VN No.2015/10

Make a Lasting Difference for Children

UNICEF Vacancy - Fixed-term Appointment

Communication Officer – Public Information(NO-A), based in Yangon

Position No.64946

The socio-political transition in Myanmar has opened up greater space and scope for information and communication. As a result, UNICEF’s work related to advocacy, public information and engagement with the media has expanded over the past months and is expected to grow further to meet with the increased demands.

As part of this transition, UNICEF Myanmar has significantly increased its engagement with media outlets internationally, regionally and locally through media releases, opinion editorials (op eds.), door stops, and press conferences.

In this context UNICEF Myanmar is seeking to recruit a dynamic, motivated and committed professionalwith a background in journalism and media relations.Under theclose supervision of the Chief, Advocacy and Policy, the incumbent will undertake the following:-

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

-Maintain and expand media relations with national and ethnic media. Maintain and update a media contact list. Ensure rapid and accurate dissemination of information to the media. Assist the Chief of Advocacy and Policy in responding to media inquiries especially to local media by facilitating scheduling of appointments and interpretation/translation as and when necessary. Recommend appropriate information and communication materials for use in media, and other advocacy and communication activities.

-Liaise with programme sections to identify media/communication needs and develop an annual media/public information work plan and a monthly calendar.

-Support and follow up on the production of advocacy and communication materials (e.g., films, videos, audio-visuals, IEC materials etc.), and oversee the qualitative aspects of production, (e.g., quality control, translations, reviews of layout and graphic design etc.) to meet standards as set out in the Communication Toolkit.

-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 briefing and visits of the media and other special interest groups as assigned by section Chief. Assist the planning, logistic and administrative arrangements for them.

-Monitor and evaluate the appropriate and timely dissemination of advocacy and communication materials to target audiences, and participate in the evaluation of their impact. Monitor and evaluate the use and effectiveness of media materials. Maintain a library of coverage (clippings, quantity and quality of coverage etc.,

-Take note of and share with supervisor and team members the lessons learned in review of good practices in the successful communication initiatives and those need improvement.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES required to perform the duties of the post:

a)Education

  • Preferably advanced 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.A first level University degree with relevant years of working experience may be exceptionally accepted in lieu of the advanced university.
  • Knowledge of current theories and practices in communication research, and the role of mass media.
  • Knowledge of computer systems, internet navigation and various office applications, specifically interactive digital media.

b)Work Experiences

  • One year practical professional work experience in communication, print and broadcast media, or interactive digital 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

c)Language Proficiency

Fluency in Englishand Myanmar.

Competency Profile

i) Core Values

• Commitment

• Diversity and Inclusion

• Integrity

ii)Core Competencies

• Communication

• Working with People

• Drive for Results

iii) Functional Competencies

• Formulating Strategies and Concepts

• Relating and Networking

• Persuading and Influencing

• Applying Technical Expertise

• Learning and Researching

• Planning and Organizing

Please send application with updated CV or Personal History form, educational credentials and references to by 25March2015.

Note: 1.UNICEF does not discriminate in regard to race, ethnicity and gender or persons living with disabilities.

2. UNICEF fosters a climate of impartiality, fairness and objectivity and assures the equitable application of UNICEF regulations, rules and policies.

3. Female qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

4. Only those candidates whose qualifications and experience are of further interest to UNICEF will be contacted for subsequent test/interview.

5. UNICEF is a smoke free environment.