Careers at UNICEF

Communication Officer

Job Code – Cmo03
Location: Raipur 
Closing Date: 9th September 2009 

Purpose of the post:

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 state.

The jobholder works at the State and District level. He/she also works under the daily supervision of the Chief of Field office and takes specific sector guidance from the relevant Technical Centre of Excellence.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:-

1. Contributes to the development of an advocacy and communication strategy by coordinating appropriate research and compiling and analysing relevant data.

2. Assists in developing and maintaining close collaboration with state (print and electronic)media, as well as with groups and organizations whose support is essential for achieving advocacy  and communication objectives of the state programme.
    Developing strategy for tracking and addressing negative media and integrating guidance from Technical Centre of Excellence.   

3. Assists in planning, logistic and administrative arrangements to develop public relations events and activities that will place UNICEF and children’s issues into the public arena. Assists in drafting and editing articles, press releases, human interest stories and other advocacy/information materials for both web- and media, as appropriate.

4. Prepares background communication and promotional materials for briefings and visits of media, celebrities, goodwill ambassadors, donors, national committee representatives and other special interest groups.  Assists in the planning, logistic and administrative arrangements for them. Coordinates the production of advocacy and communication materials (e.g., films, video, audio-visual, etc.), to complement media packages for communicating UNICEF messages for media, web, events, campaigns etc.

5. Tracks developments/ reporting in the media requiring corrective actions and brings to the attention of Chief of State Office.
Monitors the public perception of UNICEF in the state and recommends appropriate action to maintain a positive image for the organization.

6. Follows 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).

7. Monitors and evaluates the impact of the programme of activity. Advises on modifications to the programme. Monitors and evaluates the appropriate and timely dissemination of advocacy and communication materials to target audiences, and participates in the evaluation of their impact. Provides feedback to Technical Centre of Excellence Delhi on the use and appropriateness of corporate publications and advocacy materials.

8. Establishes/maintains an up-to-date documentation centre for publications, press releases and clippings, as well as photographic and audio-visual materials.

Qualifications, Experience and competencies required:

• University degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or related field.
• Two years relevant professional work experience in communication, print and broadcast media or interactive digital media, at either the national or international level.
• Fluency in English. Knowledge of the local working language of the duty station is an asset.
• Knowledge of current theories and practices in communication research, and the role of 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.
• Proven ability to work as part of a team.
• Knowledge of computer systems, internet navigation and various office applications, specifically interactive digital media.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a multicultural environment, and establish harmonious and effective working relationships, both within and outside the organization.
• Drive for result.
• Proven ability to work as part of a team.

Candidates meeting the above requirements may send their application consisting of a cover letter and an up-to-date CV by e-mail to nonprofitjobs@abcconsultants.net before the closing date.

In order to ensure that your application is sorted correctly, please clearly indicate the Title of the Post and Job Code in the subject line of your e-mail/application.

Only applications of short listed candidates will be acknowledged. This vacancy is open to Indian Nationals only.UNICEF is a non-smoking working environment. Applications from qualified women are encouraged.