Functional Skill Set: • Advocacy / Advancing a policy-oriented agenda • Delivering results-oriented programmes • Internal and external communication and advocacy for results mobilization

progressively responsible and relevant professional work in the field of journalism, communications, external relations, public affairs, public relations or corporate communications, print, broadcast and/or new media. International work experience Is desirable.

UNFPA Regional Office size: The Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Office is located at the City of Knowledge, Clayton, Panama City. LACRO’s team includes a total of 42 personnel.

Country Brief: Panama has an estimated population of 4.31 million people (2020), distributed among ten provinces and five indigenous regions, known as comarcas. An estimated 67.9 percent live in urban areas and the remaining 32.1 percent in rural areas. The country’s geographic characteristics have historically shaped its economy and population dynamics, favouring human mobility, and making Panama one of the most diverse countries in the region. According to the latest Census 2010, indigenous people, belonging to seven different ethnic groups, represent 12.3 percent of the population. An estimated 9.2 percent recognize themselves as Afro-descendants. Migrants represent up to 10 percent of the total population. According to the latest available data (National Survey on Disability, 2006), people with disabilities account for 11.3 percent of the population.

Living conditions: All amenities, national or international, (food, clothing, restaurants) and health facilities (public and privates’ hospitals and clinics) are available in Panama City. There are various international telecommunications systems, easy access to the internet and banking facilities. Panama's public transport can also be difficult to access for people with disabilities. The weather in Panama is nice and warm year-round and the temperature rarely goes above 90°F / 32°C for very long. The weather tends to be hotter near the ocean in places like Panama City, Coronado, and Bocas del Toro – and cooler spring-like weather exists in mountain towns such as Boquete, El Valle de Anton, and Volcan.

Situation COVID-19 pandemic: On August 9, 2021, the Panamanian Ministry of Health confirmed 442,818 total cases of COVID-19 in Panama. Panama has administered at least 3,092,971 doses of COVID-19 vaccines so far and an estimated of 37% of the total population have been vaccinated and received the complete scheme ( two doses). The Ministry of Health has reported the presence of at least one of the three “variants of concern” of the virus that causes COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, according to a new Epidemiological Update. This variant may increase the transmissibility of the virus, its virulence, or decrease the effectiveness of public health and social measures or diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics, although much remains to be learned about them. Panama has administered at least 3,092,971 doses of COVID vaccines so farThe Ministry of Health encourages the population to implement measures to reduce transmission – including frequent hand washing, wearing a mask, physical distancing, good ventilation and avoiding crowded places or closed settings – continue to work against new variants by reducing the amount of viral transmission and therefore also reducing opportunities for the virus to mutate. Schools and universities are closed for in-person classes nation-wide through at least the first trimester of the 2021 school year. Festivals, and all gatherings larger than 50 people, as well as public spaces and venues, have been banned.