Vacancy Announcement - FT Communications Officer (NOB), Abuja, Nigeria

This vacancy is open to Nigerians only The position will assists in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating an advocacy and communication strategy to get children’s and women’s issues into the public domain, especially through social media, strengthen political will in support of UNICEF's mission and objectives in the country, and enhance the organization’s credibility and brand.

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.

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.

How can you make a difference?

The Communications Officer at the NO-2 level reports to the Chief of CAP, P5, based in Abuja.  Assists in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating an advocacy and communication strategy to get children’s and women’s issues into the public domain, especially through social media, strengthen political will in support of UNICEF's mission and objectives in the country, and enhance the organization’s credibility and brand.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks;

• Communications strategy: The production of communication products and materials – especially for social media -- is executed in a timely way and followed up to support the country office communications and advocacy strategy, regional and global campaigns and priorities, and to support resource mobilization and donor visibility, as set out in the work plan. Ensure digital content and engagement efforts are sufficiently integrated into the overall strategy.
• 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.
• Monitoring and evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation of activities, including social media presence, are undertaken according to the work plan to ensure maximum impact and continuous improvement of country-level communication efforts. Results and reports are prepared and shared in a timely manner.
• Celebrities, partners and special events: The Country Office’s contact list of key influencers, individuals, groups, organizations and fora (including Government, UN, and bilateral counterparts), is maintained and further developed, including especially those whose support is essential to/can assist in achieving the advocacy and communications objectives and those who support and are able to actively participate in special events and activities that further the country programme goals.

To qualify as a Champion for every child you will have

Education

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

Experience

• Two years work experience in communication, print and broadcast media, or interactive digital media.
• International and national work experience (for IP). Field work experience (for NO)
• Background/familiarity with emergency situations

Language requirements

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or local language of the duty station is considered as an asset.

Technical Knowledge  

a) Specific Technical Knowledge Required

Specific and up-to-date working knowledge of:

• Social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and social media presence monitoring tools.
• 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 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 

• 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

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.

Core Competencies (Required)

• Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (II)
• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (II)
• Works Collaboratively with others (II)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (II)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (II)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (II)
• Drives to achieve impactful results (II)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (II)

3. Functional Competencies (Required)

•  Persuading and Influencing (I)
•  Applying Technical Expertise (I)
•  Learning and Researching (II)

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 be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo rigorous reference and background checks. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

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