Communications Officer

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.

Communication lies at the heart of sustainable development and UNESCO’s mandate and work. Communication for development is seen as a process for sharing ideas and knowledge using a range of communication tools and approaches that empower individuals and communities to take action to improve their lives. Effective communication is part of the UNESCO accountability framework; it serves to project UNESCO’s image and values, to highlight and showcase the concrete impact of its operations (“communicating for results”) and to support resource mobilization efforts.

Caribbean Small Island Developing States are at the frontline of climate change and are considered a special case for development, as well as a priority group for UNESCO. Strengthening the communication of UNESCO’s results in the Caribbean and engaging a Caribbean audience will contribute to advocating for the agenda of Small Island Developing States both regionally and at a global level.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Director and Representative at the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Communications Officer:

1. Plans and facilities advocacy and programme communications in support of UNESCO’s mandate:

• Develops, monitors and implements an Office Communication Strategy following the guidelines and in collaboration with the Department of Communications and Public Engagement (CPE) at UNESCO HQ.  Collects performance-related results on the different communication actions and the production of periodic reports (textual, infographic, and visual); • Provides substantive support to ensure that communication performance indicators are identified, incorporated, monitored and reported. • Monitors and analyzes the media in the areas related to UNESCO’s mandate and programmes in the Caribbean, as well as other issues relevant to the UNESCO brand and positioning; • Assists the programme units of the Office to develop and jointly implement communication activities around particular initiatives; • Solicits and coordinates inputs of programme staff such as web articles, press releases, feature articles, op-eds, social media posts, etc. review/edit them if needed in a journalistic style; • Closely works with and contributes to the work of the six UN Communications Group to significantly expand public outreach on the 2030 Agenda throughout the stages of the UN MSDCF cycle.

2. Contributes to partnership development and media relations:

• Develops and maintains close working relationships with the media, including editors and journalists in key national and international news outlets; develops, maintains and updates media relations contact list/database for all cluster countries; identifying and pursuing opportunities to publicize office initiatives and assist to engage media (press conferences, familiarization trips, launch events, etc.);
• Plans and facilitates the engagement of key traditional and non-traditional partners, including government, civil society, private sector, development partners and others new as well as traditional actors on the collective 2030 Agenda and the related role and impact of UNESCO’s work in country; • Plans and facilitates public engagement on UNESCO’s role and work in the Caribbean, including through programme visits showcasing UNESCO’s development impact; • Undertakes regular liaison with other partners for content development, information exchange, collaborative communication efforts, and innovative communication and advocacy tools; • Compiles and analyzes communication experiences and shares findings with country, regional and HQ communication colleagues so that best practices benefit UNESCO’s and the UN’s communication work; • In cooperation with relevant teams at the office and in HQ, revise and provide inputs to briefing materials, talking points, speeches, statements, op-eds, interviews and presentations as necessary.

3. Plans and facilitates digital communications:

• Develops and maintains digital platforms such as the UNESCO Caribbean website as well as UNESCO social media presence (Facebook, Twitter, IG account etc.) in accordance with the UNESCO guidelines; • Plans and facilitates the development and implementation of a digital content strategy and contributes to the development of key communication products (e.g. human-interest stories, photography, video, animations, podcasts, etc.).

4. Provides substantive support for publications and branding management:

• Provides substantive support to Office publications, namely on the UN SDG Joint Programmes, ensuring high quality standards and the correct application of the UNESCO and UN branding guidelines; • Performs relevant administration tasks linked to the job such as identifying and liaising with service providers, correspondence, contracts, procurement, etc. and performs other duties as assigned by the Director and/or the direct supervisor.

Results/expected outputs:

As an active UNESCO team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNESCO and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:

• Set of key strategic messages developed. • Office Communication Strategy developed in a participatory way. • Mapping of media landscpae and cohort of Caribbean media workers and journalists mobilized.

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

Communication, print and broadcast media, interactive digital media or in communications and press departments, preferably in the context of international cooperation; Demonstrated command of writing and editing and the development of media and/or communication materials; Demonstrated knowledge in using digital media software including Adobe Creative Cloud Bundle such as Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, InDesign, Audacity and Garage Band is highly desirable; 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.

*Master's degree or equivalent could be accepted in lieu of 1 year of work experience.

The UN Volunteer will be based at UNESCO, in Kingston, Jamaica. Kingston is designated a Hardship Category “A” duty station. No special precautions or conditions apply to staff members locating to this duty station. Jamaica is a Caribbean country with good living conditions. There are few problems of water and electricity supply. Housing conditions are of varying quality depending on the area.

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