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.

UN Women Türkiye Office implements a three-year project `Strengthening civil society capacities and multi-stakeholder partnerships to advance women’s rights and gender equality in Türkiye- Strong Civic Space for Gender Equality’ funded by the European Union between April 2021 and October 2024 with a total budget of 4,5 million Euros. The Project aims to reduce gender inequalities by enhancing the ability of civil society organizations to be agents of transformative change towards gender equality and women’s rights.

Under this project UN Women works with civil society actors as knowledge partners, implementing partners, and advocates for normative advancements and accountability, and supports civil society through convening and networking, knowledge exchange, capacity development, funding, including through its small grants mechanisms. It seeks to foster strategic and innovative partnerships between organizations and individuals working to advance women’s empowerment with a wide range of stakeholders, including men and boys advocates, youth groups, academia, disability rights activists, climate justice activists and other key constituencies, as well as across generations and sectors.

Reporting to the Programme Specialist (NOC) and in collaboration with the Communication Analysts, the UN Volunteer will work in close collaboration with the project team, UN Women Türkiye’s communication team and UN Women Europe and Central Asia Regional Office communication team.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Programme Specialist and in close collaboration with the Communication Analysts the UNV Communications Assistant will contribute to below duties and responsibilities:

1.Contribute to the implementation and adaptation of the communications and visibility plan of the ‘Strong Civic Space for Gender Equality’ project: oProvide support to sustain the continuous communication and visibility of the project’s milestones, achievements, results, and outcomes. oProvide support to the conceptualization, preparation and implementation of the communications and advocacy efforts implemented under the project such as online/offline visibility events, press conferences, internal/external communications activities and campaigns. oProvide support to monitor and report on the media coverage of the project, as well as to overall reporting on project communication and visibility. oProvide support to drafting press releases, briefing materials, information documents, key messages, talking points. oProvide support to the development and production of creative and innovative social media posts/content, infographics, newsletters, human-interest stories, news articles, multi-media assets highlighting project milestones, achievements and results. oProvide support to the translation and dissemination of basic documents oProvide support for the design and implementation of communication and advocacy activities of the civil society partners.

2.Contribute to the coordination of the vendors and partners such as event organization company, design, printing and publishing companies, graphic designer, multi-media expert, and editor.

3.Support the management of UN Women Türkiye’s corporate communication efforts: oProvide support to the development and production of digital communication tools, assets, content, materials, and campaigns. oParticipate in the planning, organization, implementation, and reporting of digital and social media campaigns under UN special days of observance such as 16 Days of Activism, International Women’s Day, and the Day of the Girl Child. oSupport the development and dissemination of UN Women Türkiye’s newsletters. oMaintain and regularly update the stakeholder database and database of relevant press in the country. oConvey or respond to inquiries and information requests received through UN Women Türkiye’s info email address and social media platforms.

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. •Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

•Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UN Women; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UN Women 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, 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 UN Women 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 communicate and empathize with staff, 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: 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 Women’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

the national and/or international level in the field of communication, journalism, advocacy or visibility; •Experience in the field of gender equality, women’s rights or women’s empowerment is a strong asset, •Experience working in the UN or other international development organization is an asset. •Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; •Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; •Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partner; 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; •Sound security awareness; •Have affinity with or interest in gender issues, women’s rights and volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

The UN Volunteer will live and work in Ankara, Türkiye. Ankara is the capital of Türkiye and the country’s second largest city following Istanbul. Ankara is an important commercial and industrial city. It is where the Turkish Parliament, Turkish Armed Forces General Staff, ministries and foreign embassies are located. The city is strategically located at an important crossroads for trade in proximity of Türkiye’s highway and railway networks. Security: The current security level in Ankara is minimal – 1. Ankara is considered a generally a safe city. Public transportation is safe to use. There are no direct threats towards United Nations staff in Türkiye. Medical Services: No special vaccinations are required for a travel to Ankara. Medical services available are of high quality, and health care services are available also in English. Housing: Apartments and flats are easily available and generally of good condition, with well working services (gas, electricity, water). The cost of housing is reasonable, although certain locations close to foreign embassies and area where UN Women Türkiye CO is located tends to be more expensive. Cost of living and services: Housing is the largest monthly expense, and the cost of living is otherwise affordable. Daily food and products are inexpensive, as there are various types of services. Imported goods and many non-essential services and products tend to be more expensive. The provision of goods and services in general is very good. Local transportation ranges from buses, mini-busses to taxis, which are all affordable. The subway lines are very limited. Weather: The city is cold, often snowy during winters due to its elevation and inland location, and hot, dry during summers. Language: Turkish is the only official language. English is widely spoken in touristic areas, but less common in Ankara. In supermarkets and shops, knowing basic Turkish can be useful. There are variety of Turkish language schools and tutors available in Ankara.

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