Temporary Appointment: Communication Officer (NO-2), Tashkent, Uzbekistan #112225 (Open to Uzbekistan nationals only)

Assists in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating an advocacy and communication strategy of the UN Joint Programme on Social Protection.

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.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

Assists in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating an advocacy and communication strategy of the UN Joint Programme on Social Protection.

The Joint Programme's objective is to support the Government in building and delivering a high-quality social protection system that offers all citizens of Uzbekistan - in particular, those at risk of being left behind - income security and social support throughout their lives. The mission of the Joint Programme is to harness the collective expertise and capacity of the UN family to overcome a key systemic barrier to achieving numerous SDGs: the fragmentation of social protection at institutional, policy and programme levels which results in ineffective leadership of a significant component of government expenditures and a reduction in its effectiveness. In the context of ongoing ambitious socio-economic reforms in Uzbekistan, ensuring stronger leadership on social protection policy, an enhanced capacity to deliver programmes to the right people at the right time and a strategic vision for the next 10 years are of critical importance.

The programme will support the Government, civil society and other national partners in:

1. establishing a dedicated institution that will provide leadership and coordination to the social protection sector, as well as being responsible for overseeing the delivery of social protection schemes;
2. designing of an integrated and costed long term national social protection strategy built on evidence and developed through wide multi-stakeholder consultations and citizen engagement; and 
3. piloting the introduction of the International Classification of Functioning (ICF) in the assessment of disability and enabling greater access of persons with disabilities to social protection and promote their full inclusion into different aspects of social life.

KEY END-RESULTS

1. Communication plan: Development and implementation of the communication plan of the Joint Programme on Social Protection is timely executed in coordination with UNICEF Communication Team, UN Resident Coordinator's Office and other implementing agencies. Printed, audio and video materials are developed and disseminated to ensure effective and efficient advocacy of joint programme activities as well as knowledge sharing about the achievements, challenges and innovative approaches applied during the implementation of the joint programme.
2. Media relations: Effective and timely professional assistance and support are provided in developing, drafting and maintaining contact information, outreach materials and relationships with journalists and media outlets covering all media - print, TV, radio, web etc. - in the country, to communicate the objective and results of the Joint Programme on Social Protection, with guidance from UNICEF Chief of Communication and UN Communication Officer.
3. Monitoring and evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation activities are undertaken according to the work plan to ensure maximum impact and continuous improvement of Joint Programme communication efforts. Results and reports are prepared and shared on a timely basis.
4. Partners and special events: Policy dialogues, programme launch conference and other events are organized. Joint Programme's key events are organized 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 joint programme goals.  

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES and DUTIES & TASKS  

Within the delegated authority and the given organizational set-up, the incumbent may be accountable for all or assigned areas of the following major duties and end results.

1. Communication plan implementation

Implementation of the communication plan of the Joint Programme on Social Protection is timely executed in coordination with Programme Manager, UNICEF Communication Team, UN Resident Coordinator's Office and other implementing agencies.

Duties & Tasks  

• Implement the tasks in the Joint Programme communication plan and workplan, as assigned, in cooperation with other participating UN agencies and UN resident Coordinator's Office.
• Systematically monitor developments and media coverage of efforts related to social protection in Uzbekistan and prepare short synthesis on a regular basis.
• Produce advocacy and communication materials (e.g. policy briefs, briefing notes, images, videos, case studies, infographics, brochures, web pages etc.) that meet the country and global standards as set out in the UNICEF Communication Toolkit and SDG Fund Visibility Requirements.
• Draft and edit articles, press releases, human interest stories and other advocacy/information materials for both web-based and traditional media, as appropriate.
• Manage 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.
• Establish or maintain an up-to-date documentation centre for communication materials including publications, press releases and clippings, photographs, audio-visual materials, web resources etc.
• 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.
• Manage and expand the networks of contacts, resources and processes to support Joint Programme communication activities.
• Contribute to annual reporting of the Joint Programme on communication plan, knowledge management and other related 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 objective and results of the Joint Programme on Social Protection, with guidance from Programme Manager, UNICEF Chief of Communication and UN Communication Officer.

