Communication Officer Polio

Job Posting Organization:
UNICEF, established in 1946, operates in over 190 countries and territories with a mission to save children's lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a workforce that reflects the diversity of the children it serves, and it is dedicated to creating a culture of belonging and growth.

Job Overview:
The Communication Officer within the Polio section plays a crucial role in supporting the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of communication and media strategies aimed at polio eradication. This position is vital for generating public awareness, building trust in vaccination campaigns, and strengthening political and community support. The Officer is expected to bring specialized expertise in media relations, stakeholder engagement, event management, and the production of high-quality communication materials that align with national priorities and donor expectations. The role also involves monitoring communication impact and managing public events to ensure visibility and credibility in polio eradication efforts, reinforcing UNICEF's leadership in public health communication.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and disseminate communication strategies, products, and materials for the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) and National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) to support national communication strategies and campaigns aimed at eradicating polio.
• Provide effective media relations support by developing, drafting, and maintaining media materials and relationships with journalists across various platforms.
• Lead crisis communications efforts by monitoring media coverage and alerting senior management about news that could affect the organization’s reputation or the safety of frontline workers.
• Conduct regular monitoring and evaluation of communication activities to assess effectiveness and ensure continuous improvement.
• Maintain and expand a contact network of journalists, influencers, and partners to strengthen advocacy and communication objectives for polio eradication.
• Organize events, campaigns, and partner engagements that promote vaccination and recognize frontline workers.

Required Qualifications:

• University degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Minimum of two years of professional experience in communication, media relations, or public information.
• Field work experience and familiarity with emergency situations are mandatory.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets and produce high-quality media products.
• Experience in planning and implementing digital campaigns and developing impactful content for social media platforms.
• Strong analytical, presentation, and writing skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear content in both English and Urdu.

Educational Background:
A university degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively communicate and engage with various stakeholders in the context of polio eradication efforts.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of two years of professional experience in communication, media relations, or public information. This experience should include field work and familiarity with emergency situations, as well as demonstrated success in building relationships with media outlets and producing high-quality communication materials.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Urdu is required for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish) or a local language is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively in diverse contexts.

Additional Notes:
This position is assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes, requiring additional vetting and assessment. UNICEF promotes a diverse workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities. The organization offers a wide range of benefits, including paid parental leave and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims and objectives, including discrimination and abuse. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and appointments are subject to medical clearance and visa requirements.