UNICEF: Communication Assistant – Ankara

Organization Mission

UNICEF works to protect the rights of children and adolescents. UNICEF”s programme focuses on the needs of the most vulnerable children in the areas of education, child protection, health care, social policy, adolescents and youth, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Context

The Communications Section supports all external communication and advocacy in the Turkiye Country Office. This covers social media and traditional media suppport to highlight UNICEF work supporting children and their families across the country.

The UNV Communication Assistant supports the UNICEF Turkiye advocacy and communication including emergency response in external communication, digital media and media relations, strategic partnerships building and public advocacy, and content creation interventions as core roles.

In close coordination with the programme teams, the Communications and Advocacy section focuses on enhancing UNICEF’s traditional media and digital presence in Turkiye, share of voice and public engagement.

In addition to core roles, the communication team provides the country team with professional expertise and guidance on all aspects of external communication, while also acting upon UNICEF’s global communication priorities in a locally appropriate way. In close coordination with programme, including emergency teams, the section supports country programme goals with awareness raising, knowledge building and advocacy.

The assignment also provides opportunities to gain practical experience in communication-related administrative, procurement, reporting and knowledge management processes within UNICEF.

Key Responsibilities

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Communication Specialist or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Communication Assistant will undertake following activities:

1. Content Development
– Support the timely production of various media and communication products for advocacy purposes in line with the communication strategy
– Provide the necessary support to the team in digital content produced on UNICEF Turkiye social media pages (Instagram, YouTube, Twitter/X, Facebook)
– Support the production of information materials (human interest stories, multimedia products, photos) that meet quality standards

2. Partnership and Events
– Support the organization of communication and advocacy events with main partner organizations, including corporates, embassies, educational institutions, and other entities
– Support field visits, donor and media visits

3. Monitoring and Evaluation
– Assist in monitoring the communication strategy and activities
– Assist in data collection and analysis in line with KPIs outlined in the communication strategy, including digital analytics, public perception and other relevant thematic research
– Assist in maintaining and updating media and stakeholder databases for the Country Office
– Provide support in documentation, reporting, Turkish/English translation and document preparation as required
– Support media monitoring activities, including tracking, compiling and analysing media coverage related to UNICEF Türkiye and its programmes
– Assist in the preparation of media monitoring reports, media coverage summaries and news briefs for internal and external reporting purposes
– Support the maintenance of communication-related filing, archiving and knowledge management systems, including SharePoint and other internal platforms
– Support communication-related administrative tracking processes and maintain relevant tracking tools to ensure timely follow-up of actions and deadlines
– Support communication-related administrative and procurement processes, including obtaining quotations, preparing supporting documentation and coordinating internal workflows when required
– Support the preparation and processing of communication-related administrative and financial transactions, including administrative workflows, purchase orders and service orders

Results/Expected Outputs:
– As an active UNICEF Turkiye Communications team member, efficient,timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to the office and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:
– Support the expanded reach and engagement across all digital platforms
– Support the creation of compelling digital and offline content, develop new content creation capabilities for UNICEF TCO – e.g., reels, ultra-short form / TikTok style videos
– Support the attainment of the Communication Strategy goals.
– Support the development of communication reports/ donor reports and other documentation.
– Support the efficient management of communication-related reporting, administrative tracking and knowledge management processes, contributing to the timely implementation

Required Skills and Experience

– Minimum of 6 months of experience in a relevant field is required; experience working in a UN agency is an asset.
– Experience with social media and website content is an asset.
– Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (CANVA, MS Word, Excel, PPT, etc.) is required.
– Proficiency in social media visual content production, including video editing, carousel design, and use of relevant editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Canva or similar tools).
– Experience using web-based management systems is an asset.
– Experience using digital tools and systems to support communication, reporting, knowledge management and administrative processes is considered an asset.
– Familiarity with AI-enabled tools that support communication, content development, research and knowledge management is considered an asset.
– Strong organizational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, maintain records and follow up on deadlines.
– Fluency in English and Turkish is required.

Core Competencies

– Accountability
– Adaptability and flexibility
– Creativity
– Judgement and decision-making
– Planning and organising
– Professionalism
– Self-management

Living Conditions

This is a volunteer assignment, not an employment. By sharing your time, energy, and talents, you can support communities in need and become part of something greater than yourself — a global movement for peace, development and humanitarian aid. Volunteering strengthens trust, solidarity, and reciprocity among citizens, and it can promote a sense of belonging and purpose.

The UN Volunteer will be based in Ankara and responsible for arranging her/his own housing and other living essentials.

Summary of this national UN Volunteer Entitlements: (Paid in local currency):
• Monthly Living Allowance (MLA) is USD 1291 (Paid in Turkish Lira)
• Private insurance: Health, dental, life, and dismemberment (coverage by CIGNA)
As per UN’s diplomatic mission status, it is not included in National Security Institution’s (SGK) system but can be only initiated on private basis.
• Entry allowance: USD 350
• Exit allowance: USD 120 per month and upon the satisfactory completion of assignment
• Annual leave: 2.5 days accrued per calendar month
• Free access to different learning platforms and UN & UNV network

Notes:
1) The allowances are in no way to be understood as a salary, compensation, or reward in exchange for the volunteer work.
2) It”s important to note that UNV assignments are volunteer assignments, not employment.
3) For assignments with UNICEF, mandatory: In addition to duty station specific vaccine requirements, appointments are subject to confirmation of fully vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the appointment. It does not apply to UN Volunteers who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations, or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their contracts.