Duties & Tasks

• Maintain and update media relations contact list/database. Ensure rapid and accurate information dissemination to the media.
• Under the guidance of UNICEF Chief of Communication, 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 of the Joint Programme.
• Draft and edit articles, press releases, human interest stories and other advocacy/information materials in all media formats, as appropriate.
• Prepare background communication and promotional materials for briefing and visits of media and other special interest groups. Assist in the planning, logistic and administrative arrangements for them.
• 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.
• Monitor and evaluate the use and effectiveness of media materials. Maintain a library of coverage (clippings, coverage etc.

3. Monitoring and evaluation

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

Duties & Tasks

• Contribute to developing an advocacy and communication strategy by coordinating appropriate audience research and compiling and analysing relevant data.
• 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 of the Joint Programme, as directed by supervisor.

Policy dialogues, programme launch conference and other events are organized. Joint Programme's key events are organized 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 joint programme goals.

Duties & Tasks

• Organize and generate public support for special events and activities of the Joint Programme, including launch conference, policy dialogues, etc.
• Develop and maintain close collaboration with mass media, as well as with groups and organizations whose support is essential to the achievement of advocacy and communication objectives under the guidance of UNICEF Chief of Communication
• Maintain and update partner contact lists/database for the joint programme
• Monitor/document process and effectiveness of working with these individuals/organizations.
• Prepare background communication and promotional materials for briefings and visits of media, donors, 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.

JOB GRADE FACTORS 

Level 2

• Operates in the context of a medium-sized country office or an area office.
• Accountable for communication programme implementation. The work is task- and results- oriented.
• Responsible for research, analysis and evaluation of data/information to produce situation analysis, reports, and Information/communication materials. Assist in drafting, analyzing, and editing articles and human interest stories and other advocacy materials.
• Assist in organizing special events in consultations with government counterparts, community and partners to support programme delivery.
• Work under the general supervision of Communication Specialist. The supervisor defines the parameters of assignments and outlines approaches to problem areas. Research is carried out independently.  Work may be reviewed while in progress, and upon completion.
• Incumbent operates within rules and regulations, and makes recommendations to supervisor when a deviation from guidelines or changes in procedures is required.
• Supervise and follow-up on production and qualitative monitoring of information and communication materials.

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

• Advanced University degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or a related field.

• Two years practical professional work experience in communication, print and broadcast media, or interactive digital media.

• Experience in the area of social policy, including social protection is an asset.

• Fluency in English, Uzbek and Russian.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA) and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

The functional competencies required for this post are...

Core Values (Required)

• Commitment
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Integrity

Core Competencies (Required)

• Communication  [ II ]
• Working with People  [ I ]
• Drive for Results  [ I ]

Functional Competencies (Required)

• Formulating Strategies and Concepts  [ I ]
• Relating and Networking  [ I ]  
• Persuading and Influencing  [ I ]
• Applying Technical Expertise  [ I ] 
• Learning and Researching  [ II ]
• Planning and Organizing  [ II ]

Technical Knowledge  

a) Specific Technical Knowledge Required (for the job)

(Technical knowledge requirements specific to the job can be added here as required.) 

Specific and up-to-date working knowledge of:

• How to use social media platforms for advocacy and communication
• Technical specifications for producing various printing, audio and video materials
• Executive Board and other policy documents
• Executive Directives
• Thorough knowledge of 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 (for the job group)

General knowledge of:

• Communication practice, methodology and practical application. Knowledge of current theories and practices in communication research planning and strategy.
• Fundamentals of working in various media formats - print, audio, video, web etc.
• Computer systems, including internet navigation, office applications, and specifically, interactive digital media.
• United Nations or other international organizations; good understanding of world affairs, current events and international development issues
• Global human rights issues, specifically relating to children and women, and current UNCEF position and approaches.
• UNICEF communication goals, visions, positions, policies, guidelines and strategies.
• UNICEF policies and strategy to address national and international issues, including emergencies.
• UNICEF emergency communication policies, goals, strategies and approaches, including emergency preparedness.
• Gender equality and diversity awareness

c) Technical Knowledge to be Acquired/Enhanced (for the Job)

• Knowledge and expertise in management, communication strategy and networking.
• Technical competence in producing content for various media formats - print, audio, video, web etc.
• UN policies and strategy to address international humanitarian issues and the responses.
• UN common approaches to programmatic issues and UNICEF positions

UN security operations and guidelines.

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:

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

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