Communication Specialist

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 Can You Make a difference: UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young’s person potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s new strategic plan 2022-2025, focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal death; to end unmet need for family planning; end gender-based violence and harmful practices. In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction. UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results. We need staff who are transparent and exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

Supervision, induction and duty of care of UN Volunteers

UN Volunteers should be provided equal duty of care as extended to all host entity personnel. Host entity support to the UN Volunteer includes, but is not limited to: • Introductory briefings about the organisation and office-related context including security, emergency procedures, good cultural practice and orientation to the local environment; • Support with arrival administration including setting-up of bank accounts, residence permit applications and completion of other official processes as required by the host government or host entity; • Structured guidance, mentoring and coaching by a supervisor including a clear workplan and performance appraisal; • Access to office space, equipment, IT support and any other systems and tools required to complete the objectives of the assignment including a host entity email address; • Access to shared host entity corporate knowledge, training and learning; • Inclusion of the volunteer in emergency procedures such as evacuations; • Leave management; • DSA for official travel, when applicable. • All changes in the Description of Assignment occurring between recruitment and arrival or during the assignment need to be formalized with the United Nations Volunteer Programme; • Investigate misconduct: sharing reports with the UNV; • Provide emergency assistance, e.g. the death of volunteer or medical evacuation, in collaboration with UNV. Accept letters of guarantees or potential liabilities for covering medical costs not claimable under medical insurance in extraordinary situations (e.g. isolation facilities` services during pandemics).

The UN Volunteer Communication Specialist will be under the direct supervision of Deputy Representative or his/her designated mandated representative(s).

The main role of the Communication Specialist will consist of various project support tasks, but more importantly, he/she will provide essential technical inputs to all communication-related activities (Communication for impact – behavior change) on the project “Projet de Renforcement de la Performance du Système de Santé (PRPSS)”, financed by World Bank, He/she will support the Country Office communication team in developing the country office communication plan as well as producing visibility capsules – supports (newsletters – videos – live stories – etc.).

Specifically, the Communication Specialist will:

Communication and Media

• Prepare and share with the Management the communication plan of the project • Develop and implement communication on the impact of the project for internal and external communication needs, advocacy, on social media and traditional media. • Document and disseminate the results of the project in the different regions where the project is implemented. This includes the preparation of case studies, best practice guidelines and briefing notes. • Ensure the visibility of the project through success stories with beneficiaries to post online, share with the media and submit to Regional Office (RO) and HQ for wider dissemination across UNFPA platforms. • Participate in the production of UNFPA publications, advocacy materials, including best practices, articles, opinion pieces, which will be disseminated in local publications, newspapers and the website of UNFPA, the Donor and the Government. • Ensure the production of quality photos and videos of beneficiaries as a means to share results and impact of the project

Partnerships and coordination • Develop a communication strategy aimed at improving the visibility of UNFPA in Chad and showing how the UNFPA program produces results and contributes to achieving the results expected by the government and the donor. • Liaise with the UN communication team at UNFPA office and other agencies, to ensure that all important documents produced by the UN common system in Chad include the results of the project. • In collaboration with the Communication Specialist of the office, guide, build as needed and support partnerships with NGOs, the national media network, and other communication platforms. • Educate and sensitize journalists on project issues and lead them to produce positive reports on the project and the work of UNFPA. • Ensure the regular production of visibility material for the project. • Prepare regular progress reports and document lessons learned and challenges. • Assist in the production of the SitRep.

Other Any other responsibility specifically related to the concerned programme portfolio as 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. Results/expected outputs

• As an active UNFPA team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNFPA and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:  Timely and qualified delivery of the humanitarian initiatives as per the approved targets, budgets and implementation plans. This will impact on the overall UNFPA efficiency and success in implementation of project strategies.  Accurate analysis and presentation of information enhances UNFPA position as a robust humanitarian and development partner for Chad. The information provided facilitates decision making of the management.  Availability of accurate and substantive analytical reviews of SRH in humanitarian settings findings and recommendations.  Lessons learnt are documented and disseminated to relevant partners. • The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counter-parts, 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

Competencies and values:

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNFPA; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNFPA 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 UNFPA 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.

communication at the national or international level. • Proven leadership and management experience in a multinational and multicultural environment. • Experience developing communication strategies, media, social and behavior change communication campaigns. • Proven experience of technical assistance in the field of communication, particularly in Africa and in countries in crisis or post-crisis situations. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills. • Experience in documenting, capitalizing on and sharing the results of development programs. • Experience with the UN will be an asset.

Living Conditions

Chad is a landlocked country in central Africa. It is one of the world's poorest countries, ranking 175th out of 182 countries on the 2009 HDI list. The capital is N'Djamena. It is in many ways similar, though less publicized, to its eastern neighbor, Sudan, for example in terms of a north-south divide (geographically, socially and religiously), several latent or open internal conflicts and rebellions, among others linked to ethnic tensions and/or land issues; the omnipresence of small arms; large parts of the country have a deep-rooted culture of violence, are subject to frequent acts of banditry ("coupeurs de route") and are heavily militarized; a large population of former displaced persons and refugees; and strained relations with its neighbors, notably Sudan itself. Large parts of the country are in "pre/post-conflict" mode, and security is a major concern everywhere, particularly in the border area with Darfur/Sudan. The whole country is in security phase III, with the Abéché and Lac regions in phase IV.

Due to direct exposure to various dangers and difficult living conditions, as indicated in the paragraphs below, Chad has been declared a non-family duty station. The cost of living in N'djamena is comparatively high compared with eastern Chad. UNV volunteers are generally encouraged to share accommodation for cost-sharing and security reasons; modest furnished accommodation (on a shared basis) costs between 500 and 700 USD per month.

Basic foodstuffs are generally available on the local market, notably vegetables, fish and meat. As Chad is a French-speaking country, people speak French and Arabic. English is not widely spoken. Daily transactions are carried out in local currency, called XAF. As the climate in Chad is relatively warm, it is not necessary to bring warm clothing. However, it is advisable to bring at least one jacket in case of unpredictable weather changes. It is essential to be flexible and have the ability and willingness to live and work in dangerous and difficult conditions, with physical constraints and few comforts.

Chad is a unique country and UNFPA is a unique (humanitarian) operation that accompanies the Chad Republic to serve its population. It provides 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. Conditions of Service

Note on novel coronavirus – COVID-19. The rapidly changing nature of novel coronavirus COVID-19 has placed significant and increasing restrictions on the freedom of movement of people across the globe, within countries and across borders. Such restrictions make it very difficult for international UN Volunteers to begin their assignments at their assigned duty station and UNV cannot guarantee assignments will proceed as normal. Candidates for international UN Volunteer assignments during this period may be exceptionally granted alternative working arrangements to work from their place of recruitment until restrictions are lifted. This is at the discretion of the host entity. Candidates proceeding to interview are recommended to discuss the likelihood of travel and possible alternative arrangements with the host entity. If selected, candidates should carefully consider the circumstances before accepting UNV’s offer.