Online Volunteers for Communications and Social Media Support

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Programme in Zimbabwe has been operational since 1980, working under the broader framework of the United Nations system at the invitation of the Government of Zimbabwe. The mission of UNV is to promote volunteerism as a powerful means of engaging people in development and peacebuilding efforts. The organization collaborates closely with UN agencies, government ministries, civil society, and development partners to strengthen capacities, foster inclusive participation, and mobilize volunteers for transformative initiatives. UNV Zimbabwe aims to integrate volunteerism into development planning and implementation, ensuring that volunteers act as catalysts for positive change in communities, thereby contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The UNV in Zimbabwe is currently focusing on Disability Inclusion initiatives, which aim to promote awareness, dialogue, and engagement regarding the meaningful inclusion of persons with disabilities in various sectors including development, humanitarian, and peacebuilding efforts. A significant event, the Disability Inclusion Event, is scheduled for 12 October 2026, which will gather a diverse group of stakeholders including government representatives, UN agencies, organizations of persons with disabilities, civil society organizations, youth representatives, and development partners. To ensure the success of this event, there is a pressing need for dedicated online communications support to enhance public awareness of disability inclusion, amplify the voices of persons with disabilities, and encourage ongoing participation in discussions. The Online Volunteers will play a crucial role in developing and disseminating digital content, as well as fostering meaningful online conversations across social media platforms before, during, and after the event.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Online Volunteers will be responsible for a variety of tasks aimed at supporting the communications efforts related to the Disability Inclusion Event. These responsibilities include:

• Developing and scheduling social media content to promote the event effectively.
• Creating engaging digital content, which encompasses social media captions, graphics concepts, and key messages that resonate with the target audience.
• Supporting live online engagement during the event through various social media platforms to ensure active participation.
• Monitoring comments, messages, and online discussions to facilitate respectful and constructive engagement among participants.
• Identifying opportunities to amplify event content through relevant networks and partners to maximize reach.
• Drafting social media summaries, highlights, and success stories following the event to capture its impact.
• Supporting the collection and organization of social media analytics and engagement metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of the communications strategy.
• Promoting key disability inclusion messages and ensuring that all communications reflect inclusive and accessible language principles. The Online Volunteers will collaborate closely with UNV and UN communications focal points to maintain consistency in messaging and alignment with the event's objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Online Volunteer positions should possess a strong background in communications, social media management, digital engagement, or content creation. They should demonstrate proficiency in creating engaging content tailored for various social media platforms and have experience in managing online communities. Additionally, candidates should be able to work collaboratively in a team environment and possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Familiarity with disability inclusion issues and advocacy is highly desirable, as is the ability to engage with diverse audiences in a respectful and inclusive manner.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background in communications, marketing, public relations, social sciences, or a related field is preferred. Candidates should have a solid understanding of digital communication strategies and the ability to apply them effectively in a volunteer context. Formal education or training in disability studies or inclusive practices would be an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to contribute meaningfully to the initiative.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have prior experience in communications or social media management, ideally within a non-profit or development context. Experience working with or advocating for persons with disabilities is highly valued, as it will inform the candidate's approach to promoting disability inclusion. Candidates should be comfortable using various social media platforms and tools for content creation and engagement, and should have a track record of successfully executing digital campaigns or initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, as all communications will be conducted in this language. Proficiency in additional languages, particularly those spoken in Zimbabwe or relevant to the UN's work, would be considered a valuable asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to reach a broader audience and engage with diverse communities.

Additional Notes:
This is a remote volunteer position, allowing individuals from various locations to apply. The assignment is part-time and will require flexibility to accommodate the event timeline and related activities. Volunteers will gain valuable experience in inclusive communications, social media engagement, and advocacy for disability inclusion, contributing to a high-visibility United Nations initiative. The duration of the assignment will be determined based on the event schedule and the specific needs of the communications campaign.