Communication Associate (GS-6) , Costa Rica, #104595

Under the supervision of the Communication Officer, the incumbent is responsible for designing and editing corporate materials used by the Costa Rica Country Office; editing, designing and layout of all materials published through the UNICEF office; supporting sector counterparts on publications; managing support to digital initiative related to knowledge management, such as cyber library for children; providing weekly scans of news and information published elsewhere about children in Costa Rica; and participating in Costa Rica CO Knowledge Management Process.

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.

Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

And we never give up.

For every child, a voice

You will be responsible for designing and editing corporate materials used by the Costa Rica Country Office; editing, designing and layout of all materials published through the UNICEF office; supporting sector counterparts on publications; managing support to digital initiative related to knowledge management, such as cyber library for children; providing weekly scans of news and information published elsewhere about children in Costa Rica; and participating in Costa Rica CO Knowledge Management Process.

How can you make a difference?

Support the implementation of the UNICEF communication strategy

1. Support in the production of communication products and materials for different audiences, but mainly mass media.
2. Adapt global communications materials to the local context when is required.
3. Monitor and record the information published by the mass media and digital media related to UNICEF and important national children topics.
4. Assist in drafting and editing articles, press releases, human interest stories and other advocacy/information materials for both web, blogs and traditional media.
5. Implement the tasks in the country communication work plan and strategy as assigned.
6. Provide technical support in the design and production of documents and materials essential for the implementation of the communication and advocacy strategy of UNICEF Costa Rica, when it is required.
7. Ensure with the specialists and officers that all materials designed are accompanied by detailed and pertinent distribution list and follow up its delivery.
8. Guarantee the proper use of the logo of UNICEF in publications and documents produced by partners and allies.
9. Maintain updated the data base of journalists and opinion leaders and keep close collaboration with mass media 

External advocacy events

1. Provide logistical and technical support to UNICEF Costa Rica office during public and internal activities such as workshops, events, meetings, where it is required.
2. Ensure that the country office contact list of individuals, groups, or organization, including government are up to date.
3. Assist in preparing communication materials for advocacy events according to audience and relevance for UNICEF.
4. Follow up on the agreements established in the advocacy plan when required.

Digital communication and adjusting audio-visual materials

1. Support the implementation of the digital strategy identifying materials related to bi-annual content map and pictures to develop the contents for the UNICEF digital channels.
2. Adjust the global social media materials to local content with data or a proper local language.
3. Support public events taking pictures/videos and administrate and keep updated the photo and video gallery.

UNICEF website and other online initiatives supported by UNICEF  

1. Update the UNICEF Costa Rica website with local, regional or international information. Follow up on the Google analytics metrics and submit a quarterly report to maintain an update of the KPI’s set by HQ. Support the counterparts to ensure the updating of the websites with pertinent information.
2. Maintain regular contact with those managing knowledge and data at other agencies and public bodies to ensure all recent publications on children are updated in the cyber library for children available and other digital initiative promoted or supported by UNICEF Costa Rica.

UNICEF fundraising strategy

1. Support the implementation of the UNICEF partnership and fundraising strategy in the management of meetings with private sector companies, the preparation of presentations on UNICEF's work in this sector and the development of fundraising campaigns with the private sector, as well as the design and dissemination of accountability materials.

Monitoring and administrative support:

1. Support the monitoring of the results of the Public Advocacy and Social Communication area, budget execution, preparation of terms of reference, payment management and related internal UNICEF systems/tools, amongst other tasks
2. Performs other duties, as required.

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

• High School Diploma.  University courses in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, and knowledge in Graphic Design is an asset.

• A minimum of 6 years of of practical professional work experience in communication, print and broadcast media, interactive digital media and/or publicity.

• Demonstrated photography skills and medium knowledge of graphic software (such as Adobe Suite) and telemarketing tools (such as Mailchimp).  

• Other skills related to specific domains within communication and fundraising would be an asset.

• Digital Communication skills.

• Experience in an international organization is a plus.

• Experience in financial management systems and programmatic monitoring is a plus.

• Fluency in Spanish and English is required. 

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s core values of Commitment, Diversity and Integrity and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

The technical competencies required for this post are Analyzing, Applying Technical Expertise, Following Instructions and Procedures and Planning and Organizing.

View our competency framework at

http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization.

General Service Staff are recruited locally. Candidates must be in possession of an existing work permit or resident/citizen of Costa Rica to be considered eligible for this post. Please note that General Service (GS) staff are locally recruited staff and therefore, candidates are personally responsible for any travel and accommodation arrangements.

Remarks:

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual exploitation and abuse, and on any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.