Communication Associate

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.

The Gambia, like many countries in the world, is grappling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic which is threatening to reverse decades of progress in fighting poverty and improving the situation of women and children. In this critical moment, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in The Gambia is positioned to maximize the opportunities that the development landscape in the country presents to support the country through the pandemic and to build back better after the pandemic. Also, the Country Office is preparing for the development of a new Country Programme Document (CPD) in 2022 that will guide UNICEF’s interventions in the country. Winning support for children remains a critical part in our work, and the partnership and communication unit is repositioning itself to deliver on our promise to ensure that no child is left behind. In the past twelve months, our country office has experienced a very positive growth in various areas of communication, especially in digital, social media and engaging with young people. This growth has in turn placed many demands on the one and only individual managing all dimensions of communication; therefore the recruitment of a National UNV will be strategic to support the growing number of tasks and initiatives related to external communication, programme and project visibility, media engagement and production of advocacy tools and original assets. We are confident that this additional resource will allow us to significantly improve and expand our communications outreach and impact.

Under the direct supervision of the Communication Officer, the UN Volunteer will have the following tasks: • Support research and development of compelling content for the social media channels and website of the Office. • Drafting of news articles on ongoing CO’s initiatives, projects, or activities to be published regularly on the Country Office website and in newspapers. • Support the development of content, including articles, videos and photo essays for the Country Office website and for newsletters • Support the planning, implementation and evaluation of communication and advocacy campaigns • Support advocacy and awareness raising on COVID-19 vaccination and vaccine confidence Under the guidance of the Communication officer, support the development of visibility materials and documenting stories on projects implemented by the office • Support media events including press conferences, launches and campaigns • Support with assigned tasks from the Communication Officer in respect of the United Nations Communication Group (UNCG) • Support media review and tracking, and keep record of CO’s visibility in local and international media • Follow up with programme staff to ensure timely submission of donor reports for review before submission • Support desk review to aid knowledge management, identify innovative programme model and new donor interest in the Gambia • Attend events and write articles, in absence of the Communication Officer • Support scaling up and management of U-Report, including in digital communication, U-Reporters’ engagement and the development and roll out of polls Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • 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. • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities. • 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 • Projects are communicated and visible to stakeholders and beneficiaries through diverse media platforms and innovative outlets • Quarterly e-newsletters showcasing country office (CO) initiatives produced and disseminated. • Newspaper articles covering issues, events and programmes implemented by CO developed and published in newspaper prints • Reports due to donors are proof-read, corrected and finalised in a timely manner. • Content for social media and knowledge management sourced and shared accordingly. • Human interest stories regularly documented and published on the Country Office website and in the media • Social media channels regularly updated with fresh and engaging content Promotion of Volunteering / Volunteerism • Successful submission of UNV articles (1~2) for peacebuilding and development for UNV websites • Contribution to UNV’s Global Peacebuilding Programme • Successful contribution to UNV’s Global Peacebuilding Programme.by ensuring the role of citizens in the peace process itself as well as establishing a conducive and enabling environment by strengthening the capacities of other key actors • The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training,when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs); • 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 number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented. • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations. • 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. • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; • 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; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective,without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

working in journalism, publishing firm, or Non-governmental organisation will be of added value. 1. Excellent editorial, proof reading, report writing skills 2. Ability to research and conduct information analysis on trends 3. Proactive, engaging, creative, innovative and ready to learn

The UN Volunteer will be based in Banjul, the capital. The Gambia is situated at the tip of the West African coast and has a total surface area of approximately 10,360 square kilometres. Apart from the 48 km stretch at the Atlantic Ocean, The Gambia is landlocked by Senegal. The climate consists of a tropical hot rainy season from July to T. +49 (0) 228-815 2000 F. +49 (0) 228-815 2001 A. Platz der Vereinten Nationen 1, 53113 Bonn, Germany W. www.unv.org The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is administered by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). September and a cooler dry season from October to June. The Gambia has a total population of 2 million. English is the official language. Mandinka and Wolof are the main local languages most widely used in the country.