Communication Manager (P-4 - Temporary Appointment), Kinshasa DRC

The UNICEF DRC Office is looking to recruit to the post of Communication Manager (P-5) to be based in its Kinshasa office. The Communication Manager will be responsible for the conceptualization, planning, execution, monitoring and evaluation of an advocacy and communication strategy to promote respect for childrens’ rights and support UNICEF's mission in the country.

For every child, make a difference

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in its programmes, 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 UNICEF’s 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.

UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children's rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects. UNICEF believes all children have a right to survive, thrive and fulfill their potential – to the benefit of a better world.

For every child, a better life

Democratic Republic of Congo

In spite of its vast physical size and limitless natural resources, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of the poorest countries in the world, ranking 176th out of 188 countries in the 2015 human development report. Child poverty is widespread, particularly in conflict-affected and hard-to reach areas. According to a recent UNICEF study, 80 percent of children aged zero to 15 years old experience at least two major child rights deprivations. Despite sustained growth in recent years, the size of DRC’s economy remains far too small to provide enough government revenue to meet the basic needs of the population, children in particular. Since 2016, political instability, the persistence of conflicts in Eastern DRC and a sharp fall in global commodity prices have been aggravating factors.

DRC is one of the over 190 countries and territories around the World where UNICEF works to overcome the obstacles that poverty, violence, disease and discrimination place in a child’s path.

How can you make a difference to UNICEF in DRC?

The UNICEF DRC Office is looking to recruit to the post of Communication Manager (P-5) to be based in its Kinshasa office. The Communication Manager will be responsible for the conceptualization, planning, execution, monitoring and evaluation of an advocacy and communication strategy to promote respect for childrens’ rights and support UNICEF's mission in the country.

Expected Key Results:

Your Specific Responsibilities, Duties and Tasks

• Develops a strategy to get children’s’ issues into the public domain and strengthen political will in support of UNICEF's mission and objectives, including communication assessment and analysis, development of a communication plan, strategic   use of resources and involvement in key programme processes, especially situation analysis, reviews and evaluations. Monitors and evaluates its impact.
• Develops close collaboration with the mass media through activities such as organizing visits to project sites,  facilitating photo coverage and TV footage, and utilizes both web-based and traditional media as appropriate to generate and maintain public interest in children’s’ issues and tell the story of UNICEF's cooperation to a wider audience.
• Develops partnerships with individuals, groups and organizations, whose support is essential to the achievement of advocacy and communication objectives and strengthens their capacity through appropriate advocacy and communication training, access to updated information, supplies and equipment and through experience-sharing.
• Adapts and disseminates advocacy materials from NY, Geneva and the Regional Office to identify target audiences, arranging translation into local language(s) as necessary. Identifies the need for additional materials/activities, such as radio and television programmes, publications, photographs, websites, etc., to advocate and promote organizational goals within the country, and manages their production and distribution to the target audiences.
• Engages nationally-known personalities and organizes special events and activities to support country programme goals. Generates public support for special events.
• Assists HQ and the Regional Office in identifying and obtaining feature stories and other materials to facilitate global/regional advocacy and fund-raising activities, particularly in support of National Committee efforts to mobilize resources.
• Identifies, recruits and supervises technical resources and consultants as necessary for the above activities.
• Advises the Representative and the country programme team on the effective use of tools of mass communication, including press briefings and conferences and media interviews, to achieve country programme objectives.
• In coordination with the Regional Adviser, Communication, participates in global advocacy activities by planning visits of goodwill ambassadors, National Committee representatives and Executive Board members, including preparation of information materials (e.g., press releases, programme summaries, country fact sheets and media kits), and necessary logistic arrangements.
• Develops a work plan for communication activities, monitors compliance and provides support and guidance to ensure objectives are met. This includes performance planning, monitoring and appraisal. Plans and monitors the use of communication budgetary resources.

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

• Advanced university degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations; or equivalent professional work experience in the communication area, combined with a university degree in a related field.

• Eight years progressively responsible professional work experience in communication, print and broadcast media or interactive digital media, four years of which should be in developing countries, and two at the management level. 

• Fluency in French and English is required.  Knowledge of the local working language of the duty station is an asset.

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 competencies required for this post are as follows:

i)  Core Values (Required)

• Commitment      
• Diversity and Inclusion     
• Integrity

ii)  Core Competencies (Required)

•  Communication 

•  Working with People 

•  Drive for Results

3. Functional Competencies

  •  Leading and Supervising                 •  Formulating Strategies and Concepts   

  •  Relating and Networking                •  Persuading and Influencing   

  •  Applying Technical Expertise         •  Entrepreneurial Thinking               

        iv)  Technical Knowledge  

 Specific Technical Knowledge Required

Specific, detailed and up-to-date knowledge of:

• Executive Board and other policy documents. 
• Executive Directives
• Mid-Term Strategic Plan (MTSP)
• UN/UNICEF Policy Papers
• UNICEF programme policy, procedures and guidelines.
• Rights-based and Results-based approach and programming in UNICEF
• General administrative and financial guidelines.
• Human resources manual
• UNICEF communication and other DOC guidelines
• Communication toolkit
• Brand Toolkit and Brand Book
• UNICEF Stylebook
• Ethical Guidelines on Reporting on Children

                  b) Common Technical Knowledge Required

General knowledge of:

• Communication management. Knowledge of theories and practices in communication research planning and strategy.
• Fundamentals for working in various media formats – print, audio, video, web etc.
• Computer systems/applications and network, including internet navigation, office applications, and specifically, interactive digital media.
• Knowledge of United Nations or other international organizations;
• Global human rights issues, specifically relating to children and women.
• UNICEF communication goals, policies, guidelines and strategies.
• UNICEF policies and strategy to address national and international issues.
• UNICEF emergency communication policies, goals, strategies.
• Knowledge of current theories and practices in communication research, planning and strategy, and the role of mass media.
• General ability to express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written and oral form;  specific skills in writing press releases and articles/stories for traditional and electronic media.
• Proven ability to conceptualize, plan and execute ideas, as well as impart knowledge and teach skills.
• Proven ability to effectively manage relationships with media representatives, government officials and other UNICEF partners.
• Knowledge of computer systems, including internet navigation, office applications, and specifically, interactive digital media.
• Proven ability to work as part of a team.

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.

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 also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

Remarks:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.