Communication Associate

UNICC ZAF organization mission TBD

The Communications Associate will support both the communications mandate of UNIC and the inter-agency coordination functions of the United Nations Communications Group (UNCG). The assignment provides an opportunity to contribute to the development and implementation of strategic communication, advocacy and public engagement initiatives that increase the visibility and impact of the United Nations in South Africa.

Hosted within UNIC South Africa, the Communications Associate will assist in producing high-quality communication products, managing digital platforms, supporting multimedia content creation, coordinating campaigns and public events, and monitoring communication performance. The volunteer will also support the coordination of the United Nations Communications Group by assisting with joint communication planning, meeting coordination, documentation, knowledge sharing and collaboration among communications focal points across UN agencies.

Working in a dynamic, multicultural and collaborative environment, the UN Volunteer will gain practical experience in strategic communications, digital media, public information, advocacy, stakeholder engagement and inter-agency coordination while receiving structured mentoring, coaching and workplace learning within the United Nations system.

Under the direct supervision of the designated UNIC supervisor, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Support programme coordination and implementation
● Support the planning, coordination and implementation of UNIC's communications, advocacy and public information initiatives that promote the work, priorities and values of the United Nations and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
● Assist in coordinating communication campaigns, public outreach activities, commemorative events, exhibitions and stakeholder engagements, ensuring effective logistical and administrative support.
● Contribute to the implementation of approved work plans and support the timely delivery of communication outputs and activities.

2. Support UNCT internal coordination mechanisms
● Support UNIC's role as Chair of the United Nations Communications Group (UNCG) by assisting with the coordination of meetings, preparation of agendas and background documentation, recording minutes, maintaining action trackers and following up on agreed action points.
● Contribute to coordination and information sharing among communications focal points across UN agencies to strengthen coherent UN messaging and implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
● Support the planning and coordination of joint communication campaigns, advocacy initiatives and visibility activities undertaken by the UN Country Team.

3. Conduct research, data collection and basic analysis
● Conduct research on communication trends, media coverage, public information priorities and audience engagement to support communication planning.
● Assist in monitoring traditional and digital media, compiling communication metrics and analysing basic communication data to support evidence-informed communication strategies.
● Support the preparation of background information, briefing materials and communication planning documents.

4. Support monitoring, reporting and results tracking
● Assist in monitoring communication activities by maintaining activity trackers and compiling information on campaign implementation and outreach.
● Contribute to the preparation of communication reports by compiling communication metrics, media monitoring results and administrative inputs.
● Support the documentation of communication outcomes, lessons learned and good practices to strengthen future communication initiatives.

5. Support knowledge management and documentation
● Organize and maintain communication documentation, digital asset libraries, mailing lists, media databases and information repositories.
● Support the organization and archiving of communication products, photographs, videos and other multimedia resources.
● Document lessons learned, successful communication practices and campaign outputs to strengthen institutional memory and knowledge sharing.

6. Support stakeholder engagement and operational coordination
● Assist in coordinating engagement with government institutions, media organizations, civil society, youth organizations, academia, development partners and other stakeholders.
● Support the organization of meetings, consultations, campaigns, public events and outreach activities, including logistical and operational arrangements.
● Maintain stakeholder databases and support follow-up on collaborative communication initiatives.

7. Support communication and visibility
● Assist in developing, editing and disseminating communication products, including news stories, feature articles, newsletters, press releases, speeches, briefing materials and digital content.
● Support the creation of multimedia communication products, including presentations, graphics, infographics, videos and other visual materials using appropriate digital tools.
● Assist in managing digital communication platforms, including websites and social media channels, ensuring timely publication of approved content and supporting audience engagement activities.

8. Provide general administrative support
● Provide administrative support for communication and outreach activities, including meeting logistics, travel arrangements, procurement documentation, records management, filing systems and correspondence.
● Assist with maintaining administrative and operational documentation related to communication campaigns, events and stakeholder engagements.
● Perform other communication, coordination and administrative support duties as assigned by the supervisor.