UNV Public Information 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.

The United Nations Security Council adopted resolution 2524 (2020) authorizing the mandate of UNITAMS which is to assist the political transition, progress towards democratic governance, in the protection and promotion of human rights, and

sustainable peace; support peace processes and implementation of future peace agreements;

assist peacebuilding, civilian protection and rule of law, in particular in Blue Nile and South Kordofan (the Two Areas) and Darfur; and support the mobilisation of economic and development assistance and coordination of humanitarian assistance.

Design and coordinate the development of multimedia and digital communications products/campaigns;
Research and prepare social media content, across multiple platforms in support of Mission priorities and messaging;
Assist in generating human interest stories for the Mission’s social media platforms and website;
Develop and implement multimedia and digital communications strategies and campaigns;
Conduct research in communications and public information activities related to UNITAMS's mandate in Sudan;
Post material to the website and social media sites;
When working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-)governmental counterparts, the incumbent is strongly encouraged to set aside dedicated time to capacity building through coaching, mentoring and formal and on the-job training;
Oversee the Webmaster and social media colleague
Perform any other related duties as may be required.

At least five years of relevant experience, preferably with the United Nations, including several years of specialized experience in a public communications environment (particularly journalism);

Experience in UN field operations would be an asset, including good working knowledge of UN administration and rules and regulations

Sudan has made the headlines lately after the former regime was thrown by the people of Sudan, ending a period of 30 years dictatorship and grievances, however, heavy heritage of social, economic, and political crises was handed over to the new government. The worldwide acclaimed role played by women to bring about change has contributed to the creation of a more conducive environment to work in the area of promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment following the adoption of a Constitutional Declaration which guarantees and promotes women’s rights in all social, political, and economic fields, and combats all forms of discrimination against women. The chapter 12 on independent commissions states the establishment of Women and Gender Equality Commission, and Chapter 7 allocated not less than 40% for women in the Transitional Legislative Council.

Khartoum is the capital and trading Centre of Sudan and is situated in Khartoum State, at the junction of the Blue and White Nile rivers; Omdurman is also a suburb of Khartoum, giving the urban area a population of over 3 million. It has long served as a major communications Centre between the Arab countries of North Africa and central African countries. The city lies near the rich, irrigated cotton growing Gezira area to the south and much of its trade is based on Nile river traffic. An oil pipeline links the city with Port Sudan on the Red Sea. Industries include tanning, textiles, light engineering, food processing, glassware, and printing. Sudan’s climate ranges from tropical in the south to arid dry desert in the north. Khartoum is one of the hottest capitals in the world in summer, although the winter months are cooler and pleasant. A rainy season in many areas spans from April to October.

Living conditions in Khartoum are good. Khartoum is classified as a family duty station, with anadequate level of services, accommodation, and facilities. One can rent a comfortable modern apartment or house with air conditioners that mitigate the hot and dusty climate. Medical facilities are basic. The cost of living may be high, depending on the standards, particularly for food and accommodation. It is a relatively safe environment, sometimes marked by small criminality, especially due the economic crisis, legacy of the years of exclusion of the country from the international community, exacerbated by the COVID 19 pandemic.

MORSS (Minimum Operating Residential Security Standards) compliance is required. Generally, the city is safe compared to other capitals in the continent. There are many restaurants and cafes for socializing, although limited sports facilities due to the climate although one can get membership of gyms for indoor exercise and there are clubs for swimming. International personnel should be prepared to use cash while in Sudan. ATM facilities are only available for local accounts. Credit cards cannot be used while in Sudan. Currency exchange and money transfer facilities, such as Western Union, are available in Khartoum.

All Photography without a permit is forbidden in Sudan. Do not take photographs without express permission. Where an official is present, you must ask permission to photograph. It is advised to obtain such permission prior to any display of a camera. Dress code is modest and conservative (arms and legs covered), although trousers are acceptable for women, head scarves do not need to be worn by expatriate women in the capital, men should wear long trousers.

Public displays of affection should be avoided. Public drunkenness is forbidden and possession of alcohol in Sudan is against the local laws. Visitors should always note that UN staff members are not permitted to bring alcohol into the country.