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 fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programmes, in 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. Equity 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.

As part of the efforts of Communication, Advocacy and Partnership Section to ensure UNICEF Kaduna and Sokoto Field Offices achieve their strategic Communication, Advocacy and Partnership goals, in Communicating and showcasing UNICEF-supported Programmes and impact of interventions, and to address the professional Communication human resource gaps which currently exist, and therefore hinder the attainment of these objectives, the CAP section is seeking to hire two Communication Assistantswho will work as members of the NCO CAP team in order to improve the Country Office’s Communication and Advocacy goals, with specific attention to Sokoto and Kaduna Field Offices.

The UN Volunteer Communications Assistants will play a critical role in implementing UNICEF’s communications and advocacy strategies in Sokoto and Kaduna field Offices.The role involves a wide range of communications activities, including digital content creation, media relations, and community engagement to support UNICEF Nigeria's mission.

Reporting to the Chief of Field Office, with direct guidance from the Communications Specialist based in Kano Field Office, the incumbents will accomplish the following tasks: 1. Content Development and Management:  Develop and disseminate compelling communications materials (e.g., stories, blog posts, social media content, ) that align with UNICEF's strategic priorities.  Capture and document human interest stories and testimonials that highlight UNICEF's impact in the region.  Manage and update UNICEF Nigeria's digital presence in Sokoto and Kaduna and contribute to UNICEF Nigeria social media accounts and website. 2. Media Relations:  Build and maintain relationships with local media outlets and journalists.  Coordinate media field visits and facilitate interviews to increase visibility of UNICEF's work.  Pitch story ideas and share approved press releases statements with media.  Monitor media coverage and report on trends and opportunities for enhanced engagement. 3. Advocacy and Community Engagement:  Support advocacy initiatives aimed at promoting children's rights and UNICEF's agenda.  Engage with stakeholders to raise awareness about UNICEF's work and child rights issues.  Participate in and report on field missions and events related to UNICEF's programmes.  Support and document high-level Advocacy engagements. 4. Capacity Building:  Provide communications support and training to UNICEF staff and partners in the region.  Assist in developing and disseminating communication tools and resources. 5. Reporting and Coordination:  Work closely with the Communications Specialist in the Kano Field Office and report to the Chief of Field Office.  Coordinate with other UN agencies and partners on joint communications efforts.  Prepare regular reports on communications activities and outcomes and share with the Chiefs of Field Office and Communication, Advocacy and Partnership.

Results/expected outputs:  Compelling communications materials that align with UNICEF's strategic priorities regularly developed and disseminated.  Impact of the Work of UNICEF in the region and the contributions of donors and partners documented and disseminated regularly.  Content from the region contributing consistently and prominently to UNICEF Nigeria social media accounts and website.  Relationships with local media outlets and journalists nurtured and sustained.  Story of the Nigerian child in the region communicated to key audiences and visibility of UNICEF's work facilitated.  Media coverage and report on trends and opportunities for enhanced media engagement monitored and shared with Chief of Communication.  Advocacy initiatives and messages on children's rights disseminated to decision makers, policy makers, influencers and stakeholders in the region.  UNICEF staff and partners in the region have capacity, tools and resources for effective communication.  Coordination fostered with UN agencies and partners on joint communications promoting children’s rights.  Reports on communications activities and outcomes prepared and shared with the Chiefs of Field Office and Communication, Advocacy and Partnership.

 Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNICEF; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNICEF 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 UNICEF 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.  Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance, and commitment towards UNICEF’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

communications, media relations, or journalism.  Proficiency in digital media, content creation, and social media management.  Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; proficiency in local languages is an advantage.  Knowledge of child rights and development issues in Nigeria.

• Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge  Strong storytelling and content creation skills.  Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.  Good organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines.  Familiarity with the use of digital tools and platforms for communications.  Sensitivity and adaptability to cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age differences.  Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.  Management, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

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