Communications Officer

Volunteering Communications & PR

Overview

Support communication initiatives for health equity and sanitation project.

You have:

• At least three years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in communication, media, development, or other relevant fields.
• Excellent oral and written skills in English and Portuguese, including drafting, formulation and reporting skills.
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively.
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications and graphic design software would be an advantage.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
• Sound security awareness.

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.

UNDP works in more than 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience to sustain development results. UNDP is at the forefront of deploying innovative solutions to development challenges to help nations achieve sustainable development goals.

Present in Guinea-Bissau since 1975, immediately after the independence, UNDP focuses its interventions on the country in the support to democratic governance, sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development, working for a future that offers equality, dignity, and opportunities for all following the commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

UNDP is partnering with the Government of Guinea-Bissau, local and international NGOs, the sister UN agencies, Civil Society Organizations, private sector, and local communities to identify local solutions to face global and national development challenges through access to methodology, knowledge sharing, consulting, and wide network of technical international cooperation.

This International United Nations Volunteer (IUNV) assignment is part of Guinea-Bissau Health Equity and Sanitation Project (GNB-HESP), funded by Japan with contributions by UNDP. The project aims at supporting the population of Guinea-Bissau in strengthening health resilience by improving access to essential healthcare, enhancing waste management practices, and promoting local economic development.

In response to the significant gaps left by the withdrawal of crucial maternal and child health initiatives, the project supports the introduction of a health insurance scheme, which aims to offer vulnerable groups financial protection against health-related shocks, reduce preventable illnesses, and strengthen the healthcare system’s overall capacity.

Additionally, the project will address environmental and health hazards that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, particularly those impacted by unsafe waste disposal at the Safim and Antula dumpsites. Using the Fukuoka Method, hazardous dumpsites will be converted into safer, controlled landfills, reducing pollution, and minimizing public health risks. The project will leverage UNDP expertise on providing tailored trainings that enhance business development skills, fosters the adoption of safer waste management practices, and creates income opportunities through recycling and circular economy initiatives.

By integrating health insurance with sustainable waste management and promoting a circular economy, the project strengthens public health, drives local economic development, and advances environmental sustainability. This approach aligns with Guinea-Bissau’s national development priorities and the 2063 and 2030 agendas. The project responds fully to the national priorities and is closely aligned with the UN engagement in the country.

Based in UNDP under the direct supervision of the Economic Advisor of the UNDP Team, the International UN Volunteer Communication Officer will be mainly supporting the GNB-HESP, but he/she will also support coordination and implementation of other communication components of the Economic Cluster Portfolio:

• Assisting in the organization of key events and communication opportunities, such as major conferences, workshops, discussions, and report launches, including graphic designing of reports, infographics, and case studies.

• Assisting in systematic capturing of key achievements and lessons learnt of UNDP activities for knowledge sharing and improvement of the CO overall knowledge management system.

• Development and dissemination of relevant and impactful content.

• Creating public awareness on the effectiveness and impact of the UNDP’s work in Guinea-Bissau.

• Supporting partnership and resource mobilization initiatives.

• Promoting the UNDP programme work and partners’ brand visibility.

• Enhancing UNDP Guinea-Bissau’s visibility, market successful projects, document successes and best practices, improve internal communication and strengthen media relations to keep the public and stakeholders informed about our role and activities.

• Identifying, documenting, and drafting of best practices and lessons learned.

• Research and monitor relevant websites, research, publications, etc. to feed content into the necessary platforms.

• Taking part and assisting with other communication related activities as needed.

• Accountability

• Adaptability and flexibility

• Creativity

• Arts and design

• Communication

• Community development

• Judgement and decision-making

• Planning and organising

• Professionalism

• Self-management

• At least three years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in communication, media, development, or other relevant fields. Previous experience working with an international development organization would be an advantage.

• Excellent oral and written skills in English and Portuguese, including drafting, formulation and 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. Familiarity with graphic design software would be an advantage.

• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

• Sound security awareness.

Situated in West Africa, the Republic of Guinea-Bissau covers an area of 36,125 square kilometres and comprises both a mainland region and islands, including the picturesque Bijagós Archipelago which consists of 88 islands and islets, of which only 20 are inhabited.

Guinea-Bissau is classified as low-human development, being ranked 179th out of 193 countries in the world according to the Human Development Index. For instance, in 2022 means years of schooling was only 3.7, while only 37.4% of the population had access to electricity. Hence, engaging in development activities within Guinea-Bissau presents a unique experience: it offers an intriguing and enriching environment, but it also demands a high degree of cultural sensitivity, as well as a greater level of resilience and dedication compared to other places. Consequently, adaptability and a readiness to live and work in challenging conditions are essential qualities for this assignment.

Climate-wise, Guinea-Bissau has two distinct seasons: the rainy season, stretching from mid-May to mid-November with the heaviest rainfall occurring in July and August, and the dry season, which encompasses the remaining months of the year. December and January are the coolest months, although temperatures remain consistently high throughout the year.

In terms of administration, Guinea-Bissau is divided into eight regions: Bafatá, Biombo, Bolama/Bijagós, Cacheu, Gabú, Oio, Quinara, Tombali, and the Autonomous Sector of Bissau, which serves as the capital. The primary urban centers include the capital city, Bissau, with a population of 600,000, followed by Bafatá, Gabu, Cantchungo, Farim, Catió, and Buba. The population of Guinea-Bissau is estimated at around 2.1 million people. The country is a culturally diverse nation, home to over thirty ethnic groups. At a cultural level, two primary groups are distinguished: animists, predominant in coastal regions, and Muslims, concentrated in the eastern part of the country. The official language of Guinea-Bissau is Portuguese, while Creole serves as the national language and is used for communication by over 70% of the population. Additionally, various other languages are spoken in the country, including Balanta, Fula, Mandinga, Manjaco, Mancanhe, Papel, Biafada, Bijagó, and Felupe.

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Potential interview questions

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