RSF Communications Officer

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.

Since 2009, the Lake Chad Basin region has been prone to intractable extremist insurgencies led by Boko Haram that have left tens of thousands of people dead and approximately 2.8 million internally displaced, including 2 million in Nigeria alone, along with 264,000 refugees. Of the estimated 17.4 million people living across the region, 10.6 million are in urgent need of assistance. The most affected territories are Cameroon's North and Far North regions; Hadjer-Lamis and Lac regions of Chad; Diffa region of Niger; Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states of Nigeria. To address this, the UNDP, in collaboration with the Lake Chad Basin Commission, the African Union, local and national governments, the African Development Bank, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, implement the Regional Stabilization Facility (RSF) to support the stabilization of the insurgency-affected areas of the Lake Chad Basin. Building on best practices from the Lake Chad Basin, UNDP is supporting the Liptako-Gourma Authority in developing a stabilization strategy and has set up a regional stabilization mechanism supporting national authorities to implement short-term stability interventions in the borderlands of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, which have become hotspots of terrorist attacks and community violence. The project in both regions focuses on four key areas: • Stabilization of target areas through strengthening safety and security • Rehabilitation of essential infrastructure • Providing livelihood support • Proving capacity-building support to the Lake Chad Basin Commission and the Liptako-Gourma Authority The Volunteer will work with the Regional Stabilization Facility Team based in Dakar, Senegal, under the supervision of the Head of Stabilisation Facility, working in coordination with the head of communications. He or she will focus on developing strategic communications and media initiatives on the facility and its interventions. S/he is responsible for designing timely, accurate and high-quality informational materials, such as social media assets, publications, news briefs, fact sheets, stories from the field, etc. for media outreach, the UNDP Africa website, and inclusion in informational kits for further public outreach. She or he will also support the coordination of activities with the communications focal points in the six countries where the stabilization programmes are being implemented and support the Facility’s Knowledge management.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Head of the Regional Stabilization Facility or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer RSF Communications Officer will:

• Plans and facilitates printed & digital communication, including websites, social media, intranet, CO web-based knowledge management system. • Designs and develops high-quality flyers, publications, infographics, banners, roll-ups and other graphic design products to support the project’s academic, research and policy dialogues activities. • Develops and maintains external and internal digital communications platforms such as websites, social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, etc.), Intranet and on-line collaboration platforms, etc. • Design of the office websites based on corporate requirements in cooperation with the ICT staff. • Plans and facilitates the development and implementation of a digital content strategy and contributes to the development of key communications and advocacy products (e.g. human-interest stories, multilingual and multimedia content, etc.). • Preparation of the content for the website, newsletter and social media platforms ensuring consistency of the materials. • Conducts exercises exploring the applicability of new and emerging tools and techniques to digital communications and advocacy activities to reach a wider, younger audience. • Monitors and evaluates the dissemination of advocacy and communication material to target audiences and the impact of the same. • Monitors and analyses media coverage in the region and share information with communication teams. • Drafts and/or edits a range of materials, including press releases & advisories, news briefs, fact sheets, and multimedia human interest stories for inclusion in media kits and further public outreach. • Delivers creative and innovative products for print and web use. • Coordinates the implementation of communications and visibility plans with the communications focal points in country, ensures timely conduct of activities, the respect of donor communications guidelines, and stores all material in share drive. • Supports the implementation of the regional communications strategies. • Monitors and measures the impact of the communication strategy and adjust accordingly. • Ensures the promotion and increased understanding of UNDP’s stabilization work in the region with special attention on results and impacts achieved. • Integrates issue-based advocacy into the communications strategy around key priority areas.

Results/expected outputs

As an active team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNDP WACA and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:

• The key results have an impact on UNDP WACA’s development and business goals in the region through increased understanding among target audiences on UNDP WACA’s internal efficiency and capacity to deliver. Effective development and implementation of communications strategies will enhance the strategic positioning of UNDP WACA in the region. • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment. • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP WACA; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP WACA procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDP WACA in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNDP WACA mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

one or more of the following areas: - graphic design, public relations, digital communications, journalism, and media development-related advocacy. Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization, preferably in the region, is an asset but not required. Required: Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling web-based management systems and email marketing platforms. Required: Practical background in graphic design, including Adobe Creative Suite: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe InDesign software. Required: Experience in producing flyers, infographics, banners, roll-ups and branded materials for conferences, events and social media campaigns. Required: Experience in formatting publications e.g. books, policy papers, journals, official reports, etc. Experience in photo editing. Experience in media development is an asset but not required

The assignment will take place in Senegal’s capital, Dakar, a family duty station (Hardship classification A). Dakar is a liveable city. The spontaneous reception and hospitality of the Senegalese are among the characteristic features of this West African country. The living conditions in Dakar are good, as well as the access to health services. The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory, and vaccination cards should be presented at the entrance. Vaccinations against Meningococcal Meningitis and Hepatitis A and B are also recommended. The basic drugs are available in pharmacies, but it is recommended to bring specific prescription drugs. According to ANSD/RGPHAE 2020 official estimates, the Dakar metropolitan area population reaches over 3,9 million people. The total population of Senegal is 16 705 608 inhabitants (ANSD 2020). Senegal is located on UTC/ GMT. Senegal has a warm climate and sunny days throughout the year that make it a comfortable duty station. Daytime temperatures are, on average, around 30°C. The rainy season is in the northern hemisphere’s summer/fall. The currency used in Senegal is called Franc CFA (XOF). On 1st March 2021, the average exchange rate is 1 USD = 535,913XOF. Many hotels, restaurants and businesses in Senegal accept the leading international credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.). It is also possible to withdraw cash from automatic telling machines found in all the major cities. The accommodation facilities are in general good, and the choice is vast. It is possible to rent unfurnished and furnished accommodations from 450 to 2000 USD. UN Volunteers can also co-rent and share private concessions, which must comply with Minimum Operating Residential Security Standards (MORSS). Local taxis can easily arrange Transportation in town. A valid passport is required to enter Senegal and a negative COVID-19 test. ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) nationals do not require an entry visa. Citizens of other countries may require an entry visa or long-stay visa. They should contact the closest Senegalese representation. Senegalese Embassies and consulates in various West African countries and other parts of the world issue visas before travel.