Communication Associate

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is a global leader in the fight against illicit drugs, crime, corruption and terrorism, with widely recognized expertise and specialization on issues pertaining to international cooperation in criminal matters. Established in 1997 through a merger between the United Nations Drug Control Programme and the Centre for International Crime Prevention, UNODC operates in all regions of the world through an extensive network of field offices.

The UNODC Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific (ROSEAP) has a team of over 300 staff providing advice and technical assistance related to the rule of law, non-traditional security threats, law enforcement, criminal justice and drug-related supply and health issues. The Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok is home to a multi-disciplinary team of close to 100 regional programme managers, advisors and administrators working with, and supporting, Member States and regional organizations, and aligned programme offices. To implement its work the closest to where it is needed, ROSEAP has satellite presence in 10 countries, including in Fiji.

The Southeast Asia and the Pacific region continues to be affected by drugs and crime-related risks, including the expansion and evolution of transnational organized crime and terrorism. The Regional Programme for Southeast Asia and the Pacific 2022 – 2026 is designed to address both present and emerging needs within these regions, with the ultimate objective: the rule of law in Southeast Asia and the Pacific is secured and reinforced, and vulnerable groups and communities in the region are protected from drugs and crime. Over recent years, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Pacific office has experienced rapid expansion, both in terms of its portfolio, staff, and geographical reach. Its portfolio now encompasses anti-corruption, transnational organized crime, maritime crime, cybercrime, human trafficking, and environmental crimes. Drawing on regional expertise, it also leverages the knowledge and resources of its headquarters and regional office in areas such as terrorism, criminal justice, drug control, and rehabilitation. The work of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) contributes to the implementation of the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, developed by the Pacific Islands Forum leaders to provide common long-term approaches to critical challenges, including sustainable development and security. This is interlinked with the Boe Declaration on Regional Security and its Action Plan, endorsed by all the leaders of Pacific Island Countries, which highlights the complex nature of contemporary peace and security threats in the region, including transnational crime and cybersecurity, aiming to strengthen the Member States’ capacities and multilaterally address challenges. This UNV assignment is a key component of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Pacific's efforts to enhance its strategic communication capabilities, ensuring effective dissemination of information and greater visibility of its work across the region.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), UNODC Pacific Office, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
• As part of a team, the youth volunteer will provide communications advice and support to the Programme advisors/officers in their respective capacities;
• Develop clear and engaging external (web stories, social media content, etc.) and internal communications materials for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Pacific.
• Support the planning and design of plans and initiatives for common communications, advocacy, and outreach initiatives, in line with the UN communication strategy;
• Track, research, and analyze information on assigned topics/issues, gather information from diverse sources, and help to assess news value and other potential impact, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of information campaigns;
• Draft/compile a variety of information communications products for target audiences, to include press releases, media packets and reports, brochures, briefings, video clips, newsletters, websites, etc.
• Contribute to securing the clearance of the products with the regional office, assist with the production and distribution of information material, and conduct photo and graphics research;
• In consultation with other team members, identify and propose information opportunities, activities, and approaches, taking into account the situation/topic and target audience;
• Assist in identifying key contacts/constituencies and opportunities for strategic partnerships to facilitate communication efforts and maintain working relationships with the same;
• Provide ad hoc support to programme teams with the drafting and editing of reports, proposals, presentations, official communications, press releases, speeches, and articles.