Communication Specialist, (P-3) Fixed-Term, Division of Global Communication and Advocacy, UNICEF NYHQ

Contract

This is a P-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 140,639 USD and 184,155 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, hope. . .

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, advocacy, and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias, or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic, and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education, and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

How can you make a difference?

As part of the media team led by the Chief, Media Section, the Communication Specialist is responsible for developing, managing, coordinating, implementing, and monitoring media strategies and releasing information on a regular basis to media organizations worldwide about issues of concern to the organization.

• Support the development, implementation, and monitoring of media strategies on priority issues for children and UNICEF.
• Help ensure rapid and accurate dissemination of materials to the media, National Committees, partners, and other appropriate audiences.
• Develop and pitch story ideas and place UNICEF materials in mainstream, online, and digitally native outlets.
• Draft and edit media materials, including press releases, articles Op-Eds, Q&As, key messages, and other major corporate communications materials for internal and external audiences.
• Plan and organize press conferences, events, and interviews with UNICEF experts.
• Plan and execute global media campaigns and initiatives that generate coverage for UNICEF. Coordinate with implementing partners and UNICEF offices as necessary.
• Develop, maintain and update media contact list/database.
• Advise and support other UNICEF Spokespeople in their media interactions, including leadership, as needed.
• Provide research, key messages, and other relevant content for DOC communication platforms.
• Support the development of partnership communication strategies, press releases, and other communication products as required.
• Provide relevant inputs to DOC Annual Report, Work Plans, and other documentation.
• Perform other communication duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or higher) in communication, journalism, public relations; or a related discipline. *A first University Degree in a relevant field combined with 2 additional years of professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an Advanced University Degree.
• A minimum of five [5] years of relevant professional experience in communications and media relations, with at least two years at the international level.
• Field experience preferred.
• Knowledge of United Nations or other international organizations; good understanding of world affairs; current events and development issues.
• Developing country work experience and/or familiarity with emergencies is considered an asset.
• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.

Technical Knowledge/Leadership

a) Specific Technical Knowledge Required

• Ability to express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written and oral form.
• Proven ability to network and manage relationships with partners.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills and negotiating skills.
• Proven ability to conceptualize, plan and execute ideas as well as transfer knowledge and skills.
• Knowledge of current theories and practices in communication research, planning and strategy, and the role of the mass media.
• Proven ability to work as part of a team.
• Good knowledge of international development issues and of UNICEF priority areas.
• Ability to exercise good judgment under pressure.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments with competing deadlines. Able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines and capacity to work long hours when required.
• Flexibility to take on assignments at short notice or to change assignments at short notice.

b) Common Technical Knowledge Required

Comprehensive knowledge of:

• Communication management. Knowledge of theories and practices in communication research planning and strategy.
• Fundamentals for working in various media formats – print, audio, video, web etc.
• Computer systems/applications and network, including internet navigation, office applications, and specifically, interactive digital media.
• Knowledge of United Nations or other international organizations;
• Global human rights issues, specifically relating to children and women.
• UNICEF communication goals, policies, guidelines and strategies.
• UNICEF policies and strategy to address national and international issues.
• UNICEF emergency communication policies, goals, strategies.

• Gender equality and diversity awareness.

  c) Technical Knowledge to be Acquired/ Enhanced

• Expertise of management, communication strategy and networking.

• Technical competence in producing content for various media formats – print, audio, video, web etc.
• UN policies and strategy to address international humanitarian issues and the responses.
• UN common approaches to programmatic issues and UNICEF positions
• UN security operations and guidelines.
• General understanding of global development issues, in particular related to health and the environment.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: https://uni.cf/UNICEFValues

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts strategically (7) Works collaboratively with others.

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to delivering the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable eligible and suitable program country nationals are encouraged to apply.

Remarks:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Division Global and Advocacy (NYHQ)

UNICEF ( Division of Global and advocacy ) is currently undergoing organizational changes; therefore, the exact location of the post has yet to be determined. Selected candidates may be required to commence duties remotely until the location is confirmed. If reassigned or relocated to New York, candidates may be expected to relocate to a new location again during the initial contract or assignment period.