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 fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. Equity accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

Under the supervision of the Chief of Communication and Advocacy, the National UN Volunteer will undertake the following functions:

•Assist in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of an advocacy and communication strategy to promote respect for children’s and women’s rights, and support UNICEF's mission in the country, with a particular emphasis on supporting the regions covered by the Tamale Field Office •Work with the Chief, Communication and Advocacy and Programme focal points in the Tamale Field Office to design and implement a 12-month communication plan showcasing the impact and results of work and partnerships to deliver results for children in the targeted northern regions. •Assist in writing human interest stories and blogs: this may include editing / re-writing stories contributed by non-communication staff •Work with focal points in the Communication team to develop and implement emergency preparedness and response plans. •Support the Chief, Field Office with social media presence and event activity •Support the Field Office in the preparation of donor-relations, and / or advocacy priority field visits. This includes drafting agenda, liaising with focal points within UNICEF and key partners, conducting a preparatory field visit, drafting key talking points, briefings, engaging audiovisual team and journalists, where appropriate •Assist Communication Section team members in events, launches, campaigns, and other key communication activities •Develop and maintain strong relations with editors, journalists and other key media focal persons in Tamale, Northern Region •Support the Communication team in Accra with high-profile events, or visits that extend beyond the five regions

•Diversity and inclusion: Treats all people with dignity and respect; shows respect and sensitivity towards gender, cultural and religious differences; challenges prejudice, biases and intolerance in the workplace; encourages diversity wherever possible. •Integrity: Maintains high ethical standards; takes clear ethical stands; keeps promises; immediately addresses untrustworthy or dishonest behaviour; resists pressure in decision-making from internal and external sources; does not abuse power or authority. •Commitment: Demonstrates commitment to UNICEF’s mission and to the wider UN system; demonstrates the values of UNICEF in daily activities and behaviours; seeks out new challenges, assignments and responsibilities; promotes UNICEF’s cause. •Communication: Speaks fluently; expresses opinions, information and key points of an argument clearly; presents information with skill and confidence; responds quickly to the needs of an audience and to their reactions and feedback; projects credibility; structures information to meet the needs and understanding of the intended audience; presents information in a well-structured and logical way. •Working with people: Shows respect for the views and contributions of other team members; shows empathy; listens, supports and cares for others; consults others and shares information and expertise with them; builds team spirit and reconciles conflict; adapts to the team and fits in well. •Drive for results: Sets high standards for quality of work; monitors and maintains quality of work; works in a systematic, methodical and orderly way; consistently achieves project goals; focuses on the needs and satisfaction of internal and external partners; accepts and tackles demanding goals with enthusiasm.

the sphere of communication, media, marketing or public relations context, work experience within the private sector is an asset; experience with right-based and / or advocacy organizations is an asset. Strategic external communication to an advantage.

Area of expertise requirement: - Proficiency in external relations - Strong writing skills - Social Media management - Communication, experience with development and implementation of communication strategies; - Strong understanding of good audiovisual content and usage; -Strong interpersonal skills

Ghana is a middle-income country with a population of 30 million people. The incumbent will be based in the capital of the Northern Region, Tamale, Ghana. At sea level, the climate of the country is tropical-hot and humid with average yearly temperatures of about 27oC (80oF) and little daily variation. In the northern regions including Tamale, the temperatures are often higher and the climate is often drier. Temperatures can reach as high as 37 degrees Celsius (100oF). The dry season runs from October to May. Ghana is a Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) country and a family duty station. Regarding accommodation and food, houses and apartments in Tamale can be rented from $100 to $800 per month depending on the location. Food, household commodities and clothing can be found in shops and local markets at reasonable prices.

Traffic in Tamale can be heavy, particularly during the rush hour and if moving towards the city center. Most modes of public transport in Ghana include buses and tro-tros. Uber, Bolt and similar taxi services are also alternative.

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