Spotlight Communications Officer

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

The United Nations has launched and is implementing the Spotlight Initiative, a multi-year programme aimed at addressing all forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG) with generous support from the European Union. It follows a transformative and evidence-based approach, addressing unequal power relations between men and women and focusing on gender equality and women’s empowerment, as well as ending impunity for VAWG. In line with the principles of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Initiative follows a human rights-based approach and takes into consideration the specific needs of women and girls who experience multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and upholds the principle of “leaving no one behind.”

The Spotlight Initiative aims to support transformative change on the ground to end family violence in Trinidad and Tobago. The initiative comes with the highest level of commitment globally and is governed by the UN Deputy Secretary General and the Vice President of the EU Commission.

This position is in line with the spirit of the new generation of Resident Coordinator offices, with the new skillset and competencies required to deliver on the 2030 Agenda, as well as the UN Spotlight Initiative.

Under the guidance of the Spotlight Programme Coordinator, the Spotlight Communications Officer, will oversee, support and monitor the implementation of the Spotlight communications and visibility strategies, as well as communication for development (C4D) and social and behavior change communication (SBCC) activities.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Spotlight Programme Coordinator or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Communications Officer will:

• Support design, planning, and implementation of Spotlight Initiative Communication and Visibility strategies and plans • Coordinate the design and planning of communication for development and social and behavioral change communication strategies and messages. • Support UN communications group, including related to EVAWC, gender equality and women’s empowerment, and other communication needs • Provide administrative and logistical support as necessary. • Support the Spotlight team in the preparation of annual reports specifically in reporting comprehensively on all communications and visibility campaigns and strategies • coordinate the planning of joint national campaigns including International Women’s Day and 16 Days of Activism, launching initiatives, and publications • Write and/or disseminate newsletters, press releases, policy briefs, pamphlets, talking points, speeches, editorials, branded materials, and other written communications materials; • Identify and compile human interest and success stories and programme achievements and manage knowledge sharing among recipient UN agencies;Design and maintain a digital presence, including robust social media footprint for the Spotlight Initiative.Liaise with EU Delegation to boost visibility of the Spotlight Initiative • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/expected outputs:

• As an active Spotlight Initiative team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to the Office of the Resident Coordinator and Recipient UN Organisations and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: 2022-2023 Communications/Visibility Action Plan, Quarterly Spotlight newsletter, High-impact visibility events

Results/Outputs can be modified as appropriate; should not entirely mirror the task description but serve as a basis for workplan and deliverables

• 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 Resident Coordinator Office technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to Resident Coordinator Office 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 Resident Coordinator Office 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; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards Resident Coordinator Office mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

communications, knowledge of the Spotlight Initiativeis an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization; • Proficiency in design, photography, videography, social media campaigns • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in gender-based violence volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.