National Digital Communication Officer, at NOA level on Fixed Term, Dushanbe, Tajikistan, PAT #114131 (for Tajiki nationals 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 some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, a hero

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. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It 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.

The overarching goal of the 2023-2026 Country Programme is that children and young people, especially the most vulnerable and excluded, are born and grow up in a healthy and protective environment, can develop to their full potential and realize their rights. The CP aligns with the National Development Strategy 2030 and the Mid-Term Development Programme 2021-2025, as well as government sectoral policies and strategies. The Programme will contribute to implementation of the CRC, and support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The overall Programme will cover the whole country, with some elements focusing on remote, rural or poor municipalities.

As an important voice for children’s rights in Tajikistan, UNICEF brings together various stakeholders around issues of critical importance to realizing the rights of children and young people as well as involving them in issues that concern them most. By employing an integrated approach encompassing communications, advocacy, partnership building and programmatic engagement,

Specific communication objectives include following goals: 1.Strengthen UNICEF’s brand and position as the world’s leading children’s rights organization; 2.Reach people nationally with our passionate message about the rights and best practices for children in Tajikistan; 3.Engage people to take action or demand positive change for Tajikistan’s most vulnerable, excluded and disadvantaged children. 4.To strengthen communication capacity of key stakeholders to sustain programmatic results by building knowledge, changing attitudes and behaviours as well as engaging into dialogue with children and young people.

The specific role of the position’s section in contributing to their achievement: Considering the fast-changing development and communication trends, UNICEF needs to keep up with the emerging environment using all relevant modern technologies and innovation. One of the approaches identified as part of the development of Communication and Advocacy strategy is Digital Communications.

How can you make a difference?

As part of Country Office’s communication work, Digital Communication Officer will support in planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of UNICEF Tajikistan’s digital communications strategy and lead content production efforts that will get children’s and women’s issues into the public domain, particularly via digital platforms, strengthen political will in support of UNICEF's mission and objectives in the country, and enhance the organization’s credibility and brand.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:

1. Digital Communication strategy:

The production of communication products and materials are timely executed and followed up to support country communication strategy, regional and global campaigns and priorities, and to support resource mobilization as set out in the work plan.

2. Multimedia Production:

Oversee production of multimedia content and materials as part of a digital strategy, assist in localization of content developed by UNICEF HQ and RO and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop multimedia packages, which will be subsequently used by UNICEF national, regional and global social media channels.

3. Social Media:

Manage UNICEF Tajikistan’s social media channels as part of the office’s digital communication strategy, develop mutual relationship with key social media influencers and leverage their social media footprint for the causes of the children, position UNICEF as a champion of rights of the children in the country by ensuring consisten messaging and branding.

4. Celebrities, partners and events: Assist the UNICEF Tajikistan Communication Officer in maintaining and further developing list of partners, groups and organizations that can assist UNICEF’s advocacy efforts and and support in organization of advocacy events.

5. 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. Results and reports are prepared and shared on a timely basis.

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. Digital Communication strategy The production of digital communication strategy and timely execution of the digital plan to support country communication strategy, regional and global campaigns and priorities, and to support resource mobilization as set out in the work plan. Duties & Tasks: • Implement the tasks in the country communication work plan and strategy as assigned, plan and gather content and coverage of relevant country efforts to identify effective relevant country programme activities and results. Develop informed digital strategy on ongoing content creation and priority campaigns. • Assist in developing and maintaining close collaboration with media, especially with the focus on digital, as well as with groups and organizations whose support is essential to the achievement of advocacy and communication objectives. • Ensure that all multimedia content shared through digital channels is in line with UNICEF brand guidelines. Foresee and analyse risk as it relates to digital engagement and protecting the UNICEF brand. • Recommend appropriate information and communication materials for use in media, and other advocacy and communication activities; • Recommend established contacts, networks, resources and processes to support communication activities.

2. Multimedia Production Oversee production of multimedia content and materials as part of a digital strategy, assist in localization of content produced by HQ and the Regional Office and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop multimedia packages, which will be subsequently used by UNICEF at the national, regional and global levels. • Follow up on the production of advocacy and communication materials (e.g.,print, films, videos, audio-visuals, etc.), and oversee the qualitative aspects of production, (e.g., quality control, translations, reviews of layout and graphic design etc.) to meet standards as set out in the Communication Toolkit. • Lead localization and contextualization of global content as part of the global advocacy priorities and prepare locally suitable content for subsequent usage. • Oversee management of UNICEF Tajikistan country website, assist in drafting and editing articles, press releases, human interest stories and other advocacy/information materials for both web-based and traditional media, as appropriate. • 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 these events. • Maintain an up-to-date database of communication materials including publications, press releases and clippings, multimedia materials (photographs, audio-visual materials, web resources etc.) • Maintain and update media relations contact list/database. Ensure rapid and accurate information dissemination to the offline and online media. • 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. Ensure that stories are engaging and appeal to a wider audience through identifying new story angles and formats, and adapting messages to suit a social media audience.

3. Social Media Manage UNICEF Tajikistan’s social media channels as part of our digital communication framework, develop mutual relationship with key social media influencers and position UNICEF as a champion of rights of the children in the country.

Duties & Tasks:

• By consolidating annual country office programme plan and coordinating with regional office on global campaigns, to develop a social media advocacy plan and content plan for existing social media platforms that supports the Country Office’s advocacy priorities and stimulates discussion on issues identified. • Coordinate social media campaigns across several platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Youtube. Ensure positive months to months growth for existing platforms and as needed, explore alternative platforms suitable for Tajikistan. • Manage multi channel campaign initiatives, tailoring and optimizing content delivery on primary social media channels, make best use of social media “priority” and paid advertisement opportunities based on DOC guidelines and regulations. • Develop and maintain a good working relationship with local social media influencers, engage and leverage their reach to advocate for the rights of the children and mothers in the country.

4. Celebrities, partners and events Assist Communication Officer in maintaining and further developing list of partners, groups and organizations that can assist UNICEF’s advocacy efforts, support teams in organization of events related to our work in the country. Duties & Tasks: • Help organize and generate public support for special events and activities to promote country programme goals. • 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, especially through reaching out to social media enthusiasts and influencers. • Maintain and update celebrity and partner contact lists/database for country office. • Monitor/document process and effectiveness of working with these individuals/organizations. • Prepare background communication and promotional materials for briefings and visits of media, partners, donors, National Committee representatives and other special interest groups. 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.

• Work with partners’ digital communications teams to amplify our messages and leverage partner platforms.

• Maximise engagement around commemorative days and events to promote UNICEF’s advocacy agenda.

5. 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 digital advocacy and multimedia communication materials to target audiences, and participate in the evaluation of their impact. • Monitor and evaluate the use and effectiveness of social media platforms. Maintain a library of coverage and produce reports based on key performance indicators for each social media channels. • Monitor the public perception of UNICEF in the country and recommend appropriate action to maintain a positive image for the organization. • Assist in providing feedback to DOC on the use and appropriateness of global communication materials such as publications, images and multimedia products. • 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. • Keep track of efforts and activities from other UN agencies, development partners, nonprofits and competitors.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Education: University degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or related field.
• Experience: Minimum 1 year of practical professional work experience in communication, print and broadcast media and/or interactive digital media. Proven track record of using digital media to communicate key messages, as well as experience of communicating change and influencing behaviour. Familiarity of working with young people, media influencers and digital advocacy would be an advantage.
• Language Requirements: Proficiency in English, Tajik/or Russian.

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

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others.

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

Application:

The candidates, who are interested to apply for the position, should follow the electronic application's instructions. It requires the applicant to upload a detailed CV and academic degrees/diplomas, at least two latest performance evaluation reports.

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, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

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 promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, 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.

Remarks:

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government 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.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.