Public Information Assistant

UNISFA was established in July 2011 under authority of the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). The Abyei Area is a resource-rich and strategically important territory contested by Sudan and South Sudan. Since the 2011 secession, it has remained a hotspot of political tension, marked by unresolved sovereignty claims, ongoing inter-communal conflict, and limited governance structures. The region continues to face significant security, development, and humanitarian challenges, including restricted humanitarian access, weak rule of law, and fragile service delivery. In response, the United Nations Security Council has mandated the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) to stabilize and demilitarize the area, while facilitating temporary administrative and security arrangements. In the interim, the mission is working to protect civilians in the volatile territory and maintain it as a demilitarized zone. It is also working to foster reconciliation between communities, address the root causes of conflict, support community-based law-and-order efforts, and facilitate humanitarian assistance to ease immediate threats and suffering.

This position is located in the Strategic Communication and Public Information Office of the United Nations Mission Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), located at the mission headquarters in Abyei. The incumbent directly reports to the Chief Strategic Communication and Public Information Officer.

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Strategic Communications and Public Information Officer, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:
•Plan and organize thematic awareness-raising events by employing drama, dance, music, sports and other entertaining methods to promote the mandate and priorities of UNISFA and garner better understanding of the Mission among the people of Abyei;
•Conceptualize an outreach plan and produce on-point promotional materials such as posters, fliers, banners, photo panels, PowerPoint slides, and t-shirts;
•Organize celebratory events for UN-related International Days (e.g. International Day of UN Peacekeepers on 29 May, International Day of Peace on 21 September, and United Nations Day on 24 October) and assist other partners in organizing other "International Day" events;
•Create and maintain networks of contacts with high profile officials and influencers in Abyei, including the local administration, traditional leaders, civil society groups, faith-based groups, women and youth organizations, local media and other relevant actors, and contact them directly at a moment’s notice;
•Screen and analyze local media and produce informative media monitoring reports for the Mission leadership;
••Travel within the Mission Area of Operation, to cover stories and events;
•Supervise the efficient physical distribution of SCPI print products (e.g. calendars, leaflets, brochures) within UNISFA and to other stakeholders;
•Assist in the capacity building of Abyei Journalist Association and other relevant stakeholders;
Write and edit content on UNISFA outreach activities, and contribute to the UNISFA Web site, Facebook and other platforms, as well as research and generate content for outreach-related promotional materials;
•Design clear, engaging graphic materials catered to target audiences, using Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and/or InDesign (e.g. logos, branded promotional materials, web site and social media graphics, posters, flyers, publication layout and other marketing materials as needed);
•Perform administrative functions in the SCPIO section including procurement and budgeting including carrying out daily administrative functions in the section.
•Perform other duties as assigned by CPIO and Spokesperson.

Expected Results / Outputs
•Produce timely media monitoring reports and analyses to support informed decision-making by Mission leadership.
•Increase public awareness and understanding of UNISFA’s mandate and priorities through effective outreach activities and community engagement.
•Organize and coordinate UN International Days and other high-profile events to enhance UNISFA’s visibility and stakeholder engagement.
•Build and maintain strong relationships with local administration authorities, community leaders, civil society organizations, media, and other key stakeholders.
•Cover mission activities through field reporting, photography, videography, storytelling, and multimedia content production.
•Ensure effective distribution of communication and outreach materials to targeted audiences across the Mission area.
•Support the strengthen of the capacity of local journalists and stakeholders through training, mentoring, and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
•Create engaging content for the UNISFA website, social media platforms, and other communication channels.
•Design professional graphics and branding materials in line with UN communication standards.
•Manage administrative, procurement, and budget-related tasks efficiently and in compliance with UN regulations.
•Provide strategic communication support to the Chief Public Information Officer and Spokesperson to advance Mission Objectives.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
•Number of outreach events, campaigns, and public engagement activities conducted.
•Increased stakeholder participation and community engagement.
•Timely and high-quality media monitoring and analytical reports.
•Number and reach of communication, promotional, and multimedia products produced.
•Growth in website and social media engagement and visibility.
•Number of capacity-building activities delivered for journalists and stakeholders.
•Effective coverage and dissemination of UNISFA activities and key messages.
•Timely completion of administrative, procurement, and budgeting tasks.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate part of their working time to some of the following activities suggested:
• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external
publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in
events that mark International Volunteer Day);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN
Volunteer actions, results, and opportunities.
• Contribute articles or write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications, websites, newsletters, press releases,
etc.;
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers;
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Roles and Responsibilities of Host Entities
UN Volunteers should be provided with equal duty of care as extended to all host entity personnel. Host entity support to the UN Volunteer includes, but is not limited to:
• Introductory briefings about the organization and office-related context including security, emergency procedures, good cultural practice, and orientation to the local environment;
• Support with arrival administration including setting up bank accounts, residence permit applications, and completion of other official processes as required by the host government or host entity;
• Structured guidance, mentoring, and coaching by a supervisor including a clear workplan and performance appraisal;
• Access to office space, equipment, IT support, and any other systems and tools required to complete the objectives of the assignment including a host entity email address;
• Access to shared host entity corporate knowledge, training, and learning;
• Inclusion of the volunteer in emergency procedures such as evacuations;
• Leave management;
• Daily Subsistence Allowance (DSA) for official travel, when applicable;
• All changes in the Description of Assignment occurring between recruitment and arrival or during the assignment need to be formalized with the United Nations Volunteer Programme;
• Investigate misconduct: sharing reports with the UNV;
• Provide emergency assistance, e.g., in the event of the death of a volunteer or medical evacuation, in collaboration with UNV. Accept letters of guarantees or potential liabilities for covering medical costs not claimable under medical insurance in extraordinary situations (e.g., isolation facilities’ services during pandemics).