Communication Officer RE_ADVERTISEMENT UNICEF SOMALIA, Mogadishu

UNICEF SOMALIA

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT REF: UNSOM/2012/065

RE_ADVERTISEMENT

If you are qualified Somali National looking for a chance to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable Somali children while gaining opportunities for career growth, you are invited to apply for the above post of Communication Officer, with UNICEF Somalia to provide communication support to South Central Zone. The successful candidate will be based in Mogadishu.          

If successful, you’ll be part of a dynamic and passionate team in Somalia and Nairobi that works together to improve the health, nutrition, water, sanitation, hygiene, and basic education of Somali girls and boys and protect them from violence, exploitation and abuse.

Purpose of the Post

Under the  supervision of the Chief of Field Office and general guidance from Chief of Communication, assists in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of an advocacy and communication strategy to promote respect for children’s and women’s rights, and supports UNICEF's mission in the country.

Major duties and responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of an advocacy and communication strategy by coordinating appropriate audience research and compiling and analysing relevant data.

• Assist in developing and maintaining close collaboration with mass media, as well as with groups and organizations whose support is essential to the achievement of advocacy and communication objectives.

• Assist in drafting and editing articles, press releases, human interest stories and other advocacy/information materials for both web-based and traditional media, as appropriate.

• Prepare background communication and promotional materials for briefings and visits of media, goodwill ambassadors, donors, national committee representatives and other special interest groups.  Assist in the planning, logistic and administrative arrangements for them.

• Help organize and generate public support for special events and activities to promote country programme goals.

• Monitor the public perception of UNICEF in the country and   recommends appropriate action to maintain a positive image for the organization.

• Follow up on the production of advocacy and communication materials (e.g., films, video, audio-visual, etc.), and oversees the qualitative aspects of production, (e.g. quality control, translation, review of layouts and graphic design).
• Monitor and evaluate the appropriate and timely dissemination of advocacy and communication materials to target audiences, and participates in the evaluation of their impact. Provide feedback to Headquarters on the use and appropriateness of global publications and visual materials.

• Establish/maintain an up-to-date documentation centre for publications, press releases and clippings, as well as photographic and audio-visual materials.

Qualifications, Experience and Attributes

• University degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations; or equivalent professional work experience in the communication area, combined with a university degree in a related field.
• Five years experience two of which should be relevant at professional level in communication, print and broadcast media or interactive digital media, at either the national or international level.
• Fluency and excellent writing skills in Somali required.
• Fluency in another UN language would be an asset.
• Strong understanding of the media landscape in Somalia and strong network with media required
• Knowledge of current theories and practices in communication research, and the role of mass media.
• Ability to research, analyse, evaluate and synthesize information.
• General ability to draft clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written and oral form; specific skills in writing press releases and articles/stories for traditional and electronic media.
• Proven ability to effectively manage relationships with media representatives, government officials and other UNICEF partners.
• Knowledge of computer systems, internet navigation and various office applications, specifically interactive digital media.

Core Competencies

·         Excellent communication skills 

·         Proven ability to work effectively with people 

·         Demonstrate drive to achieve results  

Functional Competencies

·         Ability to formulate  Strategies and Concepts 

·         Ability to research, analyze, evaluate and synthesize information

·          Relating and Networking  

·         Demonstrated Planning and Organizing skills

·         Ability to effectively apply technical expertise

Interested and qualified candidates should send their applications with updated UN Personal History Form (P.11), updated CV, copies of academic certificates to the following email address.  UN staff are requested to provide at least two Performance Evaluation Reports (PERs).

Please quote the vacancy number and post title in the subject line of your application.

Applications submitted without a duly completed and signed Personal History Form (P11) will not be considered.

somaliahrvacancies@unicef.org

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted

QUALIFIED FEMALE CANDIDATES AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITY ARE ESPECIALLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

UNICEF IS A NON-SMOKING ENVIRONMENT