About us

Communication Officer

Duty Station: Raipur
Last Date - 15 August 2012

Purpose of the Post

The incumbent will be responsible for building partnerships, advocating and influencing the policy, planning, implementation, monitoring of programme for promoting the attainment of right of children for an assigned programme or specific projects in the State.

The job holder works at the State and District level.  He/she also works under the daily supervision of the Chief of Field Office and takes sector specific guidance from the Chief of Advocacy and Communication Section in New Delhi.

Major Duties And Responsibilities

Contributes to the development and implementation of an advocacy and communication strategy, including the coordination of appropriate research and analysing relevant data, as well as follow up on the production and dissemination of advocacy and communication materials (e.g., films, video, audio-visual, etc.). Oversees the qualitative aspects of production, (e.g., quality control, translation, review of layouts and graphic design) across sector programmes.

Assists in developing and maintaining close collaboration with state (print, broadcast and electronic) media, as well as with groups and organizations whose support is essential for achieving advocacy and communication objectives of the state programme. 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.

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.

Supports sector programme colleagues on shaping policy advocacy agenda and strategy.  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 A&C in Delhi on the use and appropriateness of corporate publications and advocacy materials.

Supports the development and implementation of a strategy on Adolescent participation, aiming at building relevant platforms and channels for children’s voices to be heard and for policy influencing. Undertake necessary research and analysis of data to inform the strategy and coordinate activities with selected implementing organizations to enhance adolescent participation.

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.

Establishes/maintains an up-to-date documentation for publications, press releases and clippings, as well as photographic and audio-visual materials. Supports documentation of innovations and best practices for communication through UNICEF channels and to donors and stakeholders.

Qualifications And Competencies

Education

University degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations; or related field.

Work Experience

Minimum 2 years of progressively responsible professional work experience in social sector related to child rights at state, district and community level in the field of advocacy, information and communication through senior level officials, elected representatives, media agencies, corporates and civil society partners.

Languages

Fluency in written and spoken English and good knowledge of Hindi required.

Competency Profile

i) Core Values (Required)

• Commitment       • Diversity and Inclusion      • Integrity

ii)  Core Competencies (Required)

•  Communication  [ II ]  •  Working with People  [ I ]  •  Drive for Results  [ I ]

iii) Functional Competencies (Required)

  •  Formulating Strategies and Concepts  [ I ]      •  Relating and Networking   [ I ]  
  •  Persuading and Influencing    [ I ]                    •  Applying Technical Expertise   [ I  
  •  Learning and Researching   [ II ]                      •  Planning and Organizing  [ II ]             

 iv) Technical Knowledge  

a) Specific Technical Knowledge Required (for the job)

Specific and up-to-date working knowledge of:

 Executive Board and other policy documents. 
 Executive Directives,
 Thorough knowledge of Mid-Term Strategic Plan (MTSP)
 UN/UNICEF Policy Papers
 UNICEF programme policy, procedures and guidelines.
 Rights-based and Results-based approach and programming in UNICEF
 General administrative and financial guidelines.
 Human resources manual
 UNICEF communication and other DOC guidelines
 Communication toolkit
 Brand Toolkit and Brand Book
 UNICEF Stylebook
 Ethical Guidelines on Reporting on Children
                  
b) Common Technical Knowledge Required (for the job group)

General knowledge of:

 Communication practice, methodology and practical application. 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, and specifically, interactive digital media.
 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 UNCEF position and approaches.
 UNICEF communication goals, visions, positions, policies, guidelines and strategies.
 UNICEF policies and strategy to address national and international issues, including emergencies.
 UNICEF emergency communication policies, goals, strategies and approaches, including emergency preparedness.
 Gender equality and diversity awareness

c) Technical Knowledge to be Acquired/Enhanced (for the job)

 Knowledge and expertise in management, communication strategy and networking.
 Technical competence in producing content for various media formats – print, audio, video, web etc.
 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.

Other Skills & Attributes

• 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 multi-cultural environment, and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization.

 Applications consisting of a covering letter; an up-to-date CV and a completed Personal History form (download)  should be sent to devpro@pmsind.co.in by 15 August 2012.  In order to ensure that your application is sorted correctly, please clearly mention the post title and location in the subject line of your e-mail/application. Only applications of short listed candidates will be acknowledged.

UNICEF does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, traveling, processing, training or any other fees). UNICEF is a non-smoking working environment. Applications from qualified women are encouraged.