Preamble: UN VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development and it benefits both society and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally, encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers. In most cultures, volunteerism is deeply embedded in long-established, ancient traditions of sharing and support within the communities. In this context, UN Volunteers take part in various forms of volunteerism and play a role in development and peace together with co-workers, host agencies and local communities. In all assignments, UN Volunteers promote volunteerism through their action and conduct. Engaging in volunteer activity can effectively and positively enrich their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between themselves and the people in their host community. This will make the time they spend as UN Volunteers even more rewarding and productive. 1. UNV Assignment Title: Communications Officer 2. Type of Assignment: National UN Volunteer Specialist 3. Project Title: UNICEF Horizontal South-South Cooperation 4. Duration: 12 months 5. Location, Country: Brasilia, Brazil 6. Expected Starting Date: October, 2013 7. Brief Project Description: The Horizontal South-South Cooperation (HSSC) agenda is one of increasing importance to UNICEF globally, and in Brazil specifically UNICEF has over the last years developed strong partnerships with several Governmental key partners, in particular with the General Coordination of International Actions Against Hunger (CGFome), the department that coordinates Brazil s international Humanitarian Cooperation, and the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC), which coordinates Brazil s multilateral and bilateral technical south-south cooperation, which have been manifested in: 1) a global partnership consultation between UNICEF and the Brazilian Government regarding international humanitarian cooperation, which resulted in a joint action plan for 2013, and 2) the signing of a global MoU regarding south-south cooperation (SSC) to establish foundations for a coordinated South-South technical cooperation programme between UNICEF and the Brazilian Government on issues related to the equitable advancement of children s, adolescents and women s rights, promoting specific South-South technical cooperation programmes and activities; 3) the inclusion of SSC as a key element of UNICEF s new Country Programme (2012-2016), designed as a cross-cutting strategic programme component result; and the creation of a South-South Cooperation Unit in UNICEF Brazil, with a senior manager as per the 2012 Programme Budget Review. UNICEF s work on SSC in Brazil is being shaped around three activity streams: policy development and advocacy, multi-partner programmes, and knowledge management, with a major focus on capacity development to ensure that all SSC programmes are in line with CRC principles and are contributing to the achievement of the MDGs with equity. 8. Host Agency/Host Institute: UNICEF Country Office, Brazil
9. Organizational Context: The United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) is present with 9 offices across Brazil. The Horizontal South-South Cooperation Unit is located in the central office in the capital Brasilia. Under the direct supervision of the HSSC Manager the UNV will: - Produce high-quality communication documents for internal and external audiences; - Design and implement the HSSC online strategy to generate national and international support; - Assist in positioning UNICEF as a knowledge leader and pioneer in the area of HSSC. 10. Type of Assignment Place: Family duty stations 11. Description of tasks: Under the direct supervision of the Horizontal South-South Cooperation Manager and in close collaboration with concerned programme sections the National UNV will undertake the following tasks: Production and editing of documents - Writing and editing of articles, human interest stories and other advocacy/information materials for reports, web-platforms and other media. A monthly newsletter is to be produced; - Quality-check of documents produced by the HSSC Unit (Language & layout). Online strategy - Designs and implement the HSSC online strategy to generate national and international support for the concept and philosophy of SSHC; - Proposes content (Photos, videos, posts and articles) in liaison with existing virtual communication channels of UNICEF Brazil; - Ensures that HSSC is represented consistently and continuously in online and offline materials. General communication activity (Public): - Research, draft and edit communication materials (articles, press releases, human interest stories, fact sheets and others) for both traditional and modern media for advocacy, social mobilization and resource mobilization activities. Oversees the qualitative aspects of production, (e.g., quality control, translation, review of layouts and graphic design); - Evaluates the appropriate and timely dissemination of advocacy and communication materials to target audiences, and participates in the evaluation of their impact. Advocacy Support : - Provide support to communication section in the production of quality advocacy, information and communications materials to strengthen HSSC visibility in all relevant communication materials that are produced by the office. Internal information flow: - Prepare relevant information material (situation reports, fact sheets, articles, news letters and statistics) to keep UNICEF Headquarters, the Regional Office and donors abreast on progress made by the HSSC Unit. Communication Support: - Support the HSSC in its day to day activities.
Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to: - 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 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. 12. Results/Expected Output: The National UNV will directly contribute to achievements of the following results: Quality communication material and knowledge products for internal and external audiences produced in a timely fashion; HSSC online communication strategy developed and implemented; Improved information sharing within the organization and with partners; Increased visibility of UNICEF s HSSC agenda externally and within the organization; A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed. 13. Qualifications/Requirements: Education Masters degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or a related field. Professional experiences Three years practical professional and international work experience in communication, print and broadcast media, or interactive digital media. Familiarity with work in development duty stations is an asset. Language abilities Fluent in English and Portuguese (French and/or Spanish is highly desirable). Required competences : Specific Technical Knowledge Required Demonstrates excellent ability to write and communicate orally in English and Portuguese. (Fluency in Spanish and/or French would be a strong asset); Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; Solid knowledge of international development and humanitarian issues, including aid policies of major donors particularly those pertinent to UNICEF in Brazil; Basic knowledge of human rights and results based programming; General administrative and financial guidelines of international organizations. Common Technical Knowledge Required
General knowledge of: Communication practice, methodology and practical application; including knowledge of current theories and practices in communication research planning and strategy; Fundamentals of working in various media formats print, audio, video, web etc. Computer systems, including internet navigation, office applications with advanced knowledge of social media, web-tools, website design and creation; United Nations or other international organizations; good understanding of world affairs, current events and international development issues; Global human rights issues, specifically relating to children and women, and current UNICEF position and approaches; UNICEF communication goals, visions, positions, policies, guidelines and strategies; UNICEF policies and strategy to address international issues, including emergencies and emergency preparedness; Thorough knowledge of social and civic media and thorough familiarity with the latest technological developments. Technical Knowledge to be Acquired/Enhanced Knowledge and expertise in management, communication strategy and networking; Demonstrates good IT skills; Excellent writing skills for web; Technical competence in producing for various media formats (print, web, social media); Experience using multi-media, social networking approach is required. UN policies and strategy to address international humanitarian issues and the responses. UN common approaches to programmatic issues and UNICEF positions. UN security operations and guidelines. Competencies and values 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, multiethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender; Communication: proven interpersonal skills; creativity; 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 national and international 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;
14. Living Conditions: The nation s capital, Brasilia, was founded in 1960. It is considered as one of the major examples of the modernistic movement in architecture and urban planning in the 20 th century, and was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. The average temperature is 22ºC, rising to over 30ºC during the hottest period. The hottest month in Brasilia is September and the coolest month is July. Planned for only 500,000 inhabitants, Brasilia has seen its population grow much more than expected. Several satellite towns have been created over the years to house the extra inhabitants. Brasilia's total population (including the satellite cities) is now over two million inhabitants. Outdoor recreational activities include basketball, golf, horse-back riding, picnicking, riding, sailing, soccer, sunbathing, swimming, tennis and volleyball. 15. Conditions of Service: A 12 months contract; monthly volunteer living allowance (VLA) intended to cover housing, basic needs and utilities, equivalent to BRL 1.692,00 per month; settling-in-grant (if applicable); life, health, and permanent disability insurance; resettlement allowance for satisfactory service. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. UNICEF, UNDP and UNV give equal opportunity to all applicants and particularly encourage Afro- Brazilians and women to apply. Deadline for applications: 2 nd of October, 2013 Please send your CV in English with the subject Communications Officer (UNICEF) to gabriel.aragao@undp.org