Communication Officer

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Description

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• Ensure that the production of communication products and materials is timely executed and followed up to support country communication strategy, regional and global campaigns, and priorities and to support resource mobilization as set out in the communication section’s annual work plan.

• Implement the tasks outlined in the country communication work plan and strategy as assigned.
• Gather content and coverage of relevant country efforts to identify effective relevant country programme activities and results. Develop complementary, country specific and local community materials and activities.
• Support the production of communication materials (e.g. briefing notes, human interest stories, images, video. Web pages etc.) that meet the country and global standards as set out in the Communication Toolkit.
• Assist in drafting and editing articles, press releases, human interest stories and other advocacy/information materials for both web-based and traditional media, as appropriate.
• Follow up on the production of communication materials (e.g., films, videos, audio-visuals, etc.), and oversee the qualitative aspects of production, (e.g., quality control, translations, reviews of layout and graphic design etc.) to meet UNICEF Global standards.
• Maintain an up-to-date documentation centre for communication materials including publications, press releases and clippings, photographs, audio-visual materials, web resources etc.
• Recommend appropriate information and communication materials for use in media, and other advocacy and communication activities.
• Recommend established contacts, networks, resources, and processes to support communication activities.

• Effective and timely professional assistance and support are provided in developing, drafting, and maintaining contact information, materials and relationships with journalists and media outlets covering all media – print, TV, radio, web etc. – in the country, to communicate the story of UNICEF to a wider audience.

• Maintain and update media relations contact list/database. Ensure rapid and accurate information dissemination to the media.
• Assist in developing and maintaining close collaboration with mass media, as well as with groups and organizations whose support is essential to the achievement of advocacy and communication objectives.
• Assist in drafting and editing articles, press releases, human interest stories and other advocacy/information materials in all media formats, as appropriate.
• Prepare background communication and promotional materials for briefing and visits of media and other special interest groups. Assist in the planning, logistic and administrative arrangements for them.
• Assist in collaborating with the media through activities such as organizing project site visits, facilitating photo coverage and TV footage, and utilizing both web-based and traditional media as appropriate.
• Monitor and evaluate the use and effectiveness of media materials. Maintain a library of coverage (clippings, coverage etc.)

• Regular monitoring and evaluation activities are undertaken according to the work plan to ensure maximum impact and continuous improvement of country communication efforts. Ensure results and reports are prepared and shared on a timely basis.

• Monitor and evaluate the appropriate and timely dissemination of advocacy and communication materials to target audiences and participate in the evaluation of their impact. Monitor and evaluate the use and effectiveness of media materials. Maintain a library of coverage (clippings, coverage etc.)
• Monitor the public perception of UNICEF in the country and recommend appropriate action to maintain a positive image for the organization.
• Undertake lessons learned review of successful and unsuccessful communication experiences as directed by supervisor.

• Ensure that the Country Office’s contact list of individuals, groups, organizations and fora (including Government, UN, and bilateral counterparts), are maintained and further developed, whose support is essential to/can assist in achieving the advocacy and communication objectives and who support and are able to actively participate in special events and activities that further the country programme goals.

• Help organize and generate development partners and donors support for special events and activities to promote country programme goals.
• Support the development and coordination of high-level events related to country programme goals supported by development partners and donors.
• Assist in developing and maintaining close collaboration with mass media, as well as with groups and organizations whose support is essential to the achievement of advocacy and communication objectives.
• Maintain and update partner contact lists/database for country office.
• Monitor/document process and effectiveness of working with these individuals/organizations.
• Prepare background communication and promotional materials for briefings and visits of media, development partners, donors, National Committee representatives and other special interest groups. The task includes preparing information materials (e.g., press releases, programme summaries, country fact sheets and media kits), and assisting in the planning, logistics and administrative arrangements.

• University degree in communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Relations or related field. An advanced university degree is desired.

• At least one year of  practical professional work experience in communication, social media, print and broadcast media, or interactive digital media.
• At least 1 year field work experience is a plus.
• Background/familiarity with emergency situations is required.
• Strong copy-editing skills is required in Arabic and English.
• Demonstrated success in planning and implementing social media campaigns to achieve communication & advocacy goals.
• Digital platforms management experience is required.
• MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) applications working proficiency is required.
• Knowledge of photo and video editing applications is a strong asset.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities within specified time frames.
• Experience in working for the UN or with International NGOs or global organizations is a plus.

• Fluency in both English and Arabic is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) is an asset.

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