Communication Officer

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.

With the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development at its core, and in response to the General Assembly resolution 71/243 on the quadrennial comprehensive policy review of operational activities for development of the United Nations system, a reinvigorated resident coordinator system is placed at the centre of a repositioned United Nations development system.

The 2021-2025 UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) was endorsed by the BiH Council of Ministers on 16 December 2020 and officially signed and launched in May 2021. The UNSDCF outlines operational activities for the partnership between BiH and the UN in their joint efforts to advance implementation of the 2030 Agenda in BiH as defined in the SDGs Framework in BiH as well as the European Union integration agenda and the Reform Agenda 2020-2023. The four strategic pillars of the UNSDCF outline activities related to (i) Sustainable, resilient and inclusive growth, (ii) Quality, accessible and inclusive education, health and social protection, (iii) People centered governance and rule of law, and (iv) Citizen and community engagement for social cohesion, each led by a dedicated UN Results Group.

This post will support the RC in communication and advocacy required to deliver on the 2030 Agenda.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Resident Coordinator or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Communication Specialist will:

• Primary social media content production and promotion for the RC and UN BiH account • Drafting of communications material for RC in coordination with the relevant parts of the UN system, external actors and other stakeholders as relevant (eg, Op Eds, Blogs, PR statements, etc) • Assist in media relations in coordination with the United Nations Comms Group • Support the organization of UN advocacy events and as required, capture and publish communications highlights. • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

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.

1. Results/expected outputs:

• As an active UN team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to the Regional Coordinator and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: • 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

• 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 UN’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

a) Demonstrated interest and/or experience in advocacy and communications b) Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded

Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and the largest urban center with an estimated population of 370.000. The city is situated along the Miljacka river and surrounded by the Dinaric Alps. The city is famous for its traditional religious diversity, with adherents of Islam, Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Judaism coexisting there for centuries. There are no administrative or other restrictions, apart from visa (exceptions possible), on international staff members’ travelling in/within/from the country and in the past two years restrictions imposed by Covid-19 pandemic. In general, regular medical facilities are available, with two main hospitals and a significant number of small private clinics. General sanitary and hygiene conditions are adequate. Good local banking facilities are available (use of credit cards, ATMs). Communication services (domestic and international) are available on a regular basis. Availability of food, furnishings and other necessities is adequate (various grocery stores and markets with fresh food products, shopping centers, etc). Public transportation is available (tram, bus, trolleybus, taxi). International airport is 20 minutes drive from the UN building in Sarajevo. Public water supply, electricity and sewerage system are in place. Sarajevo offers numerous cultural events open also for international population. The most famous ones are Sarajevo Film Festival, MESS (international theatre festival), Jazz Festival, Sarajevo Winter, Bascarsija’s Nights in summer time, Novi Grad’s Days, Agro-food, International Book Fair, etc. There are number of galleries and museums, sports facilities open for public use and annual international sports competitions. There are several Cinema multiplex that regularly offers a rich repertoire of latest films, both blockbusters and masterpieces of independent cinema. The UN designated state of alert for Bosnia and Herzegovina is Security Level 1 which is minimal and lowest security level in the Security Level System for the entire country, including the capital of Sarajevo. The situation in BiH is generally quiet; all international agencies consider threats to their staff to be low at this time. However, BiH has the same problems as much of Europe, from pickpockets to traffic accidents, so all staff must exercise appropriate personal security awareness and common sense. Bosnia and Herzegovina is still the country with the largest mine contamination problem. Staff are advised not to deviate from well-travelled routes while in the country. See http://www.bhmac.org.