Deadline extended: Communication Officer, NO-A (TA, 364 days) Chisinau, Moldova (for Moldovan residents only)

Contract

This is a NO-1 contract. This kind of contract is known as National Professional Officers. It is normally only for nationals. It's a staff contract. More about NO-1 contracts.

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, a voice

UNICEF’s mission in Moldova is to make sure every child in the country is healthy, educated and safe from harm, therefore having the best start in life and a fair chance to reach her or his full potential and benefit from the country’s prosperity. We believe children have a right to live in a more equitable society, where their voices are heard, and needs met as a matter of priority in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. More information on what we do in Moldova is available at: https://www.unicef.org/moldova

How can you make a difference?

UNICEF Moldova, with the financial support of the European Union, supports the Ministry of Education and Research (MER) in implementing a comprehensive set of activities aimed at overcoming challenges and achieve the goals of the Development Strategy. EU Advancing Quality Education and Lifelong Learning Opportunities for All Programme, implemented by UNICEF and UNDP, aims at contributing to human capital development in the Republic of Moldova, improving quality and relevance of education and lifelong learning opportunities for all, for better matching the labour market demands

Under the supervision of the Communication Specialist, NO-C, the Communication Officer, NO-A is expected to support the UNICEF Education programme team in communication efforts related to the EU Advancing Quality Education and Lifelong Learning Opportunities for All Programme, as well as support in ensuring visibility of UNICEF Moldova interventions.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES and DUTIES & TASKS

Within the delegated authority and the given organizational set-up, the incumbent may be accountable for all or

assigned areas of the following major duties and end results.

1. Communication materials

Ensure that the communication products and materials are timely executed and followed up to support the EU Advancing Quality Education and Lifelong Learning Opportunities for All Programme.

Duties & Tasks

• Develop a communication strategy and a timeline, implement the tasks in the communication work plan and strategy as assigned.
• Produce human interest stories, blogs, photo galleries, testimonies (e.g. of students and teachers);
• Implement campaigns to promote National Platform of Open Educational Resources (testimonials, quote cards, special events for beneficiaries, catalogues)
• Implement campaigns on digital pedagogy and STEEAM (testimonials, quote cards, special events for beneficiaries, catalogues);
• Follow up on the production of advocacy and communication materials (e.g., films, videos, audio-visuals, etc.), and oversee the qualitative aspects of production, (e.g., quality control, translations, reviews of layout and graphic design etc.).
• Maintain an up-to-date documentation centre for communication materials including publications, press releases, photographs, audio-visual materials, web resources etc.
• Recommend established contacts, networks, resources and processes to support communication activities.

2. Media relations

Effective and timely professional assistance and support are provided in developing, drafting, and maintaining contact information, materials and relationships with journalists and media outlets covering all media – print, TV, radio, web etc. – in the country, to communicate the story of UNICEF's cooperation to a wider audience.

Duties & Tasks

• Maintain and update media relations contact list/database. Ensure rapid and accurate information dissemination to the media.
• At significant milestones of the project, issue press releases, together with updates of the project activities and progress, in which EU funding will be clearly acknowledged.
• Assist in developing and maintaining close collaboration with mass media, as well as with groups and organizations whose support is essential to the achievement of advocacy and communication objectives.
• Assist in drafting and editing articles, human interest stories and other advocacy/information materials in all media formats, as appropriate.
• Assist in drafting and editing concept notes, agendas, talking points, speeches and other necessary documents.
• Prepare background communication and promotional materials for briefing and visits of media and other special interest groups. Assist in the planning, logistic and administrative arrangements for them.
• Assist in collaborating with the media through activities such as organizing project site visits, facilitating photo coverage and TV footage and utilizing both web-based and traditional media as appropriate.
• Monitor and evaluate the use and effectiveness of media materials. Maintain a library of coverage (clippings, coverage etc.)

3. Monitoring and evaluation

Regular monitoring and evaluation activities are undertaken according to the work plan to ensure maximum impact and continuous improvement of country communication efforts. Ensure results and reports are prepared and shared on a timely basis.

Duties & Tasks

• Assist in coordinating appropriate audience research and compiling and analysing relevant data.
• Monitor and evaluate the appropriate and timely dissemination of advocacy and communication materials to target audiences and participate in the evaluation of their impact. Monitor and evaluate the use and effectiveness of media materials. Maintain a library of coverage.
• Ensure good quality data collection, analysis and evaluation and reporting to ensure effective communication strategies, planning and effective and efficient advocacy.
• Undertake lessons learned review of successful and unsuccessful communication experiences as directed by supervisor.

4. Special events

Strategic planning and execution of special events are conducted to enhance visibility, engagement, and stakeholder participation in the EU Advancing Quality Education and Lifelong Learning Opportunities for All Programme.

Duties & Tasks

• Conceptualizing, coordinating, and implementing events such as conferences, media briefings, field visits, press tours, launches to showcase program achievements, foster partnerships, and mobilize support.
• Help organize and generate public support for special events and activities to promote EU Advancing Quality Education and Lifelong Learning Opportunities for All Programme goals.
• Assist in developing and maintaining close collaboration with stakeholders whose support is essential to the achievement of advocacy and communication objectives.
• Prepare background communication and promotional materials for events: the task includes preparing information materials (e.g., press releases, programme summaries, country fact sheets and media kits), and assisting in the planning, logistics and administrative arrangements.
• Manage to maximize impact and ensure seamless execution of pre-event, during-event, and post-event communication activities.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have

The following minimum requirements:

Education: University degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field.

Work Experience:

• One-year practical professional work experience in communication, print and broadcast media, or interactive digital media.
• Field work experience.

Language Requirements: Fluency in Romanian and working knowledge of English.

The following desirables:

Work Experience:

• Relevant work experience within the UN and/or EU funded programmes.
• Background/familiarity with Emergency situations.

Language: Knowledge of Russian and another official UN language or other language relevant for Moldova.

For every Child, you demonstrate

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are

• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (1)
• Works Collaboratively with others (1)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (1)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (1)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (1)
• Drive to achieve impactful results (1)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, time off for breastfeeding purposes, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the National Officer category.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.