United Nations Online Volunteers for the 2026 #UnlockTheEveryday Campaign

Job Posting Organization:
The Southern Africa Federation of the Disabled (SAFOD) is an organization dedicated to advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities. Established in 1986, SAFOD was created by disabled individuals for disabled individuals, functioning as a federation of non-governmental disability organizations. The organization operates in 10 countries across Southern Africa, focusing on promoting inclusive development and human rights for persons with disabilities. SAFOD's mission is to create a society where all individuals, regardless of their abilities, are treated with dignity and equality. The organization values participatory approaches, transparency, accountability, commitment, gender sensitivity, and empowerment, and aims to encourage the formation of organizations for disabled people, support existing affiliates, train personnel and leaders, promote government policies favoring disabled individuals, and facilitate information exchange and cooperation with other organizations.

Job Overview:
The role of the United Nations Online Volunteers is to support the planning, development, and implementation of the 2026 regional #UnlockTheEveryday Campaign, which commemorates the World Day for Assistive Technology. Volunteers will play a crucial role in enhancing digital advocacy and increasing the visibility of assistive technology (AT) as a priority for human rights and development in Southern Africa. They will work closely with SAFOD’s regional secretariat and national organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs) in Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Malawi, and Zambia. The volunteers will be responsible for designing and disseminating impactful digital content that highlights the experiences of assistive technology users and fosters policy dialogue.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The volunteers will have several key responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the development of a coordinated digital content calendar that aligns with key campaign milestones and messaging for World AT Day.
• Creating engaging, accessible, and inclusive digital content such as social media posts, infographics, short videos, reels, visual storytelling materials, blogs, and advocacy briefs.
• Ensuring that all campaign messaging is grounded in a human rights-based approach, in accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Collaborating with OPDs to document lived experiences and success stories that showcase the transformative impact of assistive technology.
• Assisting in the enhancement of online engagement strategies, including audience targeting, hashtag coordination, and cross-country amplification.
• Contributing to the monitoring of online engagement metrics such as reach, impressions, and interactions to inform adaptive campaign strategies.
• Participating in periodic virtual coordination meetings with SAFOD and providing brief summaries of outputs and progress. The assignment is fully remote, requiring close collaboration within a multicultural, virtual team environment, and volunteers are expected to work independently while maintaining regular communication with the SAFOD coordination team.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires volunteers to possess strong skills in digital content creation, including proficiency in graphic design, video editing, and social media management. Volunteers should have a good understanding of human rights issues, particularly those affecting persons with disabilities, and be able to communicate effectively in a digital environment. Familiarity with the UNCRPD and the SDGs is essential, as is the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse team setting. Volunteers should also demonstrate creativity, adaptability, and a commitment to promoting inclusive practices.

Educational Background:
While specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated, a background in communications, social sciences, disability studies, or a related field would be beneficial. Volunteers should have a strong understanding of digital media and advocacy strategies, as well as the ability to create compelling content that resonates with diverse audiences.

Experience:
Volunteers are expected to have prior experience in digital content creation, advocacy, or related fields. Experience working with organizations focused on disability rights or social justice is highly desirable. Familiarity with online engagement strategies and metrics is also important, as volunteers will be responsible for monitoring and adapting campaign strategies based on engagement data.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as all communications and content creation will be conducted in this language. Knowledge of additional languages spoken in Southern Africa, such as Setswana, Afrikaans, or other regional languages, would be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is fully remote, allowing for flexibility in work hours. Volunteers will be part of a multicultural team and are expected to maintain regular communication with the SAFOD coordination team. The role is voluntary, and while it does not offer financial compensation, it provides valuable experience in advocacy and digital content creation within the context of disability rights.