Communication Officer

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.

How and what organizations communicate has a direct bearing on how perceptions are formed. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.

While UNDP regularly makes substantive contributions to development in Liberia —working closely with Government, donors and communities – maintaining a positive perception of UNDP and sustained interest in UNDP’s work underpins all the work of the Communications Team.

Carving out a space for UNDP to be heard is a top priority. Liberia has a great number of voices to be heard, and as funding sources dwindle and dry up, it is vital that UNDP stays relevant, produces strong results, and is promoted widely and frequently. The increase in promotion positions UNDP as Liberia’s go-to development partner with a long track record of achievements.

Under the Resident Representative or his/her designated representative(s), working in close collaboration with the Communications Analyst and the programme team, the UN Volunteer Communications Officer will undertake the following tasks:

Communication Support • Support research, draft, edit, design, production, Identification, and dissemination of high-quality communication documents/materials in English. eg. articles, press releases, human interest stories, fact sheets, publications, reports, features, blogs, etc.) for use by traditional and modern media, advocacy, social mobilization, resource mobilization/fundraising, as well as participate in the evaluation of their impact.

• Ensure quality assurance consistency, accuracy, and ethics of all communication tools and materials (press releases, videos, social media posts, Human Interest Stories, Blog articles, Reports, etc.)

• Support day-to-day communication activities, including but not limited to, contributing to outreach through organizing events/activities, prepare background communication and advocacy materials for briefings and visits of media, goodwill ambassadors, donors, national committee representatives, and other special interest groups as required.

• Support planning and execution of strategic goals & events that generate public support, monitor the public perception of UNDP in Liberia, evaluate the effectiveness of advocacy and Communication systems, and recommend appropriate actions where needed to maintain a positive image for the organization,

• Develop close collaboration with the media to organize and facilitate field visits to project sites, photo, video, and TV coverage to generate and maintain public interest in the work of UNDP and communicate the story suited to the relevant target audience.

Online strategy support: • Support UNDP’s online/ digital communication and web content development strategy to generate national and international support. (e.g., the regular update of the UNDP Country Office Website, regular update social media channels, leading efforts to mobilize followers, improving UNDP Liberia’s presence on social media platforms, assisting in maintaining the Country office’s web photo database, etc).

• Support the development and reinforcement of already existing web tools to enhance the visibility of UNDP and its partners, ensure systematic information updates, and propose content for social media platforms (photos, videos, posts, articles, etc).

Advocacy support: • Provide internal office support to programme staff on the production of quality advocacy, information, and communication materials to strengthen the visibility of projects. (E.g., one-pagers, policy briefs, summaries, branding, etc).

• Support global/national UNDP/UN /UNCG advocacy activities- Eg. planning UN Day events, High-level visits, supporting the preparation and dissemination of information materials, and necessary logistic arrangements for strategic activities.

• Take responsibility where required to adapt and disseminate advocacy materials from the Country Office, NY HQ, Geneva HQ, and Regional Office to target audiences, as necessary; identify the need for additional materials/activities, and publications to advocate and promote organizational goals within the country.

• Develop partnerships with individuals, groups, and organizations whose support is essential to the achievement of advocacy and communication objectives and strengthen their capacity through appropriate advocacy and communication training, and access to updated information, supplies, and equipment through experience-sharing.

• Diversity and inclusion: Treats all people with dignity and respect; shows respect and sensitivity towards gender, cultural, and religious differences; challenges prejudice, biases, and intolerance in the workplace; encourages diversity wherever possible. • Integrity: Maintains high ethical standards; takes clear ethical stands; keeps promises; immediately addresses untrustworthy or dishonest behavior; resists pressure in decision-making from internal and external sources; does not abuse power or authority. • Commitment: Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission and to the wider UN system; demonstrates the values of UNDP in daily activities and behavior; seeks out new challenges, assignments, and responsibilities; promotes UNDP’s cause. • Communication: Speaks fluently; expresses opinions, information, and key points of an argument clearly; presents information with skill and confidence; responds quickly to the needs of an audience and to their reactions and feedback; projects credibility; structures information to meet the needs and understanding of the intended audience; presents information in a well-structured and logical way. • Working with people: Shows respect for the views and contributions of other team members; shows empathy; listens, supports, and cares for others; consults others and shares information and expertise with them; builds team spirit and reconciles conflict; adapts to the team and fits in well. • Drive for results: Sets high standards for quality of work; monitors and maintains the quality of work; works in a systematic, methodical, and orderly way; consistently achieves project goals; focuses on the needs and satisfaction of internal and external partners; accepts and tackles demanding goals with enthusiasm.

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse or any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

At least 4 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in communication, print and broadcast media, interactive digital media, public information, or other relevant programmes.

experience working in the UN or other international development organization is an asset as experience working on programming in conflict-affected /post conflict countries

The incumbent must be a dynamic, multi-functional person who writes very well and is able to break down technical content and convey messages in a manner that is easily read and understood. S/he is expected to support UNDP in a professional way with dedication and must be willing to work on programmatic/substantive content and operational/logistical services. The following qualifications are required or desirable: o Excellent technical competence in producing for various media formats (print, web, social media); (required) o Strong journalistic/writing skills with emphasis on descriptive and engaging storytelling (required) o Advanced photographic skills, for compelling visual communications of issues and stories (desirable) o Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management (desirable); and office technology equipment (required) o Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; (required) o Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; (required)

Monrovia is located in West Africa and its capital is Liberia which is the biggest city and the main financial and economical hub. A large percentage of Liberia’s population live in the capital.

Climate: Liberia features mostly a tropical monsoon climate and has a wet season and a dry season. The dry season is influenced by the harmattan. The average temperature is 29°-30°; Rainy season originally runs from June to October, but with climate change, may not be exactly the case

Population: The population of Liberia is approximately 4.5 million

The population of Liberia contains about 16 different ethnic groups.

Approximately 85% of the population is Christian. Other religions within the country include Muslim which is the second largest, Buddhist, Hindu and others.

Currency:

US dollars and Liberian dollars are changed easily, and rates are normally best in Monrovia. The ECO-Bank, UBA offer an ATM that takes Visa cards.

Visas

Visas are always required and will be processed by UNV Field Unit and UNDP

Language Spoken

English is the official language of Liberia.

Working language at the United Nations: English

Accommodation price range: The UNV Field Unit Liberia provides contact details for MORSS compliant apartment owners and landlords for all new arriving UN Volunteers. Volunteers often find apartments before arrival and sign lease agreements upon arrival.

Running water, phones and electricity all have irregular service. The majority of hotels have generators.

Security: Liberia is generally a safe country to visit, but crime has been on the rise in parts of the country. It is wise not to travel at night especially now with a state of emergency in effect. Please refer to security guidelines provided by the UNDP Security Office.

Health: Liberia is still recovering from the aftermath of the Ebola outbreak in 2014. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic further weakens Liberia already fragile health system and exacerbates the country’s socio- economic growth. Most UN Programmes have now been redirected to COVID -19 response as was done for the Ebola outbreak.

Security recommendations from the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) must be followed by all UN Staff and UN Volunteers during their assignment in Liberia.

Liberia is a unique country and UNDP is a unique humanitarian organization. Both provide for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.