UNV Communications Specialist (campaign and emergency response)

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.

Within the Ghana Country Office and under the supervision of the Chief, Advocacy and Communication, and in close collaboration with all within the Communication and Advocacy team and all programme sections, the UN Volunteer Communications Specialist will undertake the following tasks:

General public communications activities: •Research, draft and edit high-quality communication materials (articles, press releases, human interest stories, fact sheets, quarterly country update newsletters and others) particularly in relation to advocacy campaigns and emergency response •Help in the planning and organizing as well as generating public support for special events and activities to promote Ghana Country Office Priorities, particularly in reference to education, health and nutrition and disability priority areas as well as emergency response •Contribute to the development of key partnership communication and visibility plans •Work with the Chief, Communication and Advocacy to develop a communication plan to support key campaigns within the office. •Create and produce high-quality, creative assets with audio-visual and writer consultants to communicate priority messages for the office. •Support the overall UN in Ghana Communication Group and the implementation of the joint UN Communications Strategy in line with the UN Partnership Framework and UNICEF’s Country Business Plan.   Online strategy support: •Assist in positioning UNICEF as a knowledge leader and pioneer in the area of online communication and social media through the development of social media messages, which include relevant photographs/ films and engaging with key influencers •Support the U-Report team with the production of polls and reporting upon outcomes •Assist in maintaining UNICEF’s web photo database by processing and uploading photos and captions (web-based training on web management and photo database can be organized);

Advocacy support: •Work with the Chief, Communication and Advocacy to draft a strong advocacy plan focusing on at least one priority advocacy priority for Ghana Country Office. Work with colleagues to produce assets for and implement this plan.

Communication support: •Support the Communication team in its day-to-day activities, including but not limited to, contributing to outreach through organizing events and setting up activities (workshops, meetings etc); •Conduct and participate in field visits with programme sections and / or audiovisual teams to produce quality assets, including strong social media posts and work with media •Support with the development and design of branding materials – e.g. UNICEF branded calendars, notebooks etc. •Work with Chief, Communication and Advocacy to support relations with key stakeholders, including social media influencers

•Diversity and inclusion: Treats all people with dignity and respect; shows respect and sensitivity towards gender, cultural and religious differences; challenges prejudice, biases and intolerance in the workplace; encourages diversity wherever possible. •Integrity: Maintains high ethical standards; takes clear ethical stands; keeps promises; immediately addresses untrustworthy or dishonest behaviour; resists pressure in decision-making from internal and external sources; does not abuse power or authority. •Commitment: Demonstrates commitment to UNICEF’s mission and to the wider UN system; demonstrates the values of UNICEF in daily activities and behaviours; seeks out new challenges, assignments and responsibilities; promotes UNICEF’s cause. •Communication: Speaks fluently; expresses opinions, information and key points of an argument clearly; presents information with skill and confidence; responds quickly to the needs of an audience and to their reactions and feedback; projects credibility; structures information to meet the needs and understanding of the intended audience; presents information in a well-structured and logical way. •Working with people: Shows respect for the views and contributions of other team members; shows empathy; listens, supports and cares for others; consults others and shares information and expertise with them; builds team spirit and reconciles conflict; adapts to the team and fits in well. •Drive for results: Sets high standards for quality of work; monitors and maintains quality of work; works in a systematic, methodical and orderly way; consistently achieves project goals; focuses on the needs and satisfaction of internal and external partners; accepts and tackles demanding goals with enthusiasm

the sphere of communication at the national and/or international level , media, marketing or public relations context, work within the private sector is an asset; experience with right-based and / or advocacy organizations is an asset, as is experience working in development organizations including the UN. Strategic external communication to an advantage

•Area of expertise requirement: - Proficiency in external relations - Strong writing skills - Knowledge, and experience of working on communications or similar in a development country context - Social Media management

Ghana is a middle-income country with a population of 30 million people. The incumbent will be based in the capital city, Accra, Ghana. The duty station is within commuting distance. The country is generally peaceful with transport, medical, education and other services affordable and within reach. At sea level, the climate of the country is tropical-hot and humid with average yearly temperatures of about 27oC (80oF) and little daily variation. At the hinterland, there are higher altitudes with an average yearly temperature of 20oC (68oF), and nights are generally cool. Annual rainfall varies from 500 centimetres (200 in.) on the southwestern slopes to 100 centimetres (40 in.) in the northern lowlands. The dry season runs from October to May. Ghana is a Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) country and a family duty station. Regarding accommodation and food, houses and apartments can be rented from $500 to $1500 per month depending on the location. Average restaurant meals cost between $10 and $60. Food, household commodities and clothing can be found in shops and local markets at reasonable prices. An entry visa is required for all travellers and must be obtained prior to arrival from an embassy. The Cedi is the local currency and the current exchange rate system stands at approximately 7.7 Ghana cedis is equivalent to USD 1. There are forex bureaux where foreign currencies can be exchanged. Some commercial banks are operating in the country and Visa cards are accepted in very limited hotels, restaurants and select service centres.

During rush hour the commute can become quite lengthy from certain areas if moving towards the city center. Walking and biking is not recommended due to the conditions of the road, absence of bike lanes and sidewalks as well as in terms of the temperature with high humidity levels.

Most modes of public transport in Ghana, including buses and tro-tros (informal mini-bus taxis), are inexpensive but can be erratic and unreliable. For this reason, most expats living in Ghana opt to drive their own vehicle or hire a driver to transport them daily. However, the cost of purchasing a reliable car is quite high, and petrol prices are steadily increasing although it's still relatively cheap when compared with other countries. The price range for these differ depending on condition, type and age of the vehicle. Uber is offering a reasonable and reliable alternative.

The cost of public healthcare in Ghana is low, especially since the introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). However, the quality of treatment offered by public hospitals in Ghana does not meet the standard that most expats are accustomed to. Private health care is a good option. Certain vaccinations are mandatory for UN personnel to enter Ghana, while others are compulsory for all other in-coming persons. It is possible for incoming UN personnel, including UN volunteers, to be asked to provide proof of some or all vaccinations at the Kotoka International Airport, for example yellow fever vaccination. All UN Volunteers must ensure that they are up-to-date with all appropriate vaccinations, which should be clearly and properly endorsed in the International Certificate of Vaccination (“carte jaune”). Malaria is present virtually throughout the Ghana, and it is therefore recommended to take prophylaxis. The UN clinic is based in the UNDP compound and accessible for UNVs. Ghana has been commended for its management of the COVID-19 crisis and started its vaccine campaign.