Communication Officer

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 and offers diverse opportunities for professional and personal development. UNICEF employs a passionate workforce dedicated to serving children and communities worldwide, fostering a culture of inclusivity and growth, and providing an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The Communication Officer position is based in the Ankara office and is a key member of the Türkiye Country Office, reporting directly to the Communication Manager. The role involves planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating advocacy and communication strategies aimed at raising awareness of children's and women's issues. The officer will work to strengthen political will in support of UNICEF's mission and enhance the organization's credibility and brand. Responsibilities include ensuring timely production of communication materials, managing media relations, and conducting regular monitoring and evaluation activities to maximize the impact of communication efforts. The officer will also maintain and develop a contact list of key individuals and organizations that can support advocacy and communication objectives, and assist in organizing special events that align with the country program goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communication Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks including:

• Assisting in the development and execution of communication strategies that align with UNICEF's objectives.
• Producing communication products and materials in a timely manner to support the country communication strategy and global campaigns.
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with journalists and media outlets across various platforms including print, TV, radio, and online media.
• Conducting regular monitoring and evaluation of communication activities to ensure effectiveness and continuous improvement.
• Maintaining and developing a comprehensive contact list of stakeholders, including government officials, UN agencies, and partners, to facilitate collaboration on advocacy efforts.
• Drafting, analyzing, and editing articles and advocacy materials to effectively communicate UNICEF's mission and impact.
• Organizing special events in consultation with government counterparts and community partners to support program delivery.
• Supervising the production and qualitative monitoring of communication materials to ensure high standards are met.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related fields. A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in communication, media, or digital media is required. Candidates should demonstrate strong skills in communication strategy, collaboration, networking, and technical knowledge in media production and communication practices. Additionally, familiarity with emergency situations and fieldwork experience are essential.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (First Level University Degree) in a relevant field such as Communications, Journalism, or Public Relations. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of communication strategies and media relations.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least two years of relevant professional work experience in communication, which may include roles in print and broadcast media, or interactive digital media. Experience in fieldwork, particularly in emergency situations, is also required. Familiarity with the private sector and international work experience are considered assets, as is relevant experience in development, fragile settings, and humanitarian contexts.

Languages:
Proficiency in both Turkish and English is mandatory for this position. Candidates should be fluent in both languages to effectively communicate and engage with diverse stakeholders. Knowledge of another official UN language such as Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian, or Spanish is considered an asset and may enhance a candidate's application.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and is based in Ankara, Türkiye. UNICEF promotes a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination and is committed to safeguarding the rights of children. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous background checks and must comply with medical clearance and vaccination requirements as mandated by UNICEF. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and ensures reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities.