Communications Specialist (UNICEF)

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.

Eligibility criteria

Minimum age: 25 years old. Nationals of the country of assignment are not eligible, except the assignments in Headquarters duty stations.

Description of task

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Head of Section or his/her designated mandated representative(s), and in close collaboration with all programme sections, the UN Volunteer Communications Specialist will undertake the following tasks:

General public communications activities:

• Produce high-quality communication documents in Arabic, English, French, Spanish or other target language;
• Research, draft and edit communication materials (articles, press releases, human interest stories, fact sheets and others) for both traditional and modern media for advocacy, social mobilization and resource mobilization activities; contribute to the qualitative aspects of production (e.g. translation, graphic design);
• Work on the appropriate and timely dissemination of advocacy and communication materials to target audiences, and participate in the evaluation of their impact;
• Help in the planning and organizing as well as generating public support for special events and activities to promote country programme goals;
• Monitor the public perception of UNICEF in the country; recommend appropriate action to maintain a positive image for the organization; evaluate the appropriate and timely dissemination of advocacy and communication materials to target audiences; and participate in the evaluation of their impact;
• Develop close collaboration with mass media through activities such as organizing visits to project sites, facilitating photo coverage and TV footage, and utilizing both web-based and traditional media as appropriate to generate and maintain public interest in children's issues and tell the story of UNICEF's cooperation to a wider audience;
• Assist in identifying and obtaining feature stories and other material to facilitate advocacy and fund-raising activities;
• Assist in the development of work plans that are consistent with UNICEF communications strategies, goals, objectives and activities; monitor compliance and provide support and guidance to ensure objectives are met, including performance planning, monitoring and appraisal; plan and monitor the use of communication budgetary resources;

• Assist the implementation of the joint UN Communications Strategy in line with the UN Partnership Framework and UNICEF’s Country Business Plan.

  Online strategy support:

• Regularly update UNICEF’s Country Website; regularly update social media channels (Twitter/Facebook); assist in maintaining UNICEF’s web photo database by processing and uploading photos and captions (web-based training on web management and photo database can be organized);
• Support UNICEF’s digital communication and web content development, including the Office Blog; support UNICEF’s online strategy to generate national and international support;
• Support the development and reinforcement of already existing web tools in order to enhance the visibility of UNICEF and its partners;
• Assist in positioning UNICEF as a knowledge leader and pioneer in the area of online communication and social media;
• Contribute to start and scale-up of an interactive communication model that gives young people a voice;
• Ensure systematic information updates and propose content for social media platforms (photos, videos, posts and articles);

• Edit the articles of UNICEF’s bloggers and the Office’s newsletter.

  Advocacy support:

• Provide internal office support to programme staff on the production of quality advocacy, information and communication materials to strengthen programme visibility;
• Participate in global advocacy activities by planning visits of goodwill ambassadors, National Committee representatives and Executive Board members, including preparation of information materials (e.g. press releases, programme summaries, country fact sheets and media kits) and necessary logistic arrangements;
• Take responsibility where required to adapt and disseminate advocacy materials from the Country Office, NY HQ, Geneva HQ and the respective Regional Office to identified target audiences, arranging translation into local language(s) as necessary; identify the need for additional materials/activities, such as radio and television programmes, publications, photographs, websites, etc., to advocate and promote organizational goals within the country, and manage their production and distribution to the target audiences;

• Develop partnerships with individuals, groups and organizations whose support is essential to the achievement of advocacy and communication objectives (i.e. media), and strengthen their capacity through appropriate advocacy and communication training, access to updated information, supplies and equipment and through experience-sharing.

  Communication support:

• Support the Communication team in its day-to-day activities, including but not limited to, contributing to outreach through organizing events and setting up activities (retreats, meetings and task forces);
• As required, prepare background communication and advocacy materials for briefings and visits of media, goodwill ambassadors, donors, national committee representatives and other special interest groups;
• Ensure quality, consistency, accuracy and ethics of all communication tools and materials (press releases, videos, social media posts, Human Interest Stories, SitRep, Blog articles, Reports, etc.);
• Ensure language quality in Arabic, English, French, Spanish or other target language of all communication tools and materials.

Qualifications/Requirements

Required degree level:

Bachelor degree or equivalent

Education - Additional Comments:

Bachelor's degree in a relevant area, e.g. Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or similar field is required

Required experience:

24 Months

Experience remark:

• At least 2 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in communication, print and broadcast media, interactive digital media, public information, or other relevant programmes is required; experience with peacebuilding or child-focused programming in conflict-affected countries is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization.
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• 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 technical competence in producing for various media formats (print, web, social media);
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
• Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain;
• Sound security awareness;
• Have affinity with or interest in children’s issues, issues related to peacebuilding and children affected by armed conflict, international development, humanitarian action, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Language skills:

• English(Mandatory), Level - Working Knowledge
• French(Mandatory), Level - Fluent

Area of expertise:

Journalism, mass media and broadcasting, Public information and reporting, Other communications related experience

Area of expertise details:

• Communication;
• Press advisory;
• Graphic design;
• Social Media management;
• The incumbent must be a dynamic, multi-functional person, who supports UNICEF with professionalism, dedication and client orientation, and who must be willing both to work on programmatic/substantive aspects and to provide operational/logistical services. 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 skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
• Working knowledge of the language used by the UN in the country of assignment (e.g. English, French, Spanish).
• Working knowledge of local languages is an advantage.

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and on any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Driving license:

No

Competencies values:

Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Commitment and Motivation, Communication, Creativity, Integrity, Knowledge Sharing, Managing Performance, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Self-Management, Working in Teams

Application procedure:

You can only apply if you have created your profile at https://vmam.unv.org/candidate/signup

Watch this video for the specific steps you must follow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VT5uJ_FolWU

If you are already registered in UNV's Talent Pool, make sure your profile is up to date before applying.

Application deadline: 09-May-2021 at 23:59hrs, Germany time zone