Communication Officer (NO-2), Antananarivo, Madagascar #22808

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.

For every child, full potential

Under the supervision of Chief Communication, Communication officer NO-2 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, strengthen political will in support of UNICEF’s mission and objectives in the country, and enhance the organization’s credibility and brand, 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.

How can you make a difference?

KEY END-RESULTS

1. Communication strategy: The production of communication 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.
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 story of UNICEF’s cooperation to a wider audience.
3. 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. Results and reports are prepared and shared on a timely basis.
4. Celebrities, partners and special events: The Country Office’s contact list of individuals, groups, organizations and fora (including Government, UN, and bilateral counterparts), is maintained and further developed, whose support is essential to 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.

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 materials

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.

Duties & Tasks          

• Implement the tasks in the country communication work plan and strategy as assigned.
• 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, video. Web pages etc.) 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., videos, audio-visuals, trainings, etc.), and oversee the qualitative aspects of production, (e.g., quality control, translations, reviews of layout and graphic design etc.).
• 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.

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 story of UNICEF’s cooperation to a wider audience.

Duties & Tasks

• 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 groups and organizations whose support is essential to the achievement of advocacy and communication objectives.
• Assist in drafting and editing 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.
• Organise media briefings by management and/or section chiefs both on and off the record. Provide bilateral briefings to journalists as needed and when cleared by the supervisor.
• Assist in collaborating with the media through activities such field missions , 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. Manage the work of the office’s media monitoring agency .

3. 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.

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.)
• Monitor the public perception of UNICEF in the country and recommend appropriate action to maintain a positive image for the organization.
• Together with the digital communications consultant, monitor and respond to conversations on social media that are relevant to UNICEF.

• Assist in providing feedback to DOC on the use and appropriateness of global communication materials such as publications, images and multimedia products.

4. Celebrities, partners and special events

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.

Duties & Tasks

• Help organize and generate public support for special events and activities to promote 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 and communication objectives.
• Assist in identifying potential UNICEF supporters while managing the contribution plans for new and existing advocates
• Maintain and update celebrity and partner contact lists and work plans for country office.
• Monitor/document process and effectiveness of working with these individuals/organizations.

Prepare background communication and promotional materials for briefings and visits of media, Goodwill Ambassadors, donors, National Committee representatives 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.

CHILD SAFEGUARDING

Child safeguarding involves proactive measures to limit direct and indirect collateral risks of harm to children, arising from UNICEF’s work, UNICEF personnel or UNICEF associates. The risks may include those associated with: physical violence (including corporal punishment); sexual violence, exploitation or abuse; emotional and verbal abuse; economic exploitation; failure to provide for physical or psychological safety; neglect of physical, emotional or psychological needs; harmful cultural practices; and privacy violations.

Certain UNICEF positions present elevated child safeguarding risks (“elevated risk roles”) and candidates and/or incumbents may be subject to more rigorous vetting and training. Roles may be elevated risk roles because of significant unsupervised direct contact with children, their data, having a role in responding to safeguarding incidents, or being otherwise assessed as presenting an elevated risk. This position has been identified as [not being a direct contact role.

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

1. Education

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

2. Work Experience

Two years practical professional work experience in communication, print or broadcast media, or interactive digital media. Extensive media and government contacts with the ability to speak to the media as required.

. Field work experience (for NO)

Background/familiarity with Emergency situations.

3. Language Proficiency  [ I ]

Fluency in French and Malagasy. Good knowledge of English is an asset. .

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 UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

Competency Profile (For details on competencies please refer to the UNICEF Professional Competency Profiles.)  

i)  Core Values (Required)

• Care
• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Accountability

ii)  Core Competencies (Required)

• Nurtures, Leads and Manages People (1)
• Demonstrates Self Awareness and Ethical Awareness (2)
• Works Collaboratively with others (2)
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships (2)
• Innovates and Embraces Change (2)
• Thinks and Acts Strategically (2)
• Drives to achieve impactful results (2)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (2)

3. Functional Competencies (Required)

•  Persuading and Influencing [ 1 ]
•  Applying Technical Expertise [ 1 ]
•  Learning and Researching (2)
•  Planning and Organizing [ 2 ]

vi)  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:

• 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.

To view our competency framework, please visit here.

Click here to learn more about UNICEF’s values and competencies.

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:

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.