Communication Officer

Job Title: Communication Officer

Organization: UNICEF

Job no: 563257
Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment
Duty Station: New York
Level: P-2
Location: United States
Categories: Communication

How can you make a difference?
Purpose for the job:

As part of the media team headed by Chief, Media Section, and under the direct supervision of a Communication Specialist (P4), the Communication Officers (P2)++ are responsible for supporting the development, management, coordination, implementation and monitoring of media strategies and releasing information on a regular basis to media organizations worldwide about issues of concern to the organization.

Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks:

Media Relations – General

• Support the section with the development, implementation and monitoring of media strategies on priority issues for children and UNICEF, as assigned by the supervisor.
• Assist in timely and accurate dissemination of materials to the media, UNICEF’s network of Country and Regional Offices and National Committees, and other appropriate audiences.
• Help develop and pitch news and feature ideas and secure positive coverage in print, broadcast, online and digital media.
• Draft and edit media materials, including press releases, articles, Op-Eds, Q&As, key messages, fact sheets, briefing documents, and other communications materials for internal and external audiences.
• Help plan and organize press conferences, events and interviews with UNICEF experts.
• Support other team members with key media initiatives and field missions, including developing pitches and case studies, posting and releasing of press releases, translations, and other support duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• Support with internal dissemination of daily news summaries, including subscription maintenance.
• Develop, maintain and update media contact list/database, and identify relevant media contacts for priority issues.
• Manage internal distribution lists.
• Support the section with media monitoring for key projects and campaign moments, monitor public perception of UNICEF issues, and monitor systems for relevant breaking news and emergencies.
• Manage the upkeep of the UNICEF global press centre and related Media Section managed webpages and social media accounts.
• Provide relevant inputs to the Media Section and the Division of Global Communication and Advocacy (DGCA) Annual Report, Work Plans and other documentation.
• Perform other communication duties as assigned by the Supervisor.

 

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

Education: A university degree is required in communication, journalism, public relations or a related discipline.

Work Experience:

• A minimum of two (2) years of practical professional work experience in communication and media relations. Field experience and knowledge of United Nations or other international organizations are an asset.

Language Requirements:
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (1)
• Works collaboratively with others (1)
• Builds and maintains partnership (1)
• Innovates and embraces change (1)
• Thinks and acts strategically (1)
• Drive to achieve results for impact (1)
• Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)

During the recruitment process, we test candidates following the competency framework. Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels: competency framework here.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

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 is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. 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:.

UNICEF’s active commitment towards diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children.

Mobility is a condition of international professional employment with UNICEF and an underlying premise of the international civil service.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station, which will be facilitated by UNICEF, is required for IP positions. Appointments are also subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Government employees that are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

Advertised: 24 Aug 2023 Eastern Daylight Time
Deadline: 08 Sep 2023 Eastern Daylight Time

APPLY NOW