Communications Assistant for Lusophone/Spanish speaking countries

Organizational Context

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme promotes peace and development globally through volunteerism. UNV Field Units are crucial for mobilizing and placing volunteers within UN agencies, funds, and programmes, focusing on peace, development, and humanitarian assistance. They represent UNV, connect its services with partners, and collaborate with governments, civil society, and the private sector. UNV personnel are typically hosted within UNDP offices and adhere to UNV and UNDP policies.

Job Purpose

The Communications Assistant will be instrumental in bolstering UNV's communication initiatives across Lusophone and Spanish-speaking countries, including São Tomé and Príncipe, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, and Equatorial Guinea. This role involves coordinating regional communication plans and activities, facilitating information exchange among UNV Field Units and the regional communications team, and ensuring co-branding with UN partners. The assistant will also support the monitoring and reporting of international day celebrations, conduct communication-focused monitoring missions, and assist in talent outreach through advocacy. A key aspect will be creating and disseminating engaging content, such as success stories and case studies, to highlight the impact of UN Volunteers and their contributions.

Responsibilities

The Communications Assistant will serve as the primary communication focal point for assigned countries, supporting the regional communications strategy and plan. This includes coordinating and implementing communication activities, fostering collaboration among UNV Field Units and the regional team, and ensuring co-branding with UN partners. The role involves supporting and reporting on international day celebrations, conducting communication-targeted monitoring missions, and assisting in talent outreach. Additionally, the assistant will develop and disseminate engaging storytelling content, collect testimonials from UN Volunteers and partners, and create narratives for country-specific communications. Social media management will include updating accounts, creating engaging content, analyzing trends, and preparing social media cards and emails. The position also requires providing quarterly reports on communication activities and contributing to regional communication analyses.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of progressive professional experience in communications, social media, or journalism is required. Experience within the development sector, particularly with the UN or international NGOs in West and Central Africa, is considered an asset.

Skills

Proficiency in written and spoken English and Portuguese is essential. The role requires strong interpersonal, team collaboration, and coordination skills, along with excellent verbal and written communication abilities. Candidates should possess strong organizational and multitasking capabilities, an analytical mindset for interpreting social media metrics, and a solid understanding of the socio-political context of Central African countries. Expertise in communication, information technology, and business management is also beneficial.

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