Communications Associate

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

The organization was created in 1969, the same year the United Nations General Assembly declared “parents have the exclusive right to determine freely and responsibly the number and spacing of their children.”

UNFPA calls for the realization of reproductive rights for all and supports access to a wide range of sexual and reproductive health services – including voluntary family planning, maternal health care and comprehensive sexuality education.

Since UNFPA started its work, the world has seen progress: The number and rate of women dying from complications of pregnancy or childbirth has been halved. Families are healthier. Young people are more connected and empowered than ever before. But too many are still left behind. In 2018, UNFPA launched efforts to achieve three transformative results, ambitions that promise to change the world for every man, woman and young person: ending unmet need for family planning, ending preventable maternal death, and ending gender-based violence and harmful practices.

The Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Office (LACRO) is based in Panama City, Panama, and provides strategic support and technical advice to a network of Country Offices in the region. UNFPA headquarters are in New York. The Communications Associate will work in the communications team at LACRO in Panama, under the direct supervision of the Regional Communications Adviser. S/he will focus primarily on digital communications and integrated marketing. The communication team at the Regional Office provides strategic communication support and advice as a key lever for the achievement of programme results, particularly to support the transformation of social and gender norms as well as evidence-based advocacy, also by scaling up the use of new technologies and collaborative communication strategies. The team is responsible for promoting the impact of UNFPA's mission and work, as well as its brand, across the region. Tools and channels used include traditional media, campaigns, events, the UNFPA website, and social media platforms in Spanish. The team supports communications focal points in Country Offices in the Caribbean, Central America and South America. The Communication Associate provides substantive input into planning and implementing the Regional Office’s advocacy and communication efforts. S/he also substantively contributes to the development and implementation of the Regional Office advocacy and communication strategy.

• Provides input in the development and implementation of the Regional Office's advocacy and communication strategy, by compiling and analyzing information, receiving inputs from staff and partners, and supporting program activities. • Supports the development and execution of UNFPA communication campaigns, as well as the engagement of key stakeholders. • Supports the development and production of multimedia promotional tools and items for report launches, major events, campaigns and high-level visits. • Drafts a variety of written products, including human interest stories, blogs, social media posts, newsletters, fact sheets and more. • Create Trello boards on issues, events, report launches, donors, and internal/external campaigns; schedule posts for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn using Hootsuite. • Produce reels, stories, carrousels, gifs, infographics, surveys and other social media assets. Edit content. • Write copy and script ideas tailored to specific audiences for regional campaigns and corporate videos. • Assist with ensuring all products (text, design, videos, photos and more) are consistently in line with global narratives, regional messages, and branding guidelines. • Support promoting donors and partners online and offline by collecting information from focal points, as well as developing a marketing plan and products. • Collect and analyse data on a regular basis, prepare monthly social media reports and on the results of specific campaigns. • Assist with developing strategies and creative briefs to engage with influencers in the region. • Translate, proofread, format, and edit articles and social media posts. • Provide support for staff engagement, as well as internal communications and events. • Monitor the UNFPA brand and relevant news; manage the list of journalists and outlets, keeping it up to date and building on it to also include blogs and podcasts.

• Exemplifying integrity • Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system • Embracing cultural diversity • Embracing change • Achieving results • Being accountable • Developing and applying professional expertise / business acumen • Thinking analytically and strategically • Working in teams and managing relationships • Communicating for impact • Advancing a policy-oriented agenda • Delivering results-oriented programmes • Internal and external communication and advocacy for results mobilization

the field of corporate communications; public relations; multimedia production; marketing; or print, broadcast and/or new media. International work experience is desirable. • Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, editing and reporting skills; • Creative and proactive; able to take initiative and work independently; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Organized and detailed oriented; good in structuring various tasks and responsibilities; • Ability to produce and edit videos/photos for social media using professional tools such as the Adobe Suite and Canva; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners; • 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 and Google applications; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment.

Panama is a family duty station and considered to be a safe place to live. However, like in any city around the world, it is always good to be aware of your surroundings and to be alert. There is a wide range of goods available in Panama and many modern shopping complexes as well as department stores and designer stores. There are suitable residential areas, accommodation options, good hospitals, schools, universities, banks, and a wide selection of restaurants. There are beaches, mountains and national parks in the rainforest that are said to have the broadest range of flora and fauna in the world. Panama does not have any serious health concerns to worry about, however, it is important to note that in some areas such as the Darien province, it is recommended to take precautions for malaria.

The Centers for Disease Control website also recommends yellow fever vaccination for travel to Darien province and the San Blas islands. Weather: Panama has two seasons, the dry season, which is from January until late April or early May, and the rainy season which is the rest of the year. The daytime temperature ranges between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit with the evenings being cooler by 5 to 10 degrees. The average humidity is 70% Average cost of living: USD1,120 Currency: Panama Balboa; pegged 1:1 with the US dollar.Internet: High-speed internet is readily available in cities like Panama City, Colon, and David. In remote areas, you'll find DSL, cable, or satellite internet. Panama is a unique country. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.