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.

The South Sudan Peace and Reconciliation Commission (SSPRC) is a mandated government Peacebuilding Institution through the Peace and Reconciliation ACT. 2012. Its mandate and function are to advise and represent government on matters pertaining to peace and reconciliation, strive to attain peaceful coexistence among all communities, coordinate and oversee all peacebuilding efforts in South Sudan, collaborate with other peace actors and promote the participation of youth, elders, women and people with special needs in peacebuilding, develop policies and work closely with relevant ministries, commission and bureaus of government to address urgent conflict situations, as well as establishing conditions for sustainable peace. The Conflict Early Warning and Early Response Unit (CEWERU) is a unit of the Commission dealing with conflict data collection, storing, analysing, sharing and providing appropriate response through response institutions. The Commission is operationalizing a situation room within CEWERU; an observation and monitoring center responsible for data collection and analysis based on early warning indicators. For this, SSPRC is working in partnership with UNDP’s Peace and Community Cohesion project (PaCC) in support of Conflict Early Warning and Early Response in South Sudan. The Commission is seeking to recruit a qualified South Sudanese to fill the position of Communication Officer to be based in its office in Juba, South Sudan.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Chair of the SSPRC or his/her designated official, the NUNV communication officer will report to the Project Manager, Peace and Community Cohesion Project, UNDP in undertaking the following duties: Typical Overall Functions include: Receive data and share it with CEWERU Coordinator for analysis. Facilitate information sharing between the steering committee and partners. Support the CEWERU Coordinator in data filtering in Situation room. Support the websites of the CEWERU/Commission. Manage information flow from National, States, Counties and Payam level. Work closely with the CEWERU Coordinator to ensure that data received and shared are credible. Specific Duties and Responsibilities: Provide support in the development and implementation of key messages across all communications vehicle, ensuring branded templates are in place and in use. In coordination with the CEWERU Coordinator, translate project materials and data into communicable and relevant pieces of information in the form of infographics, and ensure that project results are profiled and communicated to the Supervisor Support the writing and editing of press materials, policy positions, briefs, reports and statements on issues related to peace and social cohesion. Assist CEWERU members with brand adherence for all external communications including supporting staff trainings. Monitor and report on CEWERU key performance metrics on a monthly basis. Manage and update the SSPRC website and assist CEWERU in editing data at CEWERU Website and generate website content such as blog posts, program pages, etc. Support the ongoing governance and maintenance of core content on SSPRC website. Support SSPRC social media presence (e.g. Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram). Work closely with the M&E officer to translate evidence and data into messages for policy makers and other key stakeholders. Including implementing search engine optimization activities for the website and tracking web traffic against targets. Contribute to documenting and growing the organization’s success stories, photo and video library and other materials for communication. Keep abreast of (and appropriately communicate to the team) developing trends and news items related to our vision, strategy, and objectives via media monitoring. Collaborate with programme team to support the National Research Institutes and Situation room. Design and implement an appropriate communications plan and support the formulation and implementation of SSPRC communications and advocacy strategies. Organize and conduct the communication component of project activities/events including drafting the background notes, media relations, taking photos, preparing talking points, invitations and press-releases. Produce quality and appropriate information and communication materials for print/electronic/voice/visual media and supports the production of reporting (like newsletters, reports and print and online/social media update). Identify and use of the most effective channels for dissemination of all information products to relevant target audiences ensure the visibility of the SSPRC. Edit and design all the documents to be shared externally or published and maintain a database of knowledge products. Producing periodical and ad hoc reports on communications activities, including peacebuilding and conflict related media analysis. Provides communication support as need for seminars, lectures, conferences, meetings, forums and public events by SSPRC and affiliated structures. Providing background information and briefing materials as per request. Conduct other duties as requested by SSPRC. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:- Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day)- Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country- Provide annual and end of assignment reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities using UNV’s Volunteer Reporting Application- Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.- Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers- Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP 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 UNDP 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 UNDP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

communications and media in the peacebuilding and development sector

South Sudan is a difficult duty station, which is classified as a non-family duty station as there is basic infrastructure in the capital Juba and the country. South Sudan is Security Phase III level. There is a UN imposed curfew from 7:00pm to 6:00am due to security and crime issues. The widely used currency for business transaction is the South Sudan Pounds (SSP). Banking facilities are widely available, but the use of bank credit and debit cards is very limited. There are several mobile telephone companies including ZAIN and MTN providing services and sim cards can be easily bought with cash after registration with the service provider. There are no fixed telephone lines in South Sudan/Juba. South Sudan electricity on the national grid is almost non-existent.

Juba is mostly powered by individual household generators. Running water is dependent on water tankers that deliver water to households at a fee. There are restaurants serving food from different regions of the world. Markets and shops are well-stocked with food items, clothes, and other household goods. There are also local markets for vegetables and other farm produce. The cost of living is generally high as almost all the goods are imported.

UN personnel are provided medical services in the UN Agency clinic. Other medical services can be obtained at the UNMISS Level 2 hospital. The highly recommended vaccination in South Sudan is Yellow Fever. Please note that without evidence of yellow fever vaccination access to South Sudan is restricted.

South Sudan 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.

Inclusivity statement United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy