Communications Assistant (Human Security Project)

Volunteering Crisis & Emergency Response Communications & PR

Overview

Provide communications support for humanitarian project in Ukraine.

You have:

• Excellent written communication skills for crafting compelling narratives in various formats.
• Proficiency in multimedia content creation, including video production.
• Strong organizational skills for event coordination.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing.
• Media experience to support press interactions and enhance coverage of project activities.
• Judgment and decision-making abilities required for stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to plan and organize communications effectively.
• Adaptability and flexibility to work in a dynamic environment.
• Creativity in developing engaging content for various audience groups.
• Professionalism in stakeholder communications and meetings.
• Self-management in fulfilling assigned tasks and responsibilities.

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 invasion of Ukraine by the military forces of Russian Federation launched on 24 February 2022, has caused severe damages to the increasingly fragile social and humanitarian situation in Ukraine, and a humanitarian disaster of a proportion not seen in Europe since 1945 is now increasingly likely to occur. While the human and -economic cost of the conflict continues to grow, the Government of Ukraine remains resilient, sustaining key government functions to ensure delivery of services for population on the move. The damage arising from the war generates significant amounts of debris as well as a huge number of unstable damaged buildings throughout the conflict areas. Many of these damaged buildings are posing a threat to public health through potential uncontrolled collapse. The large quantities of debris strewn in streets, open public spaces and on and plots will inhibit the safe return of residents, restart of businesses and public services.

UNDP, supported by the Government of Japan, is leading a crucial project to enhance human security in Ukraine amid the multidimensional crisis caused by the ongoing war. With a focus on vulnerability reduction, the project aims to restore essential infrastructure, enhance capacities in mine action and emergency response, empower local authorities, strengthen the government system for crisis management, and enable state and non-state actors for community security and human rights. The initiative spans key regions affected by the war, involving strategic partnerships with various government entities, municipal authorities, environmental organizations, and civil society. This comprehensive approach seeks to contribute significantly to the recovery and resilience of war-affected communities in Ukraine.

The Communications Assistant will provide comprehensive communications and public relations support for the UNDP's "Promotion of Human Security in Ukraine through Responding to the Multidimensional Crisis Caused by the War," “Transitional Recovery through Human Security” projects and associated outputs within the Energy and Environment portfolio. Collaborating with the IC on Digital Communications, project component leaders, and UNDP Country Office staff, the Communications Assistant will facilitate the timely exchange of information and efficient communication of project activities. Responsibilities include organizing events, developing written and video materials, and communicating with stakeholders. The Communications Assistant will closely collaborate with all project personnel and the UNDP Country Office team to ensure timely and high-quality fulfilment of relevant requirements, adhering to the highest standards in line with UNDP guidelines and procedures.

Support to strategic communications: - Support the development and implementation of the strategic communication plans outlining activities and materials to showcase the project's initiatives. - Ensure that planned activities and communication materials effectively highlight the project's impact, giving visibility to both UNDP and donor contributions, while incorporating perspectives from partners, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders. - Track and report on the results of communication materials, including outreach metrics, and contribute to project progress reports.

Support to content creation: - Provide support to developing the scripts and gathering the materials for the video reportages illustrating the project's activities, outcomes, and human-interest stories from affected communities. - Provide technical assignments and oversight and coordination of the photographer and videographers services to ensure that there are high-quality photos and videos that visually capture the progress and results of the project's initiatives. - Assist in drafting textual publications, including press releases, social media content, blogs, and stories for the UNDP website.

Assist in event organization: - Provide support in organizing events related to the project, ensuring seamless coordination and execution. - Assist in the creation of event-related communication materials, including invitations, agendas, and promotional content, to effectively convey the purpose and impact of each event.

Stakeholder engagement: - Facilitate connections with residents, media, and authorities in project-affected communities, maintaining positive relations with relevant national and local institutions, such as the State Emergency Service of Ukraine. - Conduct visits to project communities to gather firsthand information and strengthen community engagement. - Ensure that all external communication materials are sensitive to gender and vulnerable groups, including war-affected and displaced communities, aligning with UNDP Guidelines and Communications Key Messages.

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

• Proficiency in multimedia content creation, including video production. • Excellent written communication skills for crafting compelling narratives in various formats. • Strong organizational skills for event coordination. • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent writing, drafting, formulation, reporting skills. Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing. • Media experience to support the press interactions and enhance coverage of events and activities of the projects.

As it is a national UN Volunteer's assignment, the UN volunteer shall organize his/her accommodation by themselves.

Entitlements of National UN Volunteer Specialist

The contract lasts for the period indicated in the vacancy with the possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity, and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment. This is a full-time contract.

Allowances: • Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA): A Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) USD 1587 (equivalent in UAH) is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities, and normal cost of living expenses. This includes Well-Being Differentials for the period while the ICSC applies hardship classification to duty stations in Ukraine as “E”. • USD 400 entry lump sum, one-time payment.

Medical and life insurance: • Medical insurance: The UN Volunteer and eligible PFU dependents will receive UNV provided medical insurance coverage. Coverage for UN Volunteers begins from the Commencement of Service and normally ceases one month after the last day of the UN Volunteer Contract date. • Life Insurance: UN Volunteers are covered by life insurance for the duration of the UN Volunteer assignment. If a UN Volunteer dies during the UN Volunteer assignment, the eligible designated beneficiaries will be entitled to receive a life insurance lump sum.

Leave entitlements: • Annual leave:  UN Volunteers accrue an entitlement to 2.5 days of Annual Leave per completed month of the UN Volunteer assignment. Unused accrued Annual Leave up to a maximum of 30 days is carried over in case of a contract extension within the same UN Volunteer assignment. Unused accrued Annual Leave may not be carried over in case of reassignment or a new assignment. • Learning leave: Subject to supervisor approval and exigencies of service, UN Volunteers may request up to ten working days of Learning Leave per consecutive 12 months of the UN Volunteer assignment, starting with the Commencement of Service date, provided the Learning Leave is used within the contract period. • Certified Sick Leave: UN Volunteers are entitled to up to 30 days of certified sick leave based on a 12-month cycle. This amount is reset every 12-month cycle. • Uncertified Sick Leave: UN Volunteers receive seven days of uncertified sick leave working days in a calendar year. This amount will be reset at the established interval period.

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Potential interview questions

Added 2 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org