Communications Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is a UN organization dedicated to contributing to peace and development through volunteerism on a global scale. Established to harness the power of volunteerism, UNV aims to engage individuals in addressing development challenges, thereby transforming the pace and nature of development. The organization emphasizes the mutual benefits of volunteerism, fostering trust, solidarity, and reciprocity among citizens while creating opportunities for active participation. At the country level, UNV Field Units and designated personnel are responsible for mobilizing and placing UN Volunteers within various UN Agencies, Funds, and Programmes, focusing on peace, development, and humanitarian assistance. UNV personnel typically operate within UNDP offices, ensuring compliance with UNV and UNDP policies and regulations, and collaborating closely with stakeholders from government, civil society, and the private sector. For more information about UNV's work, visit their official website at https://www.unv.org/.

Job Overview:
The Communications Assistant will be instrumental in supporting UNV's communication initiatives across Lusophone and Spanish-speaking countries. This role involves acting as a central point of coordination for communication activities in São Tomé and Príncipe, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, and Equatorial Guinea. The Communications Assistant will work under the daily supervision of the Portfolio Analyst in Dakar and will be coordinated overall by the Regional Communication Analyst based in Dakar. The position requires a proactive approach to implementing the regional communication plan, ensuring alignment with UNV's communication strategy, and facilitating collaboration among various UNV Field Units. The role also includes creating engaging content that highlights the contributions of UN Volunteers and the impact of their work, thereby enhancing the visibility of the UNV Programme and fostering audience engagement through social media and other communication channels.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communications Assistant will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Communication Coordination: - Act as the primary communication focal point for the assigned countries, supporting the regional communications plan in accordance with the UNV communications strategy. - Collaborate with UNV Field Units to coordinate and implement the regional communication plan and activities. - Facilitate information sharing and collaboration among UNV Field Units, including Programme Managers, UNV Support Officers, Country Coordinators, and Programme Assistants. - Ensure that all communications activities are co-branded with UN partners based on their respective mandates and UNV support. - Monitor and report on international day celebrations, such as International Volunteer Day (IVD). - Conduct in-country monitoring missions focused on communications in consultation with the Country Coordinator and Regional Office Communications Analyst. - Support targeted talent outreach activities through communications and advocacy in collaboration with the Regional Office Talent Acquisition Analyst.
• Content Creation and Storytelling: - Work closely with the Regional Communications Analyst to develop and disseminate engaging storytelling content, including articles, success stories, and case studies. - Collect and document testimonials from UN Volunteers and UN partners, showcasing their experiences and the impact of UNV contributions. - Create compelling narratives for newsletters, webpages, and other platforms that highlight the achievements of UN Volunteers and the communities they serve. - Ensure all content adheres to UNV guidelines and effectively communicates the organization's mission and values.
• Social Media Management: - Manage and update relevant social media accounts for the portfolio. - Collaborate with the Regional Communications team to create engaging social media content, including posts and updates, to enhance the visibility of the UNV Programme. - Analyze social media trends and provide recommendations for improving online presence. - Prepare social media cards and tailored emails for application calls.
• Reporting and Analysis: - Provide quarterly reports on communication activities within the portfolio. - Contribute inputs and recommendations for regional communication reports and analyses.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Communications Assistant position should possess strong interpersonal and team collaboration skills, along with excellent coordination abilities. Proficiency in both written and spoken English and Portuguese is essential, as is a strong command of verbal and written communication skills. The candidate should demonstrate excellent organizational and multitasking capabilities, an analytical mindset for interpreting social media metrics, and a solid understanding of the socio-political context of Central African countries. These qualifications are critical for effectively executing the responsibilities of the role and contributing to the overall success of UNV's communication efforts.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a relevant educational background, typically a degree in communications, public relations, international relations, or a related field. This educational foundation will provide the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively engage in communication strategies and initiatives within the context of UNV's mission and objectives.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have prior experience in communications, public relations, or a related field. This experience should ideally include working in international organizations, NGOs, or similar environments where communication strategies are developed and implemented. Familiarity with the UN system and understanding of volunteerism and development issues will be advantageous.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Portuguese is mandatory for this position, as these languages are essential for effective communication within the assigned countries. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly Spanish, would be considered a valuable asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader audience and facilitate communication across diverse linguistic contexts.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, where living conditions may present challenges due to limited resources and infrastructure. Candidates should be adaptable and flexible, ready to work in a context that may require innovative solutions to overcome logistical hurdles. The role is likely to be full-time, and while specific contract duration details are not provided, candidates should be prepared for a commitment that aligns with UNV's operational needs.