Online Volunteers for Social Media and Communication Support

Online Volunteers for Social Media and Communication Support

United Nations Volunteers (UNV)

August 29, 2026September 10, 2026South Africa
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is a global initiative that aims to contribute to peace and development through volunteerism. Established to harness the power of volunteerism, UNV works to engage individuals in addressing development challenges and enhancing community participation. The organization emphasizes the importance of volunteerism in fostering trust, solidarity, and reciprocity among citizens. UNV operates in numerous countries worldwide, advocating for the recognition of volunteers and integrating volunteerism into development programming. The mission of UNV is to mobilize a diverse range of volunteers, including experienced UN Volunteers, to support various development initiatives across the globe.

Job Overview:
The UNV office in South Africa is looking for enthusiastic and creative Online Volunteers to assist with digital outreach and communication efforts. This role is crucial for increasing the visibility of the communication team's work and enhancing the Online Volunteering service's growth and uptake at the country level. The Online Volunteers will play a significant role in raising public awareness, strengthening community engagement, and expanding the reach of the UNV programme in South Africa. Volunteers will be involved in various digital outreach activities, which will require creativity and a proactive approach to engage local audiences effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Online Volunteers will be responsible for a variety of tasks aimed at supporting the UNV office's digital outreach initiatives. These tasks include:
  • Content Promotion: Actively sharing and promoting both corporate and local content across various digital and social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
  • Content Creation: Developing innovative ideas and creating engaging content such as posts, articles, graphics, and short videos to connect with diverse local audiences and communicate key messages relevant to South Africa.
  • Community Engagement: Engaging with local organizations and communities to build partnerships and enhance the reach of campaigns.
  • Event Support: Organizing and participating in local online events, including virtual discussions, webinars, and digital storytelling sessions to foster community involvement.
  • Monitoring & Reporting: Tracking and reporting on engagement metrics and feedback from outreach activities to assess the effectiveness of the initiatives. Online Volunteers will report to the Regional Communication Assistant and will receive necessary training, messaging guidelines, and visual assets to aid them in their responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Online Volunteer position should possess a strong understanding of digital communication and social media platforms. They should demonstrate creativity and the ability to engage diverse audiences effectively. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. Familiarity with content creation tools and graphic design software is a plus. Additionally, volunteers should be adaptable and willing to learn, as they will receive training and support from the UNV team.

Educational Background:
While specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated, a background in communications, marketing, social media management, or a related field would be beneficial. Candidates should have a keen interest in volunteerism and development issues, as well as a commitment to the values of the United Nations.

Experience:
Experience in digital communication, social media management, or community engagement is highly desirable. Previous volunteer experience or involvement in similar outreach initiatives would be advantageous. Candidates should be comfortable working in a remote environment and possess the ability to manage their time effectively while meeting deadlines.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication for this role. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly local languages spoken in South Africa, would be considered an asset and could enhance engagement with diverse communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as a remote opportunity, allowing volunteers to contribute from anywhere. The duration of the contract is not specified, but it is expected that volunteers will commit to the role for a defined period to ensure continuity and effectiveness in outreach efforts. The position is suitable for individuals seeking to gain experience in digital communication and community engagement within an international organization.