Regional Communications Specialist
Support UNCDF's mission and communication strategy in West and Central Africa and the Caribbean.
Overview
Support UNCDF's mission and communication strategy in West and Central Africa and the Caribbean.
You have:
- 3 years of experience in communications, events planning, or related fields is highly desirable.
- Excellent English and French skills (verbal and written), excellent drafting, formulation, reporting and editing skills.
- Excellent skills in PPT, social media cards, etc.
- Experience in organizing events and communications event outcomes is an asset.
- Experience working with the UN system is an asset.
- Demonstrated interest in sustainable development, investment and development finance, and communications.
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 mission of the UNCDF is to serve as the United Nations flagship catalytic financing entity for the LDCs to strengthen financing mechanisms and systems for structural transformation. As the only UN agency with a mandate to deploy financial instruments in both the public and private sectors and across all sectors of the economy, the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) has an increasing track record of offering and supporting establishment of guarantees to unlock commercial investments in LDCs. In partnership with UN entities and development partners, UNCDF delivers scalable, blended finance solutions to drive systemic change, pave the way for commercial finance, and contribute to the SDGs. Assignment context.
UNCDF has undergone an organizational restructuring, shifting towards an investment-oriented structure to strengthen its identity as a ‘development fund.’ This transformation aims to enhance its ability to mobilize resources, engage with stakeholders, and drive impactful investments that promote sustainable development at the local and national levels.
In this context, the UNV will support the Regional Investment Team Lead, based in Dakar, as well as the global Strategic Communications Advisor, in the communications functions across West and Central Africa and the Caribbean Region. The Communications Specialist will support country teams in West and Central Africa and the Caribbean in the implementation of UNCDF communication strategy. The role will depend from the Strategic Communication Advisor at UNCDF Head Quarters in New York and will work closely with the Regional Investment Team lead. Through this role, the volunteer will gain valuable experience in development finance while supporting UNCDF’s mission to expand access to capital for inclusive and sustainable growth.
Under the direct supervision of the Regional Investment Team Lead for West and Central Africa and the Caribbean Region, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
Summary of key functions: -Assist in UNCDF Knowledge Management and Communications; -Support development of a communication and dissemination plan; -Support learning gathering and inputs to programming; -Support in drafting concept notes, project proposals.
Examples of tasks include: -Serve as communication focal point for the region and coordinate with countries, programmes and Head Quarters; -Support the training of UNCDF teams at the regional and country level on UNCDF communication strategy; -Support the development of communication methods and materials for social media, blog, articles; -Support the drafting and overseeing of any communication piece in the region; -Contribute to the gathering of insights and learnings from UNCDF interventions in the region to identify best practices and inform UNCDF programming; -Contribute to the design of new initiatives and proposals for funders, support drafting concept notes and proposals.
•Accountability •Adaptability and flexibility •Creativity •Judgement and decision-making •Planning and organising •Professionalism •Self-management
•3 years of experience in communications, events planning, or related fields is highly desirable. •Excellent English and French skills (verbal and written), excellent drafting, formulation, reporting and editing skills; •Excellent skills in PPT, social media cards, etc. •Experience in organizing events and communications event outcomes is an asset; •Experience working with the UN system is an asset.
Demonstrated interest in:
-Sustainable development
-Investment and development finance
-Communications.
The assignment will take place in Dakar and Diamniadio (the new UN House), Senegal. Dakar, the capital of Senegal, is a well-developed city with a good level of infrastructure. Accommodation options generally meet safety and comfort standards, with essential amenities available. Healthcare services are accessible, supported by comprehensive medical insurance coverage. While the security risk remains low, volunteers are expected to follow established safety protocols.
Dakar offers various transportation options, ensuring ease of movement within the city. The climate is tropical savanna, characterized by warm and humid conditions, particularly during the rainy season. French is the primary language of communication, though English is gradually gaining wider use. The city provides opportunities for engagement with local communities within a stable social environment.
Potential interview questions
| Describe a time when you had to implement a communication strategy in a complex environment. What were the challenges and outcomes? | This question assesses your experience and ability to navigate complex situations while implementing communication strategies. | Provide a concrete example highlighting your role, the challenges faced, and the successful outcomes achieved. |
| How do you ensure clarity and effectiveness in communication materials? | The interviewer is looking to understand your approach to creating clear and impactful communications. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you give an example of how you adapted a communication plan to meet changing circumstances? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies do you use to engage stakeholders in communication processes? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe your experience with social media management and how it has supported your communication goals. | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What methods do you use to evaluate the effectiveness of your communication campaigns? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple communication projects at the same time? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What experience do you have in training and supporting teams on communication strategies? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |