UNV Communication Specialist

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.

For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF believes that all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfil their potential – to the benefit of a better world. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. The UNV will be working within the UNICEF Mali Communication and Advocacy Section, which is composed of six staff members (3 IP, 2 NO and 1 GS). This section oversees communication and advocacy across six offices: the main office (Bamako) and five field offices (Gao, Tombouctou, Mopti, Kayes and Sikasso). The communication and advocacy workplan focuses on advocacy, media, digital communication, content, brand, influencers/partnership, child participation, internal communication and capacity building. The section works closely with national and international media, government partners, NGOs, influencers, children and young people.

The Communication Specialist (IUNV), within their area of responsibility, is accountable for digital communication content, working in close collaboration with communication and advocacy colleagues, as well as with all Operations Units and Programme Sections. The UN Volunteer will perform the following tasks: • Revise and update the UNICEF Mali website with new content. • Write human interest stories and collect photo/video content for UNICEF Mali digital channels and other channels. • Coordinate social media content, strategy, marketing and analytics, working closely with the national communication officer. • Support youth participation activities, especially around content. • Perform other duties as required and as directed 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 UNICEF personnel, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UNICEF, Specialists at this level analyse requests received from managers, supervisors and staff and make recommendations or take technical sound actions. Examples of such actions at this level include developing content, such as web articles, videos or photo essays, planning and developing social media campaigns, implementing digital marketing campaigns and contributing to communication strategy design, implementation and monitoring. The position will also require more in-depth analysis in order to develop plans independently towards producing the expected results in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: • UNICEF Mali website updated, with new articles published regularly. • UNICEF's social media reach and engagement expanded. • Compelling content produced in support of advocacy, communication, programme and fundraising goals. • Youth advocacy activities carried out, amplified and documented. • Field missions conducted to gather content. • Technical support provided to staff. • Quality contributions to the design and implementation of local strategies and initiatives. • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment produced, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

national and/or international level in journalism, print, broadcast and/or digital media, with experience in social media and websites is required. Experience with UNICEF an asset, as is experience working in the UN or another international development organization. Familiarity with humanitarian work / emergency preparedness and response is highly desirable.

• Area of expertise requirement: Strategic • Experience and ability to develop compelling content with an audience centric approach. • Technical • In-depth technical knowledge of how to develop digital content, e.g. web articles and social media posts. • Able to write a variety of content in multiple languages to deadline. • Competent in web publishing, social media publishing and with experience in digital marketing and analytics. • Interpersonal and Communication • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in a diverse organization tailoring language, tone, style and format to match audience. • Ability to conduct interviews with a variety of people. The incumbent must be a dynamic, multi-functional person, who supports UNICEF with professionalism, dedication and creativity. The following qualifications are required: o Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet, familiar with social media publishing and marketing tools (eg Business Manager), familiar with web content management systems (eg Drupal). o Knowledge of video and photo editing software is an advantage. o Knowledge of social media analytics tools is an advantage o Excellent oral and written communication skills with an ability to adapt style for a variety of platforms, channels and audiences.

Mali in general and Bamako in particular, are exciting places to live and to work. The population is generally welcoming to foreigners. Cost of living is relatively low even if imported goods can be expensive. Supermarkets are accessible and generally well supplied. Health structures are average and only the UN Clinic and a few private health facilities offer acceptable services, not necessarily covering all specialties. Accommodation can easily be found at acceptable prices. Security in Bamako should be given due attention, it is important to follow UNDSS and the internal Security Adviser recommendations when in Bamako or on missions to the field offices. Availability of water and electricity must be considered when looking for an accommodation as shortages happen more and more frequently in some areas. The telecom infrastructure and internet access are good in town at acceptable prices. Mali is an exciting country. It provides opportunity for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than many places to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in sometimes difficult and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential. The Rest and Recuperation (R&R) cycle for Bamako is eight weeks; and UNICEF pays the UN lump sum for the R&R travel.