Communication Specialist

Volunteering Communications & PR

Overview

Support UNICEF's media strategies to amplify child rights issues

You have:

• Bachelor's degree in communication, media, public relations, journalism, or other relevant programmes.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in communication, public relations, or journalism.
• Proficient in MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet.
• Ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with different partners.
• Cultural and social sensitivity.

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.

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, to defend their rights, and to help them fulfil their potential, from early childhood through adolescence. The Africa Services Unit is based in Johannesburg, South Africa and specializes in positioning UNICEF in the news as an expert voice on all matters related to children in Africa. Through analysis and insight of the external environment and nurturing relationships with media, we ensure that our stories and voice reach a broad audience, influence decisions, and brings a positive impact for children. We work with content creators to ensure the authentic voice of young people, communities and partners are represented and their storied brought under the spotlight. The Africa Services Unit (ASU) works closely with colleagues across the regions to improve the skills and awareness related to media, brand and ethical story telling. In addition to duty station specific vaccine requirements, appointments are subject to confirmation of fully vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the appointment. It does not apply to UN Volunteers who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their contracts. UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for UN Volunteers with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process and afterwards in your assignment.

• Support ASU, regional and country offices in designing, implementing and monitoring effective engagement strategies to increase the reach and share of voice of UNICEF in news media; • Advise management on strategic media outreach in line with UNICEF communication and advocacy strategies; • Track, research and analyze news from diverse sources and help to assess potential impact, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of media outreach; • In collaboration with country teams, identify news and feature story ideas and other media opportunities to engage print, TV, radio, web journalists and contribute to increase news coverage on child rights issues in the region; • Develop, draft, edit and disseminate communication material for journalists, including press release, news note, human interest stories, briefing notes, video b-rolls, photo captions, video shot lists, etc.; • Ensure timely and accurate dissemination of news materials to the media, UNICEF’s regional and global network offices, and other appropriate audiences; • Assist in providing feedback on the use and appropriateness of country, regional and global multimedia content and other communication material such as publications, reports, briefings, etc.; • Ensure good quality data collection, analysis and evaluation and reporting to ensure effective communication strategies, planning and effective and efficient advocacy.

Accountability; Adaptability and flexibility; Creativity; Judgement and decision-making; Planning and organising; Professionalism; Self-management.

communication, media, public relations, journalism, or other relevant programmes at national or international level. Excellent drafting, formulating and reporting writing skills; • Excellent interpersonal as well oral and written skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Culturally and socially sensitive; • Ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; • Familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; • Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; •Familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; • Ability to work with tight deadlines. • Working in the UN or other international development organization will serve as an asset.

The National UNV will be based in Johannesburg, South Africa. The assignment may involve international travel in Africa, and beyond. South Africa is a unique country and Johannesburg is a unique hub for national, regional and international media. 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 fast evolving environment is essential.

UN Volunteers receives the below entitlements: • A Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA): ZAR 22405 per month; • A once off entry lumpsum of $400 at the start of the assignment; • Medical insurance; Life cover, and annual leave; • Access to all learning platforms; • A once off exit lumpsum at the end of the assignment.

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org