Communication Expert

Volunteering Communications & PR

Overview

Support UNICEF's communications and external relations efforts in Africa.

You have:

• Excellent writing skills in English, with the ability to work in more than one United Nations (UN) official language considered an added advantage
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; strong drafting, formulation, and reporting abilities
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing
• Proven experience in conducting extensive advocacy campaigns
• Excellent computer skills, including experience with digital communications such as social media, email, and website management
• Excellent photography skills
• Work experience and/or familiarity with a continental organization, such as the African Union, is an additional advantage
• Strong organisational skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to engage with multicultural and multidisciplinary teams; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners
• An affinity for or interest in child rights and the United Nations (UN) system
• Working knowledge of other UN languages (Arabic, French, or Spanish) is desirable

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

The UNICEF Representation Office to the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, seeks to strengthen partnerships between UNICEF, the AU, and UNECA. The office focuses on enhancing cooperation concerning the rights of children in Africa. Through key areas such as health, child protection, and education, the Office supports the African Union's development agendas, including Agenda 2063, the Africa Fit for Children Agenda 2040, and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, working towards establishing a more accountable environment for continental institutions to accelerate progress for children in Africa. The UNICEF Representative Office’s considerable comparative advantage is to bring the issue of child rights to the centre of continental conversations and programmes giving the opportunity to amplify UNICEF’s contribution to Africa’s development agendas with emphasis on partnerships and enhancing support to the African Union, its member states and African Institutions to accelerate progress and rights for children on the African continent

This UN Volunteer (UNV) assignment is part of UNICEF’s African Union Office/United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (AUO/UNECA), providing the organisation's communications and external relations services. As a dynamic small team member, the UNV assignment will help raise the visibility of UNICEF’s engagement with the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), emphasising efforts to advocate for children's rights in Africa. The assignment includes creating content, organising events, collaborating with the media, and contributing to digital media platforms and activities.

Under the guidance of the Representative, the Communications Expert will be required to perform the following tasks: Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks

1. Communication and advocacy strategy • Develop, maintain, and update the Office annual advocacy calendars linked to the African Union Commission (AUC) and UNICEF priorities. • Support the production of the Office Newsletter, including editing articles, branding, formatting, and timely release as per the agreed strategy. • Lead the production of specific communication products such as videos, flyers, web-cards, and banners that promote UNICEF visibility at the AUC and complement the implementation of the Spotlight Initiative for African Regional Programme (SIARP) 2.0 activities.

2. Media relations and digital communication platforms (Intranet webpage/Twitter) • Develop, maintain, and update the media relations contact list/database, targeting media with continental reach. • Establish, review, and refine processes for communicating with and inviting media to UNICEF African Union Office (AUO) events, including press conferences, workshops, and symposiums. • Work with portfolio holders to ensure rapid and accurate dissemination of UNICEF messages and activities to media contacts and social media followers. • Lead the updating of office web page content (intranet and public website).

3. Organization of events and advocacy campaigns • Support the office in participating in global advocacy activities by integrating them into the annual advocacy calendar and disseminating key messages on various social media platforms. • Support the office in organising and participating in SIARP 2.0 advocacy activities. • Assist portfolio holders in planning and delivering online and offline events, including branding presentations, communication materials, and hosting meeting platforms (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc). • Keep the office informed of global advocacy campaign priorities.

4. Networking and partnerships • Work with portfolio holders to maintain and update an email contact list/database of the Office's key stakeholders to facilitate dissemination of UNICEF key messages. • Establish and maintain strong working relationships with communication departments/units from key partners, notably the African Union Commission (AUC), African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and UN agencies involved in SIARP 2.0 and those working with the African Union. • Support portfolio holders to maintain effective partnerships with relevant stakeholders by timely sharing UNICEF knowledge products, including SIARP 2.0. • Maintain close working relationships with UNICEF Centres of Excellence, Regional and Headquarters (HQ) Communication colleagues for effective overall coordination.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation • Monitor and evaluate the use and effectiveness of media materials and share results and findings. • Produce monthly analytics on Office social media and website engagement. • Lead the preparation of the Office customer/stakeholders’ satisfaction survey on an annual basis. • Contribute to the preparation of SIARP 2.0 reports. • Contribute to the preparation of Office annual reports by facilitating editing and branding.

• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Planning and organising • Communication

• Excellent writing skills in English, with the ability to work in more than one United Nations (UN) official language considered an added advantage • Excellent oral and written communication skills; strong drafting, formulation, and reporting abilities • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing • Proven experience in conducting extensive advocacy campaigns • Excellent computer skills, including experience with digital communications such as social media, email, and website management • Excellent photography skills • Work experience and/or familiarity with a continental organization, such as the African Union, is an additional advantage • Strong organisational skills • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to engage with multicultural and multidisciplinary teams; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners • An affinity for or interest in child rights and the United Nations (UN) system • Working knowledge of other UN languages (Arabic, French, or Spanish) is desirable

Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia, located in the country's geographical centre. It is the largest city in Ethiopia and plays a central role in political, economic, and symbolic contexts. Addis Ababa is among the fastest-growing cities in Africa and serves as a hub for the nation's transportation network, which includes an international airport. The city hosts many of Ethiopia's service industries, such as banking, insurance, and publishing. Addis Ababa has a subtropical highland climate, with precipitation varying considerably throughout the year. The city encompasses a complex mix of alpine climate zones, with temperature variations of up to 10 °C (18 °F), influenced by elevation and prevailing wind patterns. Addis Ababa boasts a rich and diverse culture inhabited by people from all over Ethiopia and various parts of Africa and the globe. This diversity is reflected in the city’s culture, a captivating blend of tradition and modernity.

According to the UN security management system, Ethiopia's security level is Level 3. While it is generally safe to walk alone during the day, it is advisable to take a taxi at night. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur. Office facilities are located within the UNECA Compound, and the dress code is casual to smart, with occasional requirements for formal attire.

You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.”

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Potential interview questions

Added 15 days ago - Updated 1 day ago - Source: unv.org