Communications Officer

Contract

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

UNICEF has been operating in Zimbabwe since 1982. We are a team of passionate professionals committed to the protection and fulfilment of children’s rights. The current UNICEF-Government of Zimbabwe Country Programme of Cooperation (2016-2020) aims to support Zimbabwe to sustain and build upon the gains achieved for children during the 2012-2015 Country Programme of Cooperation. The programme focuses on improving the quality of social services, increasing access to services, and helping to build national and sub-national capacities to provide low-cost, high-impact interventions for all children, especially the most vulnerable.

This National Youth 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 National Youth 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. • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning: • Planning and organizing: • Communication: • Flexibility: • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNICEF’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

• Have affinity with or interest in child rights and volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System. • Strong and demonstrable writing skills. • Strong organizational skills. • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact with multidisciplinary teams • Photography

General Information
Harare is the capital of Zimbabwe. It is the seat of Government, the industrial hub and commercial center 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.