Purpose of the Position
Assists in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating an advocacy and communication strategy to get children’s and women’s issues into the public domain, strengthen political will in support of UNICEF’s mission- and objectives in the country, and enhance· the- organization’s credibility and brand.
Key Accountabilities and Duties & Tasks
Summary of key functions/accountabilities:
Communication strategy
UNICEF’s goals of reach, voice and engagement for the country are supported. Public awareness-raising, engagement and resource mobilization initiatives for child rights issues is reinforced. The management and production of communication initiatives, campaigns, products and materials are timely executed and followed up to support country communication strategy, regional and global campaigns and priorities, and to support resource mobilization as set out in the work plan.
Implement the tasks in the country communication work plan and strategy as assigned.
Articulate with Programme and PFP in order to elaborate appropriate content that reflects UNICEF’s storytelling strategy. Develop complementary, country specific and local community materials and activities.
Elaborates communication materials (e.g. key messages, Op Ed, briefing notes) that meet the country and global standards as set out in the Communication Toolkit.
Assist in drafting and editing articles, press releases, human interest stories 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.
Provides technical assistance and contributes to the development, management and facilitation of the implementation of communication strategy and plans of action aiming at general public and stakeholders through: public advocacy, social mobilization, social and behavioural change.
Recommend and develops appropriate information and communication materials for use in media, and other advocacy and communication activities;
Recommend and develops established contacts, networks, resources and processes to support communication activities.
Media relations
Effective and timely professional assistance and support are provided in developing, and maintaining alliances with multimedia groups, broadcast, media outlets, opinion leaders, and journalist covering all media – print, TV, radio, web etc. – in the country, to communicate the story of UNICEF’s cooperation to a wider audience.
Supervise media relations contact list/database and rapid and accurate information dissemination to the media.
Analyse media panorama, identifies opportunities, develops and maintains close collaboration with mass media, as well as with groups and organizations whose support is essential to the achievement of advocacy and communication objectives. Promote new format for storytelling in the media.
Assist in drafting and editing articles, press releases, human interest stories and other advocacy/information materials in all media formats, as appropriate.
Organize project site visits, press conferences, one on one meeting with journalist and opinion leaders.
Provides analysis of media monitoring reports and evaluate the use and effectiveness of media interventions and alliances.
Monitoring and evaluation
Regular monitoring and evaluation activities are undertaken according to the work plan to ensure maximum impact and continuous improvement of country communication efforts. Ensure results and reports are prepared and shared on a timely basis.
Assist in 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.)
Monitor the public perception of UNICEF in the country and recommend appropriate action to maintain a positive image for the organization.
Assist in providing feedback to DOC on the use and appropriateness of global communication materials such as publications, images and multimedia products.
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.
Partners and special events
The Country Office’s partner’s strategy with individuals, groups, organizations and fora (including Government, UN, and bilateral counterparts), is planned, maintained and further developed. Partners whose support is essential to assist in achieving the public advocacy, communication, engagement and resource mobilization objectives and who are able to actively participate and promote special events, activities and campaigns that further the country programme goals.
Help organize and generate public support for special events and activities to promote country programme goals.
Assist in developing and maintaining close collaboration with groups and organizations whose support is essential to the achievement of advocacy, engagement,social mobilization and communication objectives.
Monitor, document and analyse process and effectiveness of working with these individuals/organizations.
Government relations:
Technical support effectively provided with government counterparts and other partners in the development and effective use of communication for social change, engagement and mobilization initiatives.
Liaises and coordinates with government counterparts and other partners in the development and appropriate use of communication for social change, engagement and mobilization initiatives aimed at collective action and targeted individual behaviour change. Provide technical support as required.
Provides assistance and support in the organization of activities, operational research, advocacy and exchange of information and ideas supportive of communication goals and strategies.
Qualifications of Successful Candidate
Core Values: UNICEF’s values are Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability (CRITA)
Core competencies: Builds and maintains partnerships; Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness; Drive to achieve results for impact; Innovates and embraces change; Manages ambiguity and complexity; Thinks and acts strategically; Works collaboratively with others; and Nurtures, leads and manages people (when applicable)
Functional Competencies: Formulating Strategies and Concepts (L1); Persuading & Influencing (L1); Learning & researching (L2): Relating & Networking (L1); Applying Technical Expertise (L1); Planning & Organizing (L2)
To view our competency framework, please click here.
Recruitment Qualifications
Experience: One year practical professional work experience in communication, print and broadcast media, or interactive digital media. Field work experience. Background/familiarity with Emergency situations.
Language Requirements: Fluency in English and Spanish
Education: University degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or related field.
Nationality: Argentinean
Builds and maintains partnerships; Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness; Drive to achieve results for impact; Innovates and embraces change; Manages ambiguity and complexity; Thinks and acts strategically; Works collaboratively with others; and Nurtures, leads and manages people (when applicable)
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.
Remarks:
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.