Communication Officer

Organizational Context

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) is dedicated to building a world where every child's rights are realized, providing humanitarian and developmental assistance in 191 countries. In South Sudan, UNICEF focuses on protecting children's rights amidst high child mortality, severe malnutrition, and a strained healthcare system. The organization leads the Health System Transformation Project (HSTP) to strengthen health services and government capacity, emphasizing communication and visibility for project success and public awareness.

Job Purpose

The Communication Officer will support UNICEF's mission in South Sudan by enhancing the visibility and impact of the Health System Transformation Project (HSTP). This role involves planning, implementing, and monitoring communication strategies to raise public awareness about children's health needs and advocate for the development of the health sector. The officer will produce communication materials, manage media relations, and contribute to the overall credibility and brand of UNICEF. By ensuring effective communication, the position aims to strengthen political will, mobilize support, and highlight project results to foster sustained growth and stability in the country.

Responsibilities

The Communication Officer will assist in developing and executing an advocacy and communication strategy to promote children's and women's issues, strengthen political will, and enhance UNICEF's credibility. Key responsibilities include producing timely communication products and materials aligned with country and global standards, gathering content on program activities and results, and developing country-specific materials. The role involves drafting and editing articles, press releases, and human interest stories for various media. Additionally, the officer will manage media relations by maintaining contact lists, disseminating information, and facilitating media activities. Monitoring and evaluation of communication efforts, audience research, and reporting on results are crucial. The position also entails maintaining relationships with partners and stakeholders, organizing special events, and preparing promotional materials for briefings and visits. UN Volunteers are also encouraged to integrate the UNV program mandate and promote voluntary action.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of practical professional experience in communication, print and broadcast media, or interactive digital media is required. Experience in humanitarian contexts, field work, capacity development, and partnership building is highly desirable. Familiarity with emergency situations and experience within a UN system agency are considered assets.

Skills

Core values include Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability. Essential competencies involve demonstrating self-awareness and ethical awareness, working collaboratively, building and maintaining partnerships, innovating and embracing change, thinking and acting strategically, driving for impactful results, managing ambiguity and complexity, and strong communication skills.

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