Communication Officer, NOA, Bujumbura, Burundi ( 6 Months) ( Open to Burundian Nationals only)

organization’s credibility and brand.

1. Organizational Context

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

 

1. Purpose of the position

The Communication Officer position will support in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating communication activities to get children’s and women’s issues into the public domain, will in support of UNICEF's mission and objectives in the country, and enhance the organization’s credibility and brand.

 

1. Key Expected Results

1. Communication strategy: The production of communication products and materials are timely executed and followed up to support country communication strategy, regional and global campaigns and priorities.

2. Media relations: Effective and timely professional assistance and support are provided in drafting and developing SSFA or PCA.

3. Monitoring and evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation activities are undertaken according to the work plan to ensure maximum impact and continuous improvement of country communication activities. Results and reports are prepared and shared on a timely basis.

4. Partners and special events: The Country Office’s contact list of individuals, groups, organizations and fora (including Government, UN, and bilateral counterparts), is maintained and further developed, whose support is essential to/can assist in achieving the advocacy and communication objectives and who support and are able to actively participate in special events and activities that further the country programme goals.

5. Youth media: A youth media programme is established to empower young people to report on the issues that affect them in their communities.

6. Digital communication: The Country Office’s digital communication channels are well maintained, including the UNICEF Facebook page.

1. Key Accountabilities and Duties & Tasks

1. Communication materials

Ensure that the production of communication products and materials is timely executed and followed up to support country communication strategy, regional and global campaigns and priorities and to support resource mobilization as set out in the work plan.

Duties & Tasks

• Implement the tasks in the country communication work plan and strategy as assigned.
• Gather content and coverage of relevant country efforts to identify effective relevant country programme activities and results. Develop complementary, country specific and local community materials and activities.

• Contribute to produce advocacy and communication materials ( images, video,) that meet the country and global standards as set out in the Communication Toolkit.
• Assist in drafting and editing articles, press releases, human interest stories and other advocacy/information materials for both web-based and traditional media, as appropriate.
• Follow up on the production of advocacy and communication materials (e.g., films, videos, audio-visuals, etc.), and oversee the qualitative aspects of production, (e.g., quality control, translations, reviews of layout and graphic design etc.) to meet standards as set out in the Communication Toolkit.
• Recommend appropriate information and communication materials for use in media, and other advocacy and communication activities; recommend the appropriateness, quality and dissemination of printed and audio-visual materials.

• Recommend established contacts, networks, resources and processes to support communication activities.

 

2. Media relations
Effective and timely professional assistance and support are provided in developing, drafting and maintaining contact information, materials and relationships with journalists and media outlets covering all media – print, TV, radio, web etc. – in the country, to communicate the story of UNICEF's cooperation to a wider audience.

Duties & Tasks
• Assist in developing PCA and or SSFA with media to increase voice of children and child right in the media outlets.

• Assist in collaborating with the media through activities such as organizing project site visits, facilitating photo coverage and TV footage and utilizing both web-based and traditional media as appropriate.

3. Monitoring and evaluation

Regular monitoring and evaluation activities are undertaken according to the work plan to ensure maximum impact and continuous improvement of country communication efforts. Ensure results and reports are prepared and shared on a timely basis.

Duties & Tasks

• Monitor and evaluate the appropriate and timely dissemination of advocacy and communication materials to target audiences, and participate in the evaluation of their impact. Monitor and evaluate the use and effectiveness of media materials. Maintain a library of coverage (clippings, coverage etc.)
• Ensure good quality data collection, analysis and evaluation and reporting to ensure effective communication strategies, planning and effective and efficient advocacy.
• Undertake lessons learned review of successful and unsuccessful communication experiences as directed by supervisor.

 

4. Partners and special events

Ensure that the Country Office’s contact list of individuals, groups, organizations and fora (including Government, UN, and bilateral counterparts), are maintained and further developed, whose support is essential to/can assist in achieving the advocacy and communication objectives and who support and are able to actively participate in special events and activities that further the country programme goals.

Duties & Tasks

• Help organize and generate public support for special events and activities to promote country programme goals.

• Assist in developing and maintaining close collaboration with mass media, as well as with groups and organizations whose support is essential to the achievement of advocacy and communication objectives.
• Prepare background communication and promotional materials for briefings and visits of media, Goodwill Ambassadors, donors, National Committee representatives and other special interest groups. The task includes preparing information materials (e.g., press releases, programme summaries, country fact sheets and media kits), and assisting in the planning, logistics and administrative arrangements.

 

5. Youth media

Establish and oversee a youth media programme to empower young people to report on the issues that affect them in their communities.

Duties & Tasks

• Contribute to manage the youth journalist program.

• Manage the relationship with the implementing partner and oversee their work to ensure young people receive the training they need to tell their stories, and that local radio stations are engaged to provide airtime for the content they produce.

• Monitor the effectiveness of the programme and provide regular feedback to the implementing partner for improvement.

 

6. Digital communications

Oversee the office’s digital communication channels, including content of facebook page

Duties & Tasks

•Help to manage the UNICEF Burundi social media accounts, including Facebook and YouTube. Contribute to ensure all channels are up to date with the latest content, and respond to comments from fans and followers.

• Manage the day-to-day work of a digital UNV to assist with the tasks above.

 

1. Qualifications of Successful Candidate

Education: University degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or a related field.

Experiences:

• At least one year of relevant professional work experience in the area of communication, print and development of media content, or interactive digital media. Field work experience.
• In working with youth media.

Language Requirements: Fluency in Kirundi and French are required. Knowledge of English will be an asset

1. Competencies of Successful Candidate

Core Values

• Commitment
• Diversity and inclusion
• Integrity

Core competencies

• Communication
• Working with People
• Drive for Result

Functional Competencies

• Relating and networking
• Applying technical expertise
• Planning and organizing
• Formulating strategies and concepts
• Persuading & Influencing
• Learning & Researching

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization.