Syrian Arab Republic: Communication Officer, Qamishli, Syria (Temporary Appointment)

Organization: UN Children's Fund
Country: Syrian Arab Republic
Closing date: 20 Mar 2017

Purpose:

To support the external communication and outcomes that are important for the field and country office by 1) highlighting the needs and situation of children and women in both accessible and inaccessible areas; 2) documenting and disseminating the impact of UNICEF humanitarian response across all thematic areas of intervention ; 3) strengthening donor and partner recognition and visibility efforts.

Specific Tasks:

The communication officer will undertake the following duties and tasks:

Lead the Field Office approach to implementing the SCO communication and advocacy strategies, in close consultation with the SCO Chief of Communications. Develop, implement and monitor and evaluate the Field Office Communications Workplan related to the strategies.

Work with programme officers at the field office level to develop and implement programme communications as part of the Field Office Communications Work Plan

Assist in developing and maintaining close collaboration with mass media represented in north eastern Syria including in Qamishli and Hasakeh Governorates as well as with groups and organization whose support is essential to the achievement of advocacy and communication objectives.

Design and produce advocacy and communication materials such as videos, high quality photos and related product; and contribute to oversight of the qualitative aspects of production, including quality control translation, review of layouts and graphic design; identify and work with creative contractors such as photographers and videographers in making these products.

Draft and edit articles, human interest stories and other advocacy/information materials for both social media and traditional media, as appropriate.

Support donor visibility efforts by contributing to various communication and visibility products customized for various donor requirements.

Prepare background communication and promotion material for briefing and visits of international media, goodwill ambassadors, donor, national committee representatives and other special interest groups.

Help organise and generate public support for special events and activities to promote country office programme at the field office level.

Monitor local level media and brief senior communication officers and management colleagues about the public perception of UNICEF at the field office level and recommend appropriate action to maintain a positive image of the organization at the field level.

Liaise closely with the communication team in Damascus on the editorial focus of all products, and in jointly developing communication and advocacy opportunities and products. As needed, keep the Damascus team abreast of and suggesting response strategies to deal with reputation risk management issues at local level.

Establish and maintain an up to date repository for locally generated news and advocacy materials, as well as photographic and audio-visual materials at the field level.

Methodology

The Communication Officer will:

Work under the direct supervision of the Chief of Field Office in Qamishli, and in close coordination with the Chief of Communication.

Will be based in Qamishli and will work full time, within the duration of the contract.

Will liaise and coordinate with partner organizations, communities, and authorities/government counterparts as appropriate to facilitate the delivery of UNICEF assistance.

Will prepare weekly and monthly monitoring reports on the activities undertaken and other report as required for urgent actions or emergency needs.

Will prepare final report with recommendations at the end of the assignment.

Expected deliverables

Implementation and expansion of UNICEF communication profile based on TOR and developed plans.

Production of advocacy and communication materials such as high quality photos, videos and other audio-visual products and provision of oversight of the qualitative aspects of production, including quality control, translation, review of layouts and graphic design. At least, two human interest stories developed per month, including photo essays.

Development of weekly and monthly reports on achieved tasks and detailed end of mission report.

Minimum Requirements:

University degree in journalism and mass media or related field

Minimum, of one year of relevant experience in a similar role

Proven journalistic, media monitoring or production skills including field based interview skills, photography or videography expertise, high level of proficiency in MS Office, ability to maintain basic website, produce external communication products (newsletters, Fact Sheets Press Release, etc.); ability to coordinate production with external creative contractors such as photographers.

Good knowledge of written and spoken English and Arabic languages, Knowledge of Kurdish language is an asset.

Competency Profile (For details on competencies please refer to the UNICEF Professional Competency Profiles.)

ii) Core Values (Required)

Commitment • Diversity and Inclusion • Integrity

ii) Core Competencies (Required)

Communication [ II ] • Working with People [ I ]• Drive for Results [ I ]

Functional Competencies (Required)

• Persuading and Influencing [ I ]

• Applying Technical Expertise [ I ]

• Formulating Strategies and Concepts [ I ]

• Relating and Networking [ I ]

• Learning and Researching [ II ]

How to apply:

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organization. To apply, click on the following link http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/?job=503451