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Communications Associate Jobs at UNDP



Communications Associate 

BACKGROUND
The UN system in Tanzania is entering into area-based joint programming, in order to focus upon the challenges of specific geographical areas, in this case regions, where the degree of vulnerability and disadvantage distinguishes those areas from the rest of the country.

Given the comparatively small and decreasing financial base of the UN in Tanzania, it is of growing importance to focus the limited resources geographically and jointly, in order to reach the maximum potential for the benefit of the most vulnerable populations with higher impact, and in keeping with the vision of “leaving no one behind”.

Currently 30.4 per cent of Zanzibaris live below the basic needs poverty line, with 10.8 per cent living below the food poverty line. There is also a significantly high population growth rate with population projected to double by 2050. Unemployment rate has increased, and in particular among the Zanzibari youth. Relatively high levels of basic needs still exist, encompassing the need for improved access to clean water, sanitation and health services. Violence against women and children remains a daily reality in Zanzibar and data reports an increasing trend of physical, sexual and emotional violence.

Local consultations with the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar have taken place on needs and priorities, combined with analysis of available statistics as well as analysis on how the UN best can respond to these needs given comparative advantages and previous experience. These consultations have resulted in the Zanzibar Joint Programme which consists of nine UN agencies cooperating in 4 themes of Maternal and Newborn Health; Women’s Economic Empowerment through Seaweed Value Chain Development; Ending Violence Against Women and Children; and Capacity Building for Coordination and Reporting of MKUZA III and SDGs.

The NUNV Communication Officer will support the UN Area Coordinator (UNAC) in making visible and documenting UN’s contribution to sustainable development in Zanzibar. He/she will closely collaborate with UNCG, communication focal points in Zanzibar and report directly to the UN Areas Coordinator (UNAC) Zanzibar.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direct supervision of UN Area Coordinator (UNAC), the NUNV will support coordination and implementation of the UNCG communications strategy for the Zanzibar Joint Programme with support from UNRCO and undertake the following tasks:

Make UN work in Zanzibar “visible” through the media and publications by engaging in national and UN related events in Zanzibar.
Document best practices and human interest stories consistent  with the joint program practice template.
Facilitate the engagement of “media” and other partners ( youth) in key strategic events of joint UN work consistent with activities as reflected in the ZJP communication strategy.
Participate in focus group discussions, workshops, outreach meetings and engage young people to jointly raise awareness on the linkage of supported initiatives with SDGs.
In collaboration with UNCG, document joint UN results in Zanzibar and publish articles on results being achieved in Zanzibar by UN Agencies in UMOJA and other media platforms.
Agree on the format for branding of joint activities/ and bring all UN agencies in Zanzibar on board with branding initiatives.
Support in the drafting of speeches for various UN-led events in Zanzibar.
Support UN agencies in message development for ZJP thematic area critical in informing the communication strategy of the ZJP.
Support the development of ZJP thematic factsheets with information of basic data for each sector, and periodically update this information.
Strengthen the capacity of Zanzibar  UN Sub–Office on how to communicate results, as well as continuously engaging with respective UN agency media designated focal point.
In collaboration with UN agencies, participate in outreach, advocacy and pursue partnerships in support of the UN supported intiatives including the Zanzibar Joint Programme, and articulate the linkage between program support and SDGs.
Perform any other tasks as required by the UNAC and the UNCG.
Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:

Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNVand external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark IVD);
Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
Contribute articles/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.

COMPETENCIES

  • Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented.
  • Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations.
  • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
  • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.
  • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender;
  • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
  • Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary;
  • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.


REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, community development, mass communication, journalism or any other related field.
  • Minimum of 3 year professional experience. Prior experience in international organizations preferred. Knowledge of the SDGs is an added advantage.
  • Experience with organizing and coordinating meetings, conferences and events
  • Able to prioritize work, multi-task and meet deadlines;
  • Good understanding of media landscape in Tanzania
  • Strong interpersonal skills and flexibility, responsibility, integrity, team work, self-motivate.
  • Excellent writing and communication skills.
  • Adequate multi-media skills including social media use.
  • Fluent in both verbal and written English and Kiswahili.
  • Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded;
  • Computer skills (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, social media, and others);

DISCLAIMER
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme which welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality and  culture.

We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization’s page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.

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