Communications Officer/ Storytelling

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UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund

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Application deadline 9 months ago: Friday 9 Jun 2023 at 00:00 UTC

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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.

The UNICEF Pacific Multi-Country office covers 14 Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) spread across a vast 30 million square kilometre area of the Pacific Ocean. Approximately 14 per cent of the estimated 2.57 million population are aged between 0-5 years, and 40 per cent are aged under 18. Due to the uniquely challenging context with small, culturally diverse populations living across remote islands, most PICTs struggle to provide equitable, quality social services, especially to vulnerable and remote communities.

The UNICEF Pacific office has around 160 staff members and consultants spread throughout the 14 PICTs including in its main office in Suva, Fiji, and in its 5 Field Offices in Vanuatu, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Samoa. The 2023 – 2027 Multi-Country Programme includes activities in health, WASH, nutrition, education, child protection, social policy, climate resilience and disaster risk reduction.

The Communications section is cross-cutting, providing support to all programmatic areas in advocacy, branding, media, and social media outreach. Although the section supports all programmatic work, across all countries, in line with the new multi-country programme, the office has selected four advocacy priorities: Violence against children, Climate, Water security and Nutrition.

The section plays a role in:

  • mobilizing political will and public awareness to prioritize children and women ‘s rights in policies, programmes as a result of strategic partnerships and improved knowledge management;

  • creating space for children and young people to express their concerns and ideas and to participate in decisions that affect their lives.

Partnerships with the media as well as outreach through social media platforms play an important role in the advocacy strategy of the office.

The UNV will work in the Communication Section, alongside the Communications Officers and under the direct supervision of the Chief of Communication.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Communication, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Coordination of human-interest stories: working alongside the communications team and programme officers to identify potential stories that illustrate the situation of children and inform the broad public about UNICEF’s work.

• Manage a live, spreadsheet/database of these planned stories, ensuring balanced coverage of themes and countries and identifying key details and resources (focal points, angles, potential interviewees, content collectors, authors, etc.).

• Coordinate publication and dissemination schedule for stories, in collaboration with the rest of the team, and adhering to any key dates, advocacy campaigns or donor requirements.

• Design and produce human interest stories and other communication products as required.

• Provide guidance and support to field and programme colleagues on writing and storytelling.

• Provide editorial support for the communications section as needed. This may include editing or final proofreading of communications products, presentations, speeches, briefing notes etc.

• Support the communications section as needed in managing events, developing communication packages for advocacy campaigns, production of communications materials, and contributing to media and social media packages.

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.

· Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities.

· 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.

· Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative, and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality, and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client oriented.

· Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations.

· 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.

· Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender.

· Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, include-ing 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; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;

· Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote, and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary.

· Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity, and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

a communications or journalism role, with a demonstrated interest in producing high-quality written content.

· Good writing skills are essential, with experience in developing compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences an asset.

· Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize competing demands effectively.

· Ability to edit and proofread communication products with keen attention to detail.

· Strong communication skills, including the ability to work collaboratively, in person and remotely.

· Basic knowledge of best practices in social media, digital communication, and media relations, with an interest in developing and implementing communication strategies and plans.

· Proficiency in using spreadsheet software, with experience in maintaining live databases is an asset.

· Experience working within the UN or familiarity with the UN structure and mechanisms is highly preferred.

The position will be based in Suva, the capital of Fiji, where basic living needs, including accommodation, banking facilities, medical facilities and telecommunications/internet services are readily available. All staple foods can be found in the markets, e.g.: rice, meat, vegetables, fruit, cooking oil, salt, etc. Many imported goods, particularly from Australia and New Zealand are available in Fiji. Suva has numerous good restaurants with good health standards. The most used means of transportation are taxi or local bus. Mobile phone is the most reliable tool to communicate with colleagues and friends. Internet service through data coverage is available in Suva and the main areas of Fiji, with limited coverage in the interior. ATMs are readily available and Western cards can usually be used to withdraw Fijian dollars.

Added 10 months ago - Updated 9 months ago - Source: unv.org