Vacancy – Communication Officer

UNICEF Freetown, Sierra Leone – Vacancy Notice VB/14-5902

If you are a committed and creative individual and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world’s leading children’s rights organization would like to hear from you.

For 60 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children’s survival, protection and development. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified Sierra Leoneans for consideration to the following post:

Post: Communication Officer                                    

Level: NOB

Type of contract: Fixed Term                                                                                                           

Duty Station: Freetown, Sierra Leone

Date Required:  Immediately

Duration: 2 years (with possibility of extension)                       

Under the general supervision of the Communication Specialist, assists in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of an advocacy and communication strategy to promote respect for children’s’ and women’s’ rights, and supports UNICEF’s mission in the country.

• Drafts and edits articles, press releases, human interest stories and other advocacy/information materials for both web-based and traditional media, as appropriate;

• Prepares background communication and promotional materials for briefings and visits of media, goodwill ambassadors, donors, national committee representatives and other special interest groups.  Assists in the planning, logistic and administrative arrangements for them;

• Helps organize and generate public support for special events and activities to promote country programme goals;

• Monitors the public perception of UNICEF in the country and   recommends appropriate action to maintain a positive image for the organization;

• Follows up on the production of advocacy and communication materials (e.g., films, video, audio-visual, etc.), and oversees the qualitative aspects of production, (e.g., quality control, translation, review of layouts and graphic design);

• Assists 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;
• Plans, organises and accompanies donor and media visits to Sierra Leone;

• Monitors and evaluates the appropriate and timely dissemination of advocacy and communication materials to target audiences, and participates in the evaluation of their impact. Provides feedback to Headquarters on the use and appropriateness of global publications and visual materials;

• Supports the facilitation of partnerships and advocacy activities such as facilitating development partners meetings, engaging with Parliament on UNICEF related matters etc.

NOTE:

UNICEF IS A SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT

UNICEF is committed to diversity and gender equality in its workplace.

Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply

QUALIFICATION AND SKILLS:                    

Education: University degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations; or equivalent professional work experience in the communication area, combined with a university degree in a related field.

Work Experience: Two years relevant professional work experience in communication, print and broadcast media or interactive digital media, at either the national or international level.

Language:  Fluency in English required. Knowledge of the local working language of the duty station is an asset

Other Competencies & Skills:

• Knowledge of current theories and practices in communication research, and the role of mass media.

• Ability to research, analyse, evaluate and synthesize information.

• General ability to draft clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written and oral form; specific skills in writing press releases and articles/stories for traditional and electronic media.

• Proven ability to effectively manage relationships with media representatives, government officials and other UNICEF partners.

• Proven ability to work as part of a team.

• Knowledge of computer systems, internet navigation and various office applications, specifically interactive digital media.

Applications should be forwarded under confidential cover marked “Application VB/14 5902 COMMUNICATION OFFICER” complete with an up-to-date c.v. and names and email addresses of two referees (non- relatives) to reach the Chief of Operations, UNICEF, Central Medical Stores Compound, New England, Freetown on or before 25 June 2014.

Applications can also be sent to: srlrecruitment@unicef.org. When sending to this mailbox, please ensure that “Application VB/14-5902 Communication Officer” is quoted on the subject line.

UNICEF is a smoke-free environment.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization.

The Personal History Form (P11) in MS Word format can be downloaded from our website at http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_53129.html. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Please note that acknowledgement of application will be extended only to short-listed candidates.

© 2014, https:. All rights reserved.