Communications Specialist

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.

For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF believes that all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfil their potential to the benefit of a better world. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

Within the UNICEF Ghana Country Office, under the supervision of the Chief, Field Office, Tamale and with a technical supervision reporting line to the Chief, Advocacy and Communication (based in Accra), the UN Volunteer Communications Specialist will undertake the following tasks:

•Research, draft and edit high-quality communication materials (articles, press releases, human interest stories, fact sheets, quarterly country update newsletters and others) particularly in relation to advocacy campaigns and emergency response.

•Assist in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of an advocacy and communication strategy and action plan 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, Field Office and Chief, Communication and Advocacy as well as Programme focal points in the Tamale Office to develop and implement partners’ visibility plans 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 an emergency preparedness and response communication plan.

•Support the UNICEF Field Office with social media coverage, in consultation with the Advocacy & Communication Team.

•Support in the preparation of advocacy field visits, partners/donors visits, and high-profile events. This includes drafting agenda, liaising with focal points within UNICEF and key partners, conducting preparatory field visits, drafting key talking points, briefings, engaging audiovisual team and journalists, where appropriate.

•Strengthen relations with editors, journalists, key media focal persons in Tamale, Northern Region, and social media influencers.

•Mobilize children and young people to promote their participation and give them a voice in relation to child rights and matters that affect them.

•Assist the Communication Section with events, launches, campaigns, and other key communication activities. These may include:

• Supporting day-to-day activities, including contributing to outreach through organizing events and setting up activities (e.g. workshops, meetings);

• Conducting field visits with programme sections and / or audiovisual teams to produce quality assets, including strong social media posts and work with media;

• Supporting the development and design of branding materials – e.g. UNICEF and donor branded calendars, notebooks etc.

• Assisting in positioning UNICEF as a knowledge leader and pioneer in the area of online communication and social media through the development of social media messages, which include relevant photographs/ films and engaging with key influencers, with visibility for partners/donors.

•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 at national and/or international level. Private sector is an asset; experience with right-based and / or advocacy organizations is an asset, as is experience working in development organizations including the UN. Strategic external communication to an advantage.

•Area of expertise requirement: -Proficiency in advocacy, communications and external relations Strong writing skills -Knowledge and experience of working on communications in a development country context -Social Media management The candidate must be a dynamic, multi-functional person, who supports UNICEF with professionalism, dedication and client orientation. The following qualifications are required: - Excellent technical competence in producing for various media formats (print, web, social media); - 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 - Excellent oral and written communication skills; - Excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; - Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing

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. UNICEF has a field office (FO) in Tamale, with around 20 Staff Members. The FO is led by an experienced UNICEF International Staff. Three other UN agencies are based in Tamale.

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.

Most modes of public transport in Ghana, including buses and tro-tros (informal mini-bus taxis), are inexpensive but can be erratic and unreliable. For this reason, most expats living in Ghana opt to drive their own vehicle or hire a driver to transport them daily. However, the cost of purchasing a reliable car is quite high, and petrol prices are steadily increasing although it's still relatively cheap when compared with other countries. The price range for these differ depending on condition, type and age of the vehicle. Uber is offering a reasonable and reliable alternative.

The cost of public healthcare in Ghana is low, especially since the introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). However, the quality of treatment offered by public hospitals in Ghana does not meet the standard that most expats are accustomed to. Private health care is a good option. Certain vaccinations are mandatory for UN personnel to enter Ghana, while others are compulsory for all other in-coming persons. It is possible for incoming UN personnel, including UN volunteers, to be asked to provide proof of some or all vaccinations at the Kotoka International Airport, for example yellow fever vaccination. All UN Volunteers must ensure that they are up-to-date with all appropriate vaccinations, which should be clearly and properly endorsed in the International Certificate of Vaccination (“carte jaune”). These include yellow fever and COVID-19 (full COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory for all UNICEF Staff, UNVs and consultants). Malaria is present virtually throughout the Ghana, and it is therefore recommended to take prophylaxis. Ghana has been commended for its management of the COVID-19 crisis and started its vaccine campaign.