Regional Communications Officer

Volunteering Communications & PR Admin

Overview

Provide regional communications and advocacy support to enhance visibility and engagement.

You have:

• A minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in communications and advocacy in the context of development or humanitarian work.
• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement.
• Professionalism in presenting work and influencing others positively.
• Integrity in handling communications and advocacy support tasks.
• Strong planning and organizing skills to implement communication strategies.
• Ability to work flexibly and adapt to changing environments and challenges.

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.

The UNV will be assigned to provide regional communications and advocacy support to the RCO communications officers in Africa, under the guidance and direct supervision of the Deputy Regional Director.

The incumbent also advises and coordinates with Resident Coordiantors and UNCTs in strategic and regional communications as needed, potentially providing guidance to communication officers in the RCO and UN agencies, funds and programmes, direct technical support, coaching and training as required, as well as ensuring quality control of editorial content in online and offline channels. In addition, he/she works in close collaboration with the Resident Coordinators and UNCT members, Resident Coordinator’s Offices and DCO staff at the regional and Headquarters level to ensure successful implementation of communications and advocacy efforts in the region.

The position also maintains a close working relationship with the DCO Communications team in New York and the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC).

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the DCO Africa Deputy Regional Director or her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Regional Communications Officer will:

1. Provide operational communications and advocacy support to Resident Coordinator’s Offices (RCOs) and UN Information Centers (UNICs) in 54 African countries to design, implement and monitor communications strategies including in regional settings.
2. Build and maintain regular relationships with communications and advocacy staff from RCOs and UNICs across Africa and provide guidance in communicating Cooperation Framework results while ensuring alignment with regional and global priorities.
3. Coordinate a regional network of communications officers in collaboration with UNIC Directors, foster knowledge sharing, information dissemination, and collaboration through online communities, webinars, and other mechanisms.
4. Identify and develop compelling human-interest stories from the African region that showcase the UN’s impact in advancing the implementation of SDGs, ensuring a broader outreach. Support the amplification of country-level stories to regional and global platforms.
5. In consultation with relevant DCO and DGC partners, provide strategic and technical guidance on digital platforms, social media, and UN Country Team websites in Africa, promoting best practices for utilizing their multilingual capabilities and enhancing visibility.
6. Support the adaptation of global communications priorities by providing feedback to DCO HQ and the Department of Global Communications (DGC) to tailor strategies and initiatives for the African context.
7. Support the establishment and update of UN Communications Group Terms of Reference in African countries and help draft regional communication strategies, guidelines, and best practices.
8. Review and consolidate DCO Africa’s inputs to the DCO Policy Bulletin to ensure visibility of regional results globally
9. Contribute to data-driven regional reports by assisting with data collection, analysis, visualization, and writing, supporting high-level political discussions and global events.
10. Develop engaging social media content for DCO Africa senior management to enhance visibility and awareness of key regional initiatives, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
11. Draft speeches, background notes, and talking points for senior management, providing strategic support for their interventions at international forums and high-level engagements.
12. Provide regional communications support, including surge capacity during peak periods, by helping RCOs and UNICs develop and implement regional communication strategies. Support media monitoring, social media listening, and engagement in HQ-led crisis cells.
13. Curate and share best practices and lessons learned from regional communications and reputation management campaigns across Africa, ensuring that RCOs and UNICs adopt effective approaches and guidelines for future crises.
14. Support UNCTs to align their messaging during crises, ensuring a unified approach by formulating common messages, including a joint UN statement, and coordinating with senior leadership to enhance communication efforts and maintain consistency.

• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Planning and organizing • Communication • Flexibility • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement

• A minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in communications and advocacy the context of development, humanitarian is required.

Addis Ababa is the capital of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The population is estimated at about 4 million or so. Addis Ababa is located in the Ethiopian highlands at an altitude of 2,500-2,700 meters. The climate is sunny and temperate, but it can be very cold at night. It is therefore advisable to bring warm clothing and foresee using heaters when necessary. Addis Ababa is the headquarters for the UN Economic Commission for Africa as well as the African Union. Thus, there is a very large community of expatriates from all over the world. There are some 80 embassies/diplomatic missions. Housing is most of the time readily available, and the rents are, on average, reasonable. Most foodstuffs, beverages, household goods, furniture, and clothing, mostly imported from the Middle/Far East, South Africa, and Europe, or local brands, can be found, although they can be expensive. Meat, fresh fruits, and vegetables are cheap and abundantly available.

The basic infrastructures - roads, utilities, and telecommunications - are below standard, as are medical facilities, which are still largely inadequate, although a few private clinics and hospitals provide reasonably good routine care. Several restaurants around the city serve local or international cuisine, and there are numerous social and sports facilities (fitness, tennis, swimming, riding, golf, etc.) in the major hotels or in different establishments around the city. There are no major or special security concerns within Addis Ababa city limits.

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org