Communication Associate
Support communications processes and enhance WFP's visibility.
Overview
Support communications processes and enhance WFP's visibility.
You have:
- Demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to WFP and technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to WFP procedures.
- Experience in communication management, preferably in Institutional Communications and SBCC.
- Communication or relevant experience with Humanitarian Programs is an asset, such as working in the UN or other international development organizations.
- Commitment to continuous learning and ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
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.
WFP is well-known for its ability to respond to crises and deliver assistance to people in need, either in-kind or in the form of cash-based transfers (CBT), as well as for its capabilities related to digital identity management.
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Head of Communication or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Communication Associate will:
- Perform specialized communications processes and activities, to support staff in the development, preparation, execution and dissemination of SBCC campaigns for target audiences.
- Serve as an information focal point, support and/or coordinate media coverage of events to optimize publicity of WFP’s SBCC activities.
- Maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders on SBCC activities, in order to provide an aligned, coherent service, and to identify opportunities to collaborate/integrate processes and activities.
- Conduct research, suggest ideas, and provide coordination support to ensure the timely and effective delivery of video/film, photographic and radio projects
- Support senior staff in the implementation and execution of the Communication strategy.
- Organize and execute special events, working closely with colleagues, external partners and media, to ensure events are effectively scheduled, publicized and attended.
- Monitor traditional and social media, and report relevant information to senior staff to inform the development and/or evaluation of communications activities and strategies.
- Manage updates and further develop internal records and databases, ensuring information is accurate, organized, and available for others to access.
- Respond to specialized queries and requests for support, using initiative and following standard processes, to ensure timely and accurate resolution of all enquiries.
- Implement improvements to communications methods and practices, to contribute to a better flow of information about WFP’s work to the media and stakeholders.
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:
• 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
• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to WFP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to WFP 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 WFP 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 WFP ’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.
national and/or international level in Former contribution to communication management (preferably in in Institutional Communications and SBCC
• Communication or any other relevant experience with Humanitarian Programmes is an asset, as experience working in the UN or other international development organization.
As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.
Potential interview questions
| Can you describe a past experience where you had to manage communications for a diverse audience? | This question aims to assess your capability to connect with different stakeholders. | Provide a specific example that highlights your communication strategies and understanding of audience diversity. |
| How do you stay informed about current events that may impact humanitarian communications? | The interviewer wants to understand your proactive approach to staying relevant in the field. | Pro members can see the explanation. |