Communication Associate

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Partnerships, Advocacy and Communications, the GS6 Communication Associate supports the section in administrative, logistical, communication and advocacy tasks. S/He will undertake the role of a focal point within the section, overseeing critical aspects such as brand positioning, knowledge management, and internal communication and staff engagement.

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

UNICEF is a leading humanitarian and development agency working globally for the rights of every child. Child rights begin with safe shelter, nutrition, protection from disaster and conflict and traverse the life cycle: pre-natal care for healthy births, clean water and sanitation, health care and education. UNICEF has spent nearly 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Working with and for children through adolescence and into adulthood requires a global presence whose goal is to produce results and monitor their effects. UNICEF also lobbies and partners with leaders, thinkers and policy makers to help all children realize their rights -especially the most disadvantaged.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

Job organizational context

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Partnerships, Advocacy and Communications, the GS6 Communication Associate supports the section in administrative, logistical, communication and advocacy tasks. S/He will undertake the role of a focal point within the section, overseeing critical aspects such as brand positioning, knowledge management, and internal communication and staff engagement.

How can you make a difference? 

Summary of key functions/accountabilities:

External communication and external relations

• Manage the website as well as the video and photo libraries using the recommended software from headquarters, particularly the WeShare platform.
• Contribute to drafting relevant information about the situation of mothers and children in Senegal to the UNICEF and United Nations System websites.
• Collaborate with programme sections to ensure accurate and sector-specific information is shared on external platforms.
• Support the coordination of public, special events and assist in organizing activities (trainings, meetings), offering administrative, logistical, and stakeholder engagement assistance.
• Support donor visibility efforts and creation of digital content, including for social media, when needed.

Internal communication

• Develop and maintain the section's virtual knowledge management center, ensuring regular updates and facilitating access for the team and the staff.
• Provide effective assistance to programmes and operations by promoting use of UNICEF Senegal's Sharepoint and ECM platforms.
• Create and edit documentary information materials, including specialized press reviews, articles for digital platforms, illustrated summaries, reports, minutes, event calendars, etc.
• Develop tools and organize activities (e.g., newsletters, webinars, information sessions, team-building activities) to strengthen internal communication and motivation.

Branding positioning and awareness

• Support the section in monitoring print and audiovisual media production.
• Act as focal point with programmes and sections to guide and provide support on branding, ensuring consistency in design and messaging across all materials.
• Coordinate with contractors, programmes and partners to ensure respect of UNICEF branding guidelines in printed and audiovisual materials.
• Track and analyze media coverage of UNICEF’s activities, identifying trends and opportunities for improved visibility.

Administrative tasks (communication & partnerships)

• Assist the section in executing communication activities, managing administrative tasks (drafting emails, tracking files and requests) and coordinating logistical preparations for field visits by media and external visitors.
• Facilitate procurement processes, including drafting terms of reference, managing contracts (individual and institutional), long-term agreements and procurement operations and monitoring deliverables, payments.
• Keep track of and regularly update the partners contact list, to streamline targeted communication efforts in health, education, protection, and advocacy.
• Monitors budgets and financial commitments and expenditures of section, ensuring compliance with UNICEF rules and regulations, keeping supervisor informed and advised on actions for decision/follow up.
• Carry out transactions in VISION ensuring programme results, activities and programme coding are as per annual work plans and makes amendments and alterations as per section revisions when necessary.
• Fulfil any other assignments requested by the supervisor.

Impact of Results

The efficiency and effectiveness of support provided by the Communication Associate to the development, implementation and monitoring of communication programmes and projects facilitates the delivery of concrete and sustainable results for the section, which in turn enhances the offices and UNICEF’s capacity in helping the most vulnerable women and children.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

• Education:  

Completion of secondary education is required, preferably completed by professional or university courses or a certificate of completion in communication, journalism, administration, or in a field relevant to international development assistance.

• Experience: 

A minimum of Six years of administrative and/or communication, journalism, media, public relations activities, sociology, development studies or any other related fields. For this position, a bachelor’s degree from recognized academic institution in a relevant field can replace three years of professional experience. A master’s degree can replace an additional two years.

Prior experience in programme support functions is an asset. Relevant experience in a UN system agency or organization is considered as an asset.

Experience using VISION, Sharepoint/ECM and Drupal is desirable.

Digital literacy and the ability to effectively use standard office software tools and social media.

Photographic skills is desirable. Basic video editing skills are an asset. Basic knowledge of design software or services (Canva, etc).

Demonstrated ability to write clear, articulate correspondence and communicate well (written and oral).

Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural team.

Initiative, passion and commitment to UNICEF’s mission andprofessional values.

• Language Requirements: 

Fluency in French is required. Knowledge of another official UN language or local language of the duty station is considered as an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate...

Core Values

• Care
• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Accountability
• Sustainability

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

[add the 8^th competency (Nurtures, leads and manages people) for a supervisory role]. 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.