United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT)
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JOB DESCRIPTION
assignment(s)
Open recruitment (advertised)
Advertisement end date:19/02/2024
General
Description of assignment title
Associate Reporting and Communications Officer
Assignment country
Ethiopia
Expected start date
01/03/2024
Sustainable Development Goal
17. Partnerships for the goals
Volunteer category
International UN Volunteer Specialist
Host entity
UNHCR
Type
Onsite
Duration
12 months (with possibility of extension)
Number of assignments
1
Duty stations
Addis Ababa
Details
Mission and objectives
The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safe-guard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to re-turn home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org).te
Context
As a result of multiple and overlapping crises in the country, including the recent conflict in Northern Ethiopia, the worst drought in 40 years, and, in recent months, heavy floods in several parts of the country, more than 28 million people need humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia in 2023. UNHCR supports the Government of Ethiopia and regional authorities to provide life-saving assistance and protection services to close to a million refugees, including those who recently arrived from Sudan and Somalia, and over 3 million internally displaced persons. The Agency is also supporting the implementation of the engagements made by the Government of Ethiopia during the 2019 Global Refugee Forum with regards to the creation of additional jobs and livelihoods, the provision of quality training, the strengthening of the asylum system and social protection as well as the provision of renewable energy solutions. The needs of refugees and IDPs are significantly underfunded in Ethiopia at only 34% so far in 2023. Funding gaps deeply impact the provision of life-saving interventions, including in the areas of protection, shelter, health, WASH, and education, as well as in urban settings. In this context, communications and public information efforts are critical to ensure visibility and regular information sharing on humanitarian and protection needs efforts. Based in Addis Ababa, under the direct supervision of the Associate Communications Officer, the Associate Reporting and Communications Officer has a key role in supporting visibility, reporting, and communications efforts, in particular in coordinating the development of timely reports and other information produced to lead the narrative on forced displacement and show UNHCR’s impact in Ethiopia. The successful candidate should have solid experience in public information and reporting. S/he should possess excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing. A demonstrated capacity to work closely with diverse teams and to work collaboratively would also be essential. The incumbent is expected to be a forward-thinker and solutions-oriented.
Task description
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Associate Communications Officer or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Associate Reporting and Communications Officer will: • Keep abreast of all developments in the UNHCR Operation in Ethiopia to prepare appropriate briefings and reports. • Draft regular updates/reports for internal and external audiences. • Participate in the annual reporting and planning process. • Work closely with Information Management to ensure accurate and attractive data presentation, including maps. • Assist in the preparation of briefing kits and presentations for missions and visitors. • Assist in the preparation of reports for donors, in compliance with specific donor requirements. • Make efforts to enhance donor satisfaction by ensuring quality reporting on programmatic results to donors. • Assist in providing visibility for donors’ contributions to UNHCR. • Research/analyze, interpret and also, monitor and review information and data from a regular and wide variety of sources for internal and external reporting. • Prepare and distribute minutes of meetings. • Provide technical support, training, and clarification on UNHCR’s reporting policies and deadlines. • May prepare press releases; conceptualize, draft, and edit stories for external communications products and support all aspects of its production, including fact-checking, proofreading, and quality control. • May contribute to the development of content to lead the narrative on forced displacement and show UNHCR’s impact (e.g. interviews, press releases, flagship reports, speeches). • May create emotive storytelling to generate empathy (e.g. stories, multimedia content) and mobilize action (e.g. digital diplomacy, action-driven campaigns, fundraising). • Perform other related duties as required.
Eligibility criteria
Age
27 – 80
Nationality
Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.
Requirements
Required experience
3 years of experience in external reporting, public information, and communication at national and/or international level; • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, and reporting skills. • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing. • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications. • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment. • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines. • Sound security awareness. • Have affinity with or interest in forced displacement and refugee issues as well as partnership, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.
Area(s) of expertise
Communication, Development programmes, Community development
Driving license
–
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required French, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable
Required education level
Bachelor degree or equivalent in Journalism, Communications, International Relations, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Political Affairs;
Competencies and values
• Professionalism: • Integrity: • Teamwork • Commitment to continuous learning: • Planning and organizing • Communication: • Flexibility: • Genuine
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
Addis Ababa is the capital of Ethiopia. the city has an estimated population of 3 million inhabitants. It is where the African Union is headquartered. It also hosts the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), as well as various other continental and international organizations. UN staff members and members of the Affiliate Workforce reside in commercial accommodations available in town. There are limited medical facilities in Addis that are equipped to deal with moderate medical cases. Evacuation opportunities are also limited. However, air ambulance evacuation can be organized for life-threatening emergencies during the daytime. Candidates with conditions requiring regular treatment or medical supervision should be appropriately advised. The climate of Ethiopia and the regions varies greatly. It is temperate on the plateau and hot in the lowlands. Generally, the high elevation of the land affects one’s adjustment to the environment. At Addis Ababa, which ranges from 2,200 to 2,600 m (7,218 to 8,530 ft), the maximum temperature is 26 °C (78.8 °F) and minimum 4 °C (39.2 °F). The weather is usually sunny and dry, but the short (belg) rains occur from February to April and the large (Meher) rains from mid-June to mid-September. The economy of Ethiopia is a mixed and transition economy with a large public sector. The Government of Ethiopia is in the process of privatizing many of the state-owned businesses and moving toward a market economy. However, the banking, telecommunication, and transportation sectors of the economy are dominated by Government-owned companies. The local currency is the Ethiopian Birr. Foreign currency may only be changed at authorized banks and hotels. The exchange of foreign currency outside the regulated banks (Black Market) is a criminal offense, and international UN personnel caught by police sting operations have been known to be arrested and detained for several days. Any entry or exit of cash over US$3,000 (or the equivalent in other foreign currencies) must be declared to the customs authority. ATM cash withdrawals are largely available in Addis. AMEX is generally not accepted. Payment with a credit card is possible in a few selected shops and tourism areas, but this form of payment is expanding. There is acceptable access to communication means, such as the internet, telephone sim cards, etc. Ethiopia is a unique country and UNHCR is a unique (humanitarian) operation. It provides an interesting and enriching environment but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.
Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
This UNV assignment is subject to proof of vaccination against Covid-19 with WHO approved vaccine, unless the UNHCR Medical Service approves an exemption from this requirement on medical grounds
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