Communications Officer

Organizational Context

UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, is a global agency dedicated to providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children. Operating in 192 countries, UNICEF addresses critical issues such as immunization, maternal and child health, nutrition, sanitation, education, and emergency relief. The agency works to promote awareness, understanding, and support for children's and women's rights, aligning with its mission and global priorities.

Job Purpose

The UN Volunteer will support the Chief of Section in developing, managing, and implementing an advocacy and communication strategy. This role is crucial for promoting awareness and understanding of children's and women's rights, and garnering support for UNICEF's mission, priorities, and programs. The volunteer will contribute to enhancing the organization's credibility and brand by creating and disseminating communication products and activities. This includes engaging public audiences and aligning efforts with the country office, regional office, media hub, and the UN Country Team's objectives.

Responsibilities

The Communications Officer will be responsible for implementing the communication work plan to support country program objectives and raise awareness of children's issues. Key duties include managing media relations by maintaining contact lists, facilitating communication with journalists, organizing press conferences, and disseminating media materials. The role involves developing and updating databases for media contacts and partners, and collaborating with mass media through site visits and coverage. Additionally, the officer will identify and engage national personalities, digital influencers, and content creators to support advocacy and resource mobilization efforts. This includes planning special events and preparing information materials for global advocacy activities. The position also requires supporting UNICEF's global communication priorities and campaigns by adapting them locally and gathering country-specific content for global use, as well as contributing to fundraising activities through effective communication strategies.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of professional work experience in communication, journalism, external relations, public affairs, public relations, or corporate communications is required. Experience in print, broadcast, or new media is essential. Fieldwork experience in the development sector or with the United Nations is advantageous, as is familiarity with emergency programming.

Skills

The role requires strong competencies in self-awareness, ethical awareness, collaboration, partnership building, innovation, strategic thinking, driving impactful results, and managing ambiguity and complexity. Expertise in Communication, Arts and Design, and Development Programmes is also necessary.

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