Communications Associate

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 from early childhood through adolescence. The organization is committed to promoting the rights of every child and offers diverse opportunities for personal and professional development to its staff. UNICEF prides itself on a culture that supports staff growth and provides an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Job Overview:
The Communications Associate will play a pivotal role in supporting UNICEF's communications efforts at both national and local levels. This position involves assisting in media relations and managing logistics for field visits for media and donors to programs supported by UNICEF and its partners. A core responsibility includes contributing to the creation and dissemination of multimedia communication products, such as videos, infographics, and presentations, which highlight the situation of children and promote the fulfillment of their rights. The role also encompasses ongoing support in planning, coordinating, and managing social media content and engagement, aimed at amplifying UNICEF's messages across digital platforms to reach broader audiences. Additionally, the appointed staff member will prepare reports, briefs, and human-interest stories for internal dissemination within UNICEF and with key external partners, contributing to the inclusion of programmatic results and impact stories in key organizational platforms.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communications Associate will be responsible for supporting the execution of the national communication strategy and the country's work plan. This includes assisting in the creation and adaptation of communication materials tailored to different audiences, localizing global and regional communication assets for use in the Costa Rican context, and monitoring and documenting media coverage. The role requires drafting and editing press releases, articles, blog entries, and human-interest stories for web and media, as well as maintaining and updating a database of journalists and opinion leaders. The Associate will also support the execution of the digital content strategy, adapt social media content, provide technical assistance in multimedia asset production, and regularly update the UNICEF Costa Rica website. Furthermore, the role involves providing logistical support for events, assisting in the preparation of advocacy materials, and contributing to fundraising campaigns.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or Marketing. Knowledge of graphic design and related tools is considered an asset. A minimum of six years of professional experience in communication is required, including work in media, digital content, and/or advertising. Demonstrated experience in managing and producing content for interactive digital media, as well as proven skills in web content management systems and design tools, are essential. Experience working with international organizations is an asset.

Educational Background:
The position requires a university degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or Marketing. Familiarity with graphic design tools is advantageous, enhancing the candidate's ability to create visually appealing communication materials.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least six years of professional experience in communication, particularly in media, digital content, and advertising. Experience in managing and producing content for interactive digital media, including social media platforms, is crucial. Proven skills in web content management systems and design tools are also necessary, along with experience in international organizations being a plus.

Languages:
Fluency in both Spanish and English is required for this position, ensuring effective communication in a bilingual environment.

Additional Notes:
UNICEF offers a wide range of benefits to its staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. The organization encourages flexible working arrangements and has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct incompatible with its aims, including discrimination and harassment. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and appointments are subject to medical clearance and vaccination requirements. UNICEF actively promotes diversity and inclusion in its workforce.