Communications Expert

Volunteering Communications & PR

Overview

Support communication needs for UNFPA in Syria post-closure, focusing on women and girls.

You have:

• At least 7 years of experience in mass communications, public relations, journalism or advertising; preferably some experience with public relations or information/media campaigns.
• Expertise in developing strategic communication products/documents including communication strategies, donor communication guidelines, high quality media monitoring report, video/photos, human interest stories, flash updates etc.
• Fluency in English and preference for Arabic are required.
• 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 partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels.
• 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.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
• Sound security awareness; have affinity with or interest in UNFPA’s communications works, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Contract

This is a UNV National Expert contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Expert contracts.

Syria Country Office communication needs have increased due to the recent closure of Whole of Syria Hub which was managing part of the communication and advocacy work as well as visibility of donor support. The landscape in Syria post December 2024 has changed dramatically with new humanitarian needs for returnees, newly displaced populations and impact on services for women and girls. Protection risks have increased as well as overall vulnerability. The changed context required additional communication efforts for the strategic and sustained communication to amplify the situation of women and girls. That said, the communications expert will support addressing technical communication needs of the programme units as well as assisting administrative procedures. Syria CO requires the support of a Communication Specialist to do graphic design, disseminate information on the situation of women and girls and UNFPA programmes, develop key messages to engage and collaborate with media, donors, partners, and the general public to raise awareness. In addition, communication to shift attitudes and practice and negative social norms to support women and girls; and to advocate on the creation of an enabling environment, promote and accelerate the implementation of ICPD.

Also , following the closure of the Whole of Syria (WoS) operation, there is an increasing need to strengthen the internal communication capacity within the country office to ensure that UNFPA’s impact and visibility are effectively communicated to internally and to stakeholders, donors, partners, and the public. The transition period has placed additional demands on the Communications Unit to cover expanded responsibilities with limited human resources. This includes managing increased reporting, visibility requirements, and the need to highlight the continued presence and impact of UNFPA’s work in Syria. Donors are requiring more frequent and higher-quality communication materials on impact of investments. It is also crucial in handling administrative, logistical, and financial processes related to procurement, event organization, and supply management, which are essential for smooth operations, particularly in the case of expanded responsibilities as well as coverage.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Head of Communication or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the Communication Expert will:

1. Communication and Reporting ○ Draft and edit communication materials, reports, and success stories, including ensuring donor compliance on reporting and communications ○ Support the implementation of communication strategies in coordination with programme units, and field offices, including Implementing partner communication teams. ○ Maintain and update communication databases. ○ Support the communication team in showcasing the impact of UNFPA-supported programmes, strengthening partnerships. ○ Lead the website content management, graphic design, media production, and social media engagement, which are crucial to ensuring professional and timely communication outputs.

2. Media Production and Visibility ○ Support media production efforts to enhance donor visibility through visual production (photo/video), advanced high-quality content creation, including success stories, multimedia materials, and visibility products, and enhancing the reach and effectiveness of UNFPA’s communication campaigns. ○ Collaborate with media outlets and partners to promote visibility of UNFPA activities among wider audiences. ○ Assist in the creation of engaging content for various communication channels.

3. Event Support and Coordination ○ Provide communications related technical support to programme units/field offices/management for events, workshops, and amplify messages through various channels, i.e. social media, mainstreaming media (audio, visual and print media). ○ Support the planning and execution of advocacy campaigns related to sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, youth, and population issues (i.e. international days).. ○ Ensure proper documentation and visibility during events. ○ Provide event coverage (photo/video) within Damascus and in governorates, as requested. ○ Conduct advanced editing and production of visual and multimedia materials. ○ Assist in managing content and driving engagement across social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube). ○ Handle administrative, logistical, and financial tasks, including procurement processes, workshop organization, and payment follow-up. ○ Represent the Communications Unit in meetings when delegated. ○ Manage the inhouse communications warehouse, including supply planning, dispatch and tracking.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation of Communications Efforts ○Track the effectiveness of communication initiatives through analytics, media monitoring, and reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs).

Values: ● Exemplifying integrity, ● Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, ● Embracing cultural diversity, ● Embracing change

Functional Competencies: ● Results-based Programme development and management Managing data ● Innovation and marketing of new approaches. ● Advocacy/ advancing a policy oriented agenda.

Core Competencies: ● Achieving results, ● Being accountable, ● Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen, ● Thinking analytically and strategically, ● Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships, ● Communicating for impact

● At least 7 years of experience in mass communications, public relations, journalism or advertising; preferably some experience with public relations or information/media campaigns. ● Expertise in developing strategic communication products/documents including communication strategies, donor communication guidelines, high quality media monitoring report, video/photos, human interest stories, flash updates etc. ● Experience in or familiarity with a humanitarian setting is a major asset. ● Fluency in English and preference for Arabic are required. ● 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 partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; ● 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 UNFPA’s communications works, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Area(s) of specialization: - Communication and Public Information – with a focus on strategic messaging and storytelling. - Journalism and Media – particularly strong editing and writing skills for reports, success stories, and donor visibility materials. - Digital and Social Media Management – content creation, engagement strategies, and multimedia production for platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in Damascus National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.

Benefits Package:

• Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of USD 919 • Monthly Expertise Differential (40% VLA) at the amount of USD 367.6 • Well-being differential USD 275.7 • Annual and learning leaves • Medical and life Insurance • Free access to different learning platforms. For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements and support, please visit: https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service

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Potential interview questions

Added 9 months ago - Updated 9 months ago - Source: unv.org