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, emphasizing equity and addressing the needs of the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families. UNICEF employs a diverse workforce and offers opportunities for professional and personal development, along with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The Communication Officer (Polio) is crucial in supporting the Polio Eradication Program by planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating a comprehensive media and communications strategy at the provincial level. This role involves managing media relations, engaging on social media, and overseeing print and electronic media to enhance public awareness, counter misinformation, and effectively promote vaccination campaigns. The officer will work closely with the provincial emergency operations center for polio, ensuring that communication strategies align with the overall goals of the program and contribute to the eradication of polio.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communication Officer (Polio) will be responsible for creating communication materials that effectively convey the objectives of the Polio Eradication Program. This includes developing media relations strategies to engage with journalists and media outlets, advocating for the program through various communication channels, and providing support for media coverage of polio eradication efforts. The officer will also monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies, ensuring that they meet the program's goals. Additionally, the officer will coordinate with celebrities, partners, and special events to amplify the message and reach a broader audience.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Social Sciences, or a related field. A minimum of two years of practical professional work experience in communication, print and broadcast media, or interactive digital media is required. Strong analytical and writing skills in both English and Urdu are essential, along with the ability to create compelling content for various audiences. Experience in dynamic and complex partnerships is highly desirable, particularly in development, fragile settings, and humanitarian contexts.

Educational Background:
The position requires a university degree in a relevant field such as Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, or Social Sciences. This educational background is crucial for understanding the principles of effective communication and media engagement, which are vital for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least two years of relevant work experience in communication, media, or related fields. This experience should include practical skills in managing media relations, creating communication materials, and engaging with diverse audiences. Experience in the context of public health campaigns, particularly related to vaccination or disease eradication, is highly beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Urdu is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish, or a local language, is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
The position is open to internal staff members and other UNICEF personnel, with priority given to those in abolished posts. The post has been re-advertised, and previous applicants do not need to reapply. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women and individuals with disabilities. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims, including discrimination and abuse. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must meet medical clearance and inoculation requirements. UNICEF does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.