Senior Communication Associate, (GS-7) Post # 128253, UNICEF Vientiane, Lao PDR.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Vientiane, Lao PDR, requires an experienced and qualified Lao National to fill the position of Senior Communication Associate, at GS-7 level to be based in UNICEF Country Office in Vientiane, Lao PDR

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.
UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, 

UNICEF has been working in Lao PDR continuously since 1973, one of the longest-serving international organizations in the country. We have been implementing one of UNICEF’s largest country programmes worldwide, working tirelessly to promote the rights of children and women and to bring basic services - education, health, nutrition, protection, water and sanitation - to those who are most in need.

In Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), UNICEF is promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child. Together with our partners, we are focusing and putting extra efforts on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children throughout the country. UNICEF's communication and advocacy strategy is pivotal in advancing the rights and well-being of children, especially the most marginalized and vulnerable. Effective communication amplifies our impact, promotes understanding, and engages stakeholders to rally around our cause.

How can you make a difference?

This position is tasked with a dual mandate: to streamline administrative and operational procedures and to spearhead specific communication objectives, with an emphasis on maximizing the potential of digital platforms. These digital channels are recognized as key vectors for UNICEF's global communication strategies, essential for disseminating impactful messaging and engaging with a wide array of stakeholders. By ensuring operational efficiency and delivering coherent, quality communications, you will play an indispensable role in amplifying UNICEF’s voice and mission in Lao PDR. Through this role, UNICEF Lao PDR aims to foster a conducive environment for the promotion and protection of children's rights, aligning with the broader goals of supporting equitable development and contributing to the sustainable progress of the nation. This position, therefore, is not just about fulfilling operational needs or managing digital content; it's about contributing to a larger, transformative agenda that places children and their rights at the forefront of national development and global well-being.

The key duties and responsibilities of the post include, but are not limited to:

1. Support in the Development of the Digital Strategy
2. Support in the Implementation of the Digital Strategy
3. Support in the Implementation of youth advocacy and youth engagement activities.
4. Support in the Preparation of Online Campaigns
5. Manage Country Office Website
6. Support in Monitoring and Evaluation
7. Provide Photography and Videography Support
8. Provide Administrative Assistance

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

The following minimum requirements:

Education: 

• Secondary education, preferably supplemented by university level studies.

 Work Experience:

• At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience working in a similar role for an NGO, UN, or creative agency. A bachelor’s degree from a recognized academic institution in a field relevant to the position may replace three years of related work experience. A master’s degree may replace an additional two years.
• Practical experience in graphic design including an extensive portfolio containing a variety of published works.
• Knowledge of current social media practices, issues and trends, particularly in the humanitarian and development sectors, including hands-on experience of social media platforms, e.g. Twitter, Facebook and knowledge of the web and social media landscape across the region.
• Experience in content production and management of website.
• Experience in media monitoring, social media management, and digital assets management.
• Strong visual communication abilities, including the ability to communicate complex ideas simply.
• Strong commitment to raising the profile of issues affecting children and their families in communities affected by poverty and exclusion.

• Language Requirements: 

• Fluency in English and Lao (oral and written) is a must. Knowledge of any other official UN language or a language of the duty station is considered an asset.

• Language: Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts strategically (7) Works collaboratively with others [add the 8^th competency (Nurtures, leads and manages people) for a supervisory role]. 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.