Communications Assistant

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.

The Communications Assistant will report to the Communications Officer and will have regular contacts within the office/unit involving exchange of information. S/he will also have limited external contacts on routine matters.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Associate Communications Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Communications Assistant will:

• Collect press-cuttings of articles in national, regional, international media, as well as periodicals that pertain to refugee and forcibly displaced persons’ related issues and to the work of the office. • Compile and maintain the mailing list for press releases, information bulletins, etc. and ensure timely dispatch of information to media and other interested parties. • Compile and maintain a list of financial partners, journalists, and other relevant counterparts in Mali and at the regional, and international levels. • Classify and maintain adequate stock of PI materials and promote sale of merchandise where appropriate. • Maintain up to date the catalogue of PI material and types monthly report regarding sales and stocks for submission to PI at Headquarters in accordance with established guidelines. • Provide clerical assistance with regard to PI events such as poster campaigns, exhibitions, and public awareness raising events. • Respond to routine telephone and written enquiries from a variety of sources such as the media, the public, NGOs, and government officials etc. • Prepare weekly press reviews to be distributed to UNHCR’s external relations’ counterparts. • Take photos of events and maintain a solid bank of photos for continued use. • Assist in the development of social media content for UNHCR’s official platforms (publications, photos, texts, etc.). • Draft press releases, reports, booklets and other publications for target audiences • Distribute press statements and similar information to media, to other offices locally as well as to Headquarters • Follow-up on administrative and logistical arrangements to organise press briefings and other events, such as workshop and conferences • Liaise with printers to ensure the production of UNHCR visibility items • Take part and contribute to the activities of the United Nations Communication Group (UNCG) • Maintain PI files up to date. • Have access to UNHCR's communication systems • Perform other related duties as required.

Required Experience: 3 years

The position is based in Bamako, a D duty station with good accommodation, public facilities/services and availability of amenities. There are several supermarkets that have a good selection of local and imported products. Power cuts are frequent, making a generator necessary. UN Clinic and hospitals are available in the country.

Hot and dry weather conditions during most of the year, with a rainy season between May and September. Road traffic accidents remain a pertinent risk to staff and roads are congested. Vehicle travel is difficult at certain times of the day due to traffic volume and accidents.

Security

On a 1 to 6 overall security level scale, Bamako is at 4 (substantial) while the central and northern parts of the country are at 5 (high). The capital city is at the same security level as the Southern regions which is higher than those of the Western regions. Notwithstanding Bamako’s security level, staff are discouraged from using accommodations that are not recommended by UNDSS or renting apartments in unrecommended suburbs. All accommodations need to be approved, and residential security measures (RSM) implemented.

The capital city’s security level 4 rating hides high levels of security threats related to terrorism and civil unrest. Past incidents and frequent security threats demonstrate that these threats remain a concern. The 2015 Bamako attacks on foreigners combine with regular communication by terrorist groups about their continuous intention to target the UN. Furthermore, with a long-lasting socio-political crisis, sporadic anti-MINUSMA and anti-French sentiments, demonstrations have become frequent in Bamako and other urban locations. They led to the 2020 bloodless military coup while the same actors of the M5-RFP and the civil society continue to organize demonstrations, in support of the military. Other forms of rallies and strikes are also frequent in Bamako. Even when they don’t turn violent, the civil unrest often causes disruptions in traffic.

The UN staff and affiliate workforce remain potential targets of crime, armed assaults, and robberies. If previously the crime was especially in the outlying areas of the city, it now extends to all districts of Bamako, and especially to areas where expatriates reside, in particular during late hours. Road traffic accidents also represent a substantial threat in Bamako with scores of motorcycles using the roads often without respecting traffic rules.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.