Communications Officer

Eligibility criteria

Minimum age: 25 years old. Nationals of the country of assignment are not eligible.

Description of task

Under the direct supervision of the Communications manager the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1- Digital communication

Ensure an agile and adapted digital communication through the development and implementation of specific interventions in support to the office communication and public advocacy strategy and the country program results.

Duties & Tasks:

• Develop and implement social media action plans based around UNICEF’s social media accounts;
• Generate content for social media and other platforms with the aim of finding innovative ways to increase numbers of followers among key audiences;
• Collect and conceive Human-Interest Stories (production of photos and narratives contents);
• Design, develop and produce a range of infographics and other digital materials to portray UNICEF and partners contribution to the implementation of the cooperation’s programme;
• Undertake regular analysis of Mauritania digital work to strengthen its impact and generate more engagement among key audiences;
• Monitor social media networks developments affecting UNICEF’s work in Mauritania and support the elaboration of appropriate responses.

2-Communication strategy

Ensure that external communication and advocacy actions plans are implemented, the production of communication products and materials, on and off line, is timely executed and followed up to support country communication strategy, regional and global campaigns and priorities and to support donor visibility as set out in the work plan.

Duties & Tasks:

• Participate in the development of the annual communication action plan;
• Serve as focal point for the implementation and follow-up of assigned specific communication action plans ( e.g. contribute to the development of a planning calendar for regional authorities (as part of the resilience/BMZ project);
• 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;
• Produce advocacy and communication materials (e.g. briefing notes, photos, videos etc.) that meet the country and global standards as set out in the Communication Toolkit ( KRC/AMP priorities, SDGS, etc.);
• Assist in drafting and editing articles, press releases 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;
• Establish or maintain an up-to-date documentation hub 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;
• Recommend and establish contacts, networks, resources and processes to support communication activities.

3- Monitoring and evaluation

Regular monitoring and evaluation activities are undertaken according to the work plans 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:

• Contribute to the development of 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 as directed by supervisor;
• Organize social media monitoring and set up procedures to react to articles and positive or negative comments;
• Monitor social media trends and identify new emerging platforms.

Qualifications/Requirements Required degree level: Bachelor degree or equivalent Education - Additional Comments:

A Bachelor’s degree in communications or related social sciences field is required

Required experience: 36 Months Experience remark:

• At least 3 years of confirmed professional work experience in communication is required. A significant experience in interactive digital media is an asset;

• Demonstrated information-gathering and communications capacity, including ability to identify strong stories and present them in a compelling way, for a range of audiences;

• Proficiency of current multimedia and post-production software (Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and other Creative Suite software), and digital asset management platform is required;

• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;

• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;

• Have affinity with or interest in child rights, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Language skills:

• French(Mandatory), Level - Fluent
• English(Mandatory), Level - Working Knowledge

Area of expertise: Public information and reporting, Knowledge management, archiving and documentation, Monitoring and evaluation Area of expertise details:

b) Competencies and values:

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNICEF; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNICEF procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;

• Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNICEF in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;

• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;

• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.

• Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;

• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;

• Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;

• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNICEF’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Driving license: No Competencies values:

Adaptability and Flexibility, Commitment and Motivation, Communication, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Working in Teams