UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN’S FUND

is seeking applications for the position of

Communication Assistant (GS-5)

Under the close supervision of the Communication Officer, the Communication Assistant will provide assistance and support in planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of an advocacy and communication strategy, to promote respect for children’s’ and women’s’ rights and support UNICEF's mission in the country

Minimum Requirements

·  Secondary education; University Degree in Communication, Journalism, Languages (English and Montenegrin in particular), Graphic Design or a related to the communications is desirable, but it is not the requirement.

·  Six years of progressively responsible professional work in media/communication.

·  Strong interpersonal skills and ability to perform tasks timely with high level of accuracy.

·  Excellent writing skills in both English and Montenegrin.

·  Excellent knowledge of what is newsworthy and communication/presentation skills.

·  Skills/experience with Photoshop, Coral Draw or similar software applications would be an asset

·  Highly organized and efficient team-player with initiative.

·  Fluency in both English and Montenegrin is required with thorough knowledge of spelling and grammar in both English and Montenegrin.

·  Excellent translation skills English to Montenegrin and vice versa both written and oral.

·  Excellent computer skills.

If you have the background and commitment to take on these responsibilities and would like to join UNICEF team, please apply with a CV, P11 form and cover letter to:

UNICEF Podgorica Office, Vladike Danila 28 81000 Podgorica

Or via e-mail at:

U N I C E F I S A S M O K E F R E E E N V I R O N M E N T

Closing date for applications is 17 October, 2011

Only short listed candidates will be contacted for interview.

Job Description

Position

Communication Assistant – Podgorica, Montenegro

UNICEF Montenegro Programme

UNICEF Montenegro 2012-2016 Country Programme comprises two mutually reinforcing components: child protection and social inclusion; and child rights, policies and planning. These reflect the need for continuity in the role of the programme in supporting Government and institutions to complete the medium-term child care system reform agenda and implement policies and strategies for children at the central and local levels; in securing investment in equitable inclusion and protection of the most vulnerable and marginalized groups; in strengthening capacities in planning, child rights monitoring, and budgeting; and in implementing the framework for a sustainable legacy for child rights. Communication for development will be a key strategy across the programme. The participation of children and young people will strengthen the programme’s thrust on social inclusion, HIV prevention, environmental sustainability, educational quality, minority rights, gender equality, and prevention of violence, abuse and neglect. Communication for Development will contribute to an exponential increase in UNICEF visibility and impact with external media partners.

The post of Communication Assistant will assist in the development of communication strategy and associated work plan to sustain coverage of children’s issues in the public domain, strengthen political will in support of UNICEF's mission and objectives, and enhance the organization’s credibility and brand, to provide effective and timely professional assistance and support in developing, drafting and maintaining contact information, materials and relationships with journalists and media outlets covering all media – print, TV, radio, web etc. – in Montenegro, to communicate the story of UNICEF's cooperation to a wider audience. Due to a shortage of established agencies and facilities for outsourcing, UNICEF will need to strengthen its own in-house capacity in order to meet expectations of UNICEF’s comparative advantage in communication and C4D in particular.

Purpose of the post

Under the close supervision and technical guidance of the Communication Officer, the incumbent will assist in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of an advocacy and communication strategy, to promote respect for children’s’ and women’s’ rights and support UNICEF's mission in the country.

The Communication Assistant will:

- Collect information mainly from records and reports and prepare periodic and ad hoc reports on communication activities;

- Organize data and information, prepare and maintain records, document and control plans for the monitoring of communication strategy implementation;

- Summarize information reflecting current obligations and future programme and/or budgetary implications;

- 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;

- Follow up on the production of advocacy and communication materials (e.g., films, videos, audio-visuals, etc.), and oversee the qualitative aