Assistant national à l’information publique

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and coordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. The UNHCR strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally, or resettle in a third country. The organization operates in numerous countries around the globe, focusing on the protection of displaced individuals and advocating for their rights.

Job Overview:
The Assistant national à l’information publique will work under the direct supervision of the Chef de la Sous-Délégation de Mopti. This position is crucial for supporting communication and awareness activities of the UNHCR in Mopti. The assistant will collaborate closely with the field team and maintain regular contacts within the office and unit, involving the exchange of information and dissemination of key messages related to protection and assistance activities for individuals under the UNHCR's mandate. The role includes contributing to the writing of content such as press releases, information notes, internal reports, and visibility materials, as well as collecting human stories and media coverage of UNHCR activities in the Mopti region. The assistant will also have limited external contacts, primarily with operational partners, local media, and communities, to follow up on current issues and disseminate information approved by the office. By enhancing the visibility of the UNHCR and raising awareness among communities and partners, this position plays a key role in promoting protection and sustainable solutions for refugees, internally displaced persons, and others under the UNHCR's mandate in central Mali.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The UNV Assistant national à l’information publique will be responsible for filming, recording, and editing videos, including capturing images and sounds. The assistant will take and process images aimed at showcasing the work of the UNHCR, its partners, and the situation of forcibly displaced persons. They will prepare narratives featuring refugees and other individuals affected by forced displacement, write texts for publication on UNHCR's digital platforms (Facebook & Twitter), manage visibility materials for the UNHCR Sub-Delegation in Mopti, and provide advice and support to colleagues and partners on visibility issues. The assistant will draft speeches for the Head of Office for official ceremonies, create a local network with media, manage media and journalist requests, ensure communication coverage and visibility of events involving the UNHCR, and assist in collecting, compiling, processing, and analyzing data in direct collaboration with the Information Management Unit in Bamako. Additionally, the assistant will contribute to the development of maps, dashboards, and other information management-related products, execute any other tasks related to communication, visibility, and information management, and perform any other related duties as assigned by the supervisor. UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UNV program's mandate into their assignments and promote volunteerism through community engagement as part of their work.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires excellent oral and written communication skills, proven content writing abilities, and proficiency in photography/videography and audiovisual editing. The candidate should have a good command of digital tools and communication platforms, particularly social media. Organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously are essential. The candidate should demonstrate initiative, creativity, and the ability to work independently, as well as possess excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multicultural team. A commitment to confidentiality, integrity, and adherence to institutional rules and procedures is crucial, along with a dedication to the principles of volunteerism, solidarity, and community participation. Adherence to the core values of the United Nations, including respect for diversity, inclusion, neutrality, and impartiality, is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates should possess a degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field. A strong educational background in these areas will provide the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively fulfill the responsibilities of the position.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in communication, public relations, or a related field. Experience working with international organizations, particularly in the context of humanitarian assistance or refugee protection, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the local context and issues affecting displaced populations in Mali will be an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication in the region. Proficiency in English is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with international partners and stakeholders. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the Mopti region would also be beneficial.

Additional Notes:
The assignment is based in Mopti, which is classified as a category E duty station, characterized by more demanding living conditions compared to the capital. Housing options are limited, but staff can access secure residences approved by the UNDSS. Amenities are reduced compared to Bamako, with only a few local markets and shops available, and limited access to imported goods. Frequent power and water outages necessitate the use of generators and water storage systems. Health facilities in the region are limited, and serious medical cases typically require evacuation to Bamako. The climate is hot and dry for most of the year, with a rainy season from May to September that can make some roads impassable. Road travel is particularly risky due to road conditions, traffic, and insecurity in certain areas. Mopti and the surrounding region are classified at security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security level 5 (high) on the UN security scale (1 to 6), with ongoing threats from armed groups, terrorism incidents, intercommunal clashes, and kidnapping risks. Staff must strictly adhere to the security guidelines of the UNHCR and UNDSS, including movement restrictions. Travel outside of Mopti requires prior authorization and security escorts. Given that this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the volunteer will be responsible for organizing their own accommodation and essential needs while adhering to the prevailing security standards.