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.

This UNV assignment is part of UNICEF’s Communications Section serving the whole organisation with communications and external relations services. Being part of a fast paced and dynamic team the UNV assignment will contribute to increasing the visibility of UNICEF’s programmes and results and advocating for the rights of children across Zimbabwe. The assignment will involve creating content, organising events, working with the media and contributing to digital media platforms and activities.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of The Chief of Communications or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Communications Officer will: • Scan daily media reports online and in print and draft and compile the daily media monitoring report for all UNICEF staff. • Compile monthly media monitoring reports featuring all media hits featuring UNICEF Zimbabwe • Draft human-interest stories, take photographs for donor reports, social media and other advocacy platforms; • Maintain and update UNICEF Zimbabwe’s files and archives for communications materials such as photographs, videos, press releases and publications. • Support the Communications team in the production of the weekly Social Media Plan including supporting sections in gathering content for social media. • Support the planning and implementation of special events and online webinars and meetings such as scheduling and minute taking. • Provide logistical and programme support for all advocacy initiatives and events. This includes but is not limited to organizing locations, placing information kits in folders, inviting media and guests, maintaining attendance lists, taking photographs, documentation.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNICEF; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNICEF procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNICEF 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; • 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 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; • 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; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort;

At least 3 years of experience in Journalism and or Communication and or Development with a focus on Communications and or any other related discipline. • Strong and demonstrable writing skills. • Strong organizational skills. • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact with multidisciplinary teams • Photography • Have affinity with or interest in child rights

General Information Harare is the capital of Zimbabwe. It is the seat of Government, the industrial hub and commercial centre for Zimbabwe. Harare is a cosmopolitan town full of culture and history. It has over a million residents and a large UN agency presence. It has a range of dining and entertainment facilities and is directly connected by air to Kenya, South Africa, Zambia and other neighboring countries as well as being served by Emirates airlines. Zimbabwe has one of the most favorable climates in the world with beautiful vegetation. Harare overflows with lush gardens. Victoria Falls, one of the world’s biggest and most spectacular waterfalls, is in the country’s northwest. The country has numerous beautiful nature sites and is famous for its many game reserves within easy commuting distance.

Security The Security Level in Harare is classified as Low (Level 2) as per the UN security management system in Zimbabwe. There are no major security challenges to UN operations in Harare. However, individuals must be on the alert as crime, mainly robberies, house break-ins and smash & grab thefts from motor vehicles at traffic lights and road accidents are some of the increasing risks to the UN in Zimbabwe.

Housing Different types of long-term accommodation are available in Harare. House rentals and prices differ depending on size and location. You should always check with the UNDSS Security Advisor on recommended areas. Ensure that the property has a prolific borehole with a water tank in place and solar energy as back up since electricity can be a challenge. There is an online classifieds website and various reliable estate agencies one can contact to assist with house to rent searches. A list will be provided in the Welcome Pack that is shared with new staff. Depending on your family size and need, it is possible to rent furnished and unfurnished houses, townhouses or apartments.