Digital Communications Officer (Polio Programme)
Organizational Context
Pakistan, a signatory to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, faces significant challenges for its children and adolescents. UNICEF collaborates with the Government of Pakistan to advance child rights and achieve Sustainable Development Goals. The organization focuses on child survival, thriving, education, protection, and a safe environment. Strategic communication is crucial for polio eradication, as Pakistan is one of the last countries with circulating wild poliovirus. UNICEF supports evidence-based communication to counter misinformation and boost vaccine acceptance.
Job Purpose
This role will significantly enhance digital communication efforts for the Polio Programme in Pakistan, a critical area for global polio eradication. The Digital Communications Officer will integrate AI-enabled digital engagement, social listening, and misinformation management into program operations. The volunteer will contribute to developing and implementing an AI-assisted digital strategy, strengthening real-time insight generation and rumor response systems, and building the capacity of teams. The ultimate goal is to improve community trust and vaccination uptake, protecting children from polio and contributing to a vital global health initiative while gaining valuable experience in a complex UN environment.
Responsibilities
The Digital Communications Officer will support the development and implementation of digital communication and Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) activities for the Polio Programme. This includes creating engaging, audience-focused digital content across platforms, potentially in multiple languages, and using A/B testing for optimization. The role involves co-creating locally relevant content in local languages to address misinformation and build trust in vaccination, and supporting targeted digital campaigns. Monitoring digital engagement and campaign performance, and contributing to adjustments based on data and insights are key. The officer will also support social and community listening activities to identify trends and feedback, contributing to timely responses to misinformation. Additionally, the role involves developing guidance on ethical AI use in SBC, facilitating trainings for teams on AI applications and digital analytics, and producing practical toolkits and playbooks. Coordination with relevant teams and partners, including JICA, to align digital SBC approaches and share insights is also expected.
Work Experience
A minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience is required in digital communication, social media strategy, or Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) within public health or development contexts. Experience in designing and implementing digital campaigns, content development, and performance monitoring is essential. Familiarity with digital tools for content creation, audience engagement, and analytics is necessary, with AI-enabled tools being an asset. Experience working with government, UN, or NGO partners in challenging environments, including capacity building, is advantageous.
Skills
Key competencies include adaptability, flexibility, strong communication, creativity, integrity, sound judgment, and decision-making. The role requires knowledge sharing, planning, organizing, self-management, and technological awareness, particularly concerning digital tools and AI applications in communication and community development.