PFM Communications and Storytelling Associate

Volunteering

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

The Vaka Pasifika project supports Pacific Island countries in strengthening public financial management (PFM), accountability, transparency and the effective use of public resources to contribute to more inclusive and sustainable development outcomes. As part of its engagement with Pacific stakeholders, the project seeks to strengthen awareness and understanding of PFM issues by documenting practical experiences, lessons and examples from across the region.

Effective communication and storytelling can help translate complex PFM concepts into accessible and relatable narratives, demonstrating how public finance decisions, accountability mechanisms and the management of public resources can affect communities, public services and people’s everyday lives. Human-interest stories can also help bring Pacific perspectives and experiences into wider regional discussions on PFM and development.

Against this background, the PFM Communications and Storytelling Associate will support the Vaka Pasifika project team in researching, identifying and developing a collection of PFM-related human-interest stories for publication. The assignment will involve desk research, stakeholder engagement, interviews, information gathering, fact-checking and drafting of accessible stories that connect technical PFM issues with practical experiences and development outcomes.

Working under the guidance of the Vaka Pasifika project team, the UN Volunteer will contribute to the identification of relevant story themes and sources, support the coordination of interviews and research, and assist in developing and refining stories for the intended audience. The assignment will provide an opportunity to strengthen communication around PFM issues while highlighting Pacific experiences, perspectives and practical examples.

Under the overall guidance of the Vaka Pasifika project team, the Associate will support communication and storytelling activities aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of public financial management (PFM) issues and their relevance to people, communities and public service delivery in the Pacific.

The Associate will:

• Support research and identification of relevant PFM themes, issues, initiatives and country experiences that can be developed into accessible human-interest stories. • Review existing Vaka Pasifika communication materials and previous journalist engagements to identify relevant lessons, story opportunities and potential sources. • Support the development and implementation of a workplan for researching and producing PFM-related stories. • Conduct desk research and gather relevant background information, data, evidence and other materials to inform story development. • Identify and support engagement with relevant stakeholders, including government representatives, oversight institutions, civil society organisations, communities, development partners and other appropriate sources. • Support the planning and coordination of interviews and consultations with identified stakeholders and document relevant perspectives, experiences and examples. • Assist in translating technical PFM concepts and information into clear, engaging and accessible narratives for non-technical audiences. • Draft human-interest stories, case studies and related communication content based on research, interviews and verified information. • Support fact-checking and verification of key information, data and quotations used in communication products. • Work closely with the Vaka Pasifika project team to refine story angles, structure, messaging and presentation. • Incorporate feedback from the project team and support revisions through the UNDP review and clearance process. • Contribute to the compilation and preparation of approved stories and supporting content for publication and dissemination. • Support other communication, research and knowledge-sharing activities related to PFM and the objectives of the Vaka Pasifika project, as required.

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

• Demonstrated ability to research, gather and organise information from multiple sources and translate it into clear and accessible content. • Experience conducting interviews, consultations or stakeholder engagement and capturing relevant perspectives and human-interest stories. • Good writing and editing skills, with the ability to develop clear, concise and engaging stories for non-technical audiences. • Ability to undertake basic fact-checking, information verification and desk research and to present information accurately. • Familiarity with developing communication products such as articles, human-interest stories, case studies, profiles, web content or social media content. • Good interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage respectfully with a diverse range of stakeholders. • Ability to work collaboratively with project teams and incorporate feedback into written products. • Good organisational skills and ability to manage multiple research, interview and writing tasks within agreed timelines. • Basic knowledge of public financial management, governance, accountability, development issues or Pacific regional priorities would be an advantage. • Experience working with Pacific Island communities, government institutions, development partners or regional organisations would be an advantage. • Familiarity with basic digital communication tools and platforms, including Microsoft Office and online research and communication tools.

Climate: The Solomon Islands has a tropical climate that is warm and humid year-round, with an annual average temperature of around 27–30°C. There are two distinct seasons: the wet season from November to April, characterized by heavy rainfall and occasional tropical cyclones, and the dry season from May to October, which brings less rainfall and cooler trade winds. Coastal areas remain warm throughout the year, while inland regions with higher elevations experience slightly cooler temperatures.

Health: Public hospitals and private clinics provide healthcare services, with the National Referral Hospital in Honiara serving as the main medical facility. However, medical infrastructure and specialized care are limited, making it necessary to evacuate to neighboring countries like Australia or New Zealand for complex medical treatments. Several private clinics in Honiara cater to expatriates and UN staff, offering basic healthcare services.

Diet, Food, and Water: Markets in urban centers offer staples such as rice, fish, fresh vegetables, and fruits. While local cuisine is prevalent, a variety of international food options, including Western and Asian fare, can be found, especially in Honiara. Meals range in price from $5 to $20+. Bottled water is widely available and recommended for consumption. Telecommunications: The Solomon Islands has two major telecom providers: Bmobile, and Our Telekom. SIM cards cost approximately SBD $20–30, and pre-paid top-up options range from SBD $10 to $200. Internet and mobile connectivity are improving, particularly in urban areas, but coverage may be limited in rural regions.

Accommodation: The UNV Field Unit in Honiara can assist in arranging initial accommodation at hotels, typically at the volunteer’s expense. Long-term housing options can be explored after arrival, with varying costs depending on location and amenities.

Apply now

Added 7 days ago - Updated 2 hours ago - Source: unv.org