Communications Assistant for Anglophone Countries, Nigeria
Closing date: Monday, 11 March 2024
General
Description of assignment title: Communications Assistant for Anglophone Countries
Assignment country: Nigeria
Expected start date: 03/01/2024
Sustainable Development Goal: 17. Partnerships for the goals
Volunteer category: National UN Volunteer Specialist
Host entity: United Nations Volunteers
Type: Onsite
Expected end date: 12/31/2024
Number of assignments: 1
Duty stations: Abuja
Details
Mission and objectives
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development and it benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally, encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers.In most cultures volunteerism is deeply embedded in long-established, ancient traditions of sharing and support within the communities. In this context, UN Volunteers take part in various forms of volunteerism and play a role in development and peace together with co-workers, host agencies and local communities.In all assignments, UN Volunteers promote volunteerism through their action and conduct. Engaging in volunteer activity can effectively and positively enrich their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between themselves and the people in their host community. This will make the time they spend as UN Volunteers even more rewarding and productive.
Context
The UNV Field Units (FU) are mainly accountable for the mobilization and placement of UN Volunteers in UN Agencies, Funds, and Programmes focused on peace, development, and humanitarian needs. The UNV Field Units represent and position UNV in the respective countries and bring UNV’s services and solutions closer to its partners from governments, UN entities, civil society, and private sector. For further information about the work of the UNV Programme, kindly visit https://www.unv.org/
Task description
The Communications Assistant will play a pivotal role in supporting UNV’s communication efforts in anglophone countries, acting as a focal point to coordinate activities across Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Gambia and Ghana. Under the daily supervision of the UNV Country Coordinator in Nigeria and the overall coordination of the Regional Communication Analyst based in Dakar, the UNV Communication assistant will undertake the following tasks: A) Communication Coordination:
Serve as the primary communication focal point for the assigned countries to support the regional communications plan, in line with UNV communications strategy
In consultation with UNV Field Units, coordinate and implement the regional communication plan and activities across the portfolio
Facilitate information sharing and collaboration among UNV Field Units (Programme Managers/ UNV Support Officers, Country Coordinators/Programme Assistants,) and the regional communications team
Ensure that communications activities are co-branded with UN Partners based on their mandates and UNV support
Support, monitor and report on international days celebrations in the portfolio, including International Volunteer Day (IVD)
Undertake communications-targeted in-country monitoring missions in consultation with the Country Coordinator and Regional Office Communications Analyst
Support targeted talent outreach activities through communications/advocacy, in consultation with the RO Talent Acquisition Analyst B) Content Creation and Storytelling:
In close consultation with the Regional Communications Analyst, support the development, disseminate engaging storytelling content, including articles, success stories, and case studies among UNV stakeholders (UN partners, UNV Field Units, UN Volunteers) in the portfolio countries.
Collect and document testimonials from targeted UN Volunteers and UN partners of the portfolio, highlighting their experiences and the impact of UNV contributions.
Create compelling narrative that showcase the contributions and achievements of UN Volunteers and the communities they serve for country specific newsletters, webpages, etc.
Ensure all content aligns with UNV guidelines and effectively communicate the organization’s mission and values. C) Social Media Management:
Manage and update active social media accounts relevant to the portfolio.
In close consultation with the Regional Communications team, create engaging content, including posts, stories, and updates, to increase visibility of the UNV Programme and audience engagement.
Analyze social media trends and provide recommendations for enhanced online presence.
Prepare social media cards and tailored emails for application calls. D) Reporting and Analysis:
On a quarterly basis, report, provide a report on communication activities of the portfolio
Provide inputs and recommendations for regional communication reports and analyses
Eligibility criteria
Age: 27 – 80
Nationality
Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.
Requirements
Required experience
3 years of experience in Communications, Social Media or Journalism. – 3-5 years of progressive and relevant professional experience in either of the above fields would be highly desirable. – Experience in the development sector, preferably with the UN or international NGOs in West Africa is a plus. * Other essential skills – Strong interpersonal and team collaboration skills. – Strong coordination skills. – Proficiency in written and spoken English. – Strong verbal and written communication skills. – Excellent organizational and multitasking capabilities. – Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret social media metrics. – Strong understanding of the socio-political context of West African countries.
Area(s) of expertise
Communication, Development programmes
Driving license
–
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required
Required education level
Bachelor degree or equivalent in Communications, Mass Communication, Media, Journalism, Public Relations or any related field.
Competencies and values
Integrity and professionalism: Demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative, and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client oriented.
Accountability: Mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations.
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.
Teamwork and respect for diversity: Ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender;
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; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary;
Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.
Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy
To apply for this job please visit app.unv.org.