UNV Communications Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women is the United Nations entity dedicated to gender equality and the empowerment of women. Established to accelerate progress on meeting the needs of women and girls worldwide, UN Women supports UN Member States in setting global standards for achieving gender equality. The organization works with governments and civil society to design laws, policies, programs, and services that ensure effective implementation of these standards. UN Women operates globally, focusing on four strategic priorities: women's equal participation in governance, economic autonomy for women, freedom from violence for all women and girls, and their contributions to sustainable peace and resilience. The organization also coordinates the UN system's work in advancing gender equality and positions gender equality as fundamental to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UN Women Malawi Country Office was established in October 2012 to address gender inequalities and discriminatory provisions in the country, guided by its new Country Strategic Note for 2024-2028, which aligns with the Global Strategic Plan of UN Women for the same period.

Job Overview:
The UNV Communications Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the communications and advocacy strategy of the UN Women Malawi Country Office. This position involves contributing to the development and implementation of communication strategies, providing administrative support for visibility and advocacy materials, managing social media presence, and supporting media relations. The assistant will work under the supervision of the Communications for Development Officer and will be involved in planning and organizing campaigns, especially around significant UN observance days. The role requires creativity, strong communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to enhance the visibility of UN Women’s initiatives and achievements in Malawi.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Country Office (CO) communications and advocacy strategy by providing background information and supporting the organization of visibility events and media engagements.
• Assist in the preparation of advocacy materials, including human-interest stories, newsletters, and multimedia assets that highlight project milestones and achievements.
• Manage the CO’s social media presence by producing content and updating channels as needed.
• Support media relations by maintaining a database of relevant media contacts, responding to information requests, and monitoring media coverage of CO projects.
• Facilitate knowledge management by identifying best practices, organizing training on communication practices, and exchanging information with other UN entities.
• Ensure timely delivery of quality administrative support for discussions, conferences, and other events, while maintaining well-organized digital channels.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and have the ability to create, edit, and present information in clear formats. Knowledge of social media strategies and methods is essential, along with good event planning skills. The ability to identify relevant stories and communicate them effectively to a mass audience is also required. Candidates should demonstrate creativity, problem-solving abilities, and effective collaboration skills, as well as a commitment to gender equality and women's empowerment.

Educational Background:
A degree in communications, public relations, social sciences, or a related field is required. Additional training or certifications in communication strategies, media relations, or advocacy would be advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 1-2 years of experience in communications, public relations, or a related field. Experience working with international organizations or NGOs, particularly in gender equality or women's empowerment, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the UN system and its operations would be an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Malawi would be an advantage, as it would enhance communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This is a national UN Volunteer assignment, which means the volunteer will be responsible for arranging their own housing and living essentials. The position may involve working in challenging conditions, requiring flexibility and a mature level of cultural awareness. The role is expected to be full-time, and the volunteer will need to demonstrate a commitment to the mission and values of UN Women.