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 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 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?
Purpose for the job: Under the close supervision of the Communication Specialist, the Communication Associate will assist in planning, designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating communication initiatives to support the advocacy and communication strategy of the Multi-Country Office including in management of social and digital media platforms.
Communication materials
Works closely with supervisor to create multimedia (video, photography, human interest stories) content for various social media channels, UNICEF Eastern Caribbean website and offline events, public activities and campaigns that promote children’s rights and the UNICEF brand.
Ensure that the production of communication products and materials is 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.
Updates and maintains UNICEF Eastern Caribbean social media channels and website
Edit global materials for local media.
Support the production of communicational materials (e.g. briefing notes, fact sheets, etc.) that meet the country and global standards as set out in the Communication Plan.
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.
Assist in the establishment of contacts, networks, resources and processes to support communication activities.
Monitor and evaluate the appropriate and timely dissemination of communication materials to target audiences. Monitor and evaluate the use and effectiveness of media materials.
Media relations
Effective and timely 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.
Maintain and update media relations contact list/database. Ensure rapid and accurate information dissemination to the media.
Assist in developing and maintaining close collaboration with mass media, as well as with multimedia groups and organizations whose support is essential to the achievement of advocacy, communication and fundraising objectives.
Prepare background communication and promotional materials for briefing and visits of
Monitor and evaluate the use and effectiveness of media materials. Maintain a library of coverage (clippings, coverage etc.). Elaborate monthly reports to monitor the progress on media presence.
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 analyzing 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.
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
Ensure that the Country Office’s contact list of individuals, groups, organizations and fora (including Government, UN, and bilateral counterparts), are 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 country programme goals.
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, communication and fundraising objectives.
Monitor/document process and effectiveness of working with these individuals/organizations.
Impact of Results
Support provided for the communication team to get children’s and women’s issues into the public domain, strengthen political will in support of UNICEF's mission and objectives of the Multi-Country Office and enhance the organization’s credibility and brand.
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Completion of secondary education. University degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or related field is an asset.
Seven years of relevant professional relevant work experience in communication, print and broadcast media, or interactive digital media.
Knowledge of current social media practices, issues and trends, particularly in the humanitarian and development sectors, including hands-on experience of social media platforms, e.g. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and knowledge of the web and social media landscape across the sub region.
Experience in content production and management of website.
Relevant experience in a UN system agency or similar organization is considered an asset.
