National UN Volunteer - Communication, Advocacy and Partnerships

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF has been committed to the welfare of children and young people in Iraq since 1963, establishing a formal cooperation agreement with the Government. The organization operates through four offices located in Basra, Baghdad, Erbil, and Dohuk, collaborating with various UN agencies and NGOs to address the humanitarian and developmental needs of vulnerable populations. UNICEF's mission is to advocate for children's rights, meet their basic needs, and expand opportunities for their growth. The organization has a strategic plan for 2018-2021 that emphasizes the importance of engaging young people as agents of change, and it aims to fully involve them in the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its new Strategic Plan for 2022-202

• UNICEF is also focused on promoting diversity within its workforce, particularly through initiatives aimed at young women in the MENA region, and is committed to building a child- and youth-powered organization.

Job Overview:
The National UN Volunteer will play a crucial role in the Communication, Advocacy, and Partnerships Section of UNICEF in Erbil. This position is designed to enhance UNICEF's engagement with youth and women, particularly in the MENA region, and to support the implementation of the YOUNG WOMEN TALENTS IN MENA initiative. The volunteer will act as a focal point for communication and advocacy efforts, ensuring that UNICEF's priorities are effectively communicated to various stakeholders. The role involves regular visits to UNICEF-supported projects in Northern Iraq, allowing the volunteer to gather firsthand information and insights that will inform communication strategies. The incumbent will be responsible for building relationships with media outlets, developing compelling content, and contributing to advocacy initiatives that promote children's rights and engage local partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Media Relations and Advocacy: Building relationships with local, regional, and national media, drafting press releases and media briefs in Kurdish, Arabic, and English, organizing press conferences and media briefings, and coordinating field trips for journalists.
• Content Development and Storytelling: Researching and producing human interest stories, translating content between languages, capturing and editing multimedia content, and contributing to UNICEF Iraq's digital platforms.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Producing daily media monitoring reports, analyzing media trends, and maintaining an updated media contact list.
• Advocacy and Partnerships: Supporting workshops and campaigns with government and civil society partners, contributing to advocacy initiatives, and documenting UNICEF-supported projects.
• Administrative and Cross-Cutting Tasks: Ensuring compliance with UNICEF's branding guidelines, providing interpretation and translation support, and participating in planning and evaluation processes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong communication skills, particularly in media relations and content development. They should have the ability to build and maintain partnerships, demonstrate self-awareness and ethical awareness, and have a drive to achieve impactful results. The role requires innovative thinking and the ability to manage ambiguity and complexity while working collaboratively with others.

Educational Background:
A degree in communications, journalism, international relations, or a related field is preferred. Candidates should have a strong understanding of child rights and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders effectively.

Experience:
The position requires prior experience in communication, advocacy, or media relations, preferably within the context of humanitarian or development work. Experience working with youth and understanding their needs and perspectives is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in Kurdish, Arabic, and English is mandatory. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the region would be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer assignment, and the volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. National UN Volunteers receive a monthly living allowance of USD 2,660.07 to cover basic living costs. Upon satisfactory completion of the assignment, eligible volunteers will receive a resettlement allowance to assist with reintegration into society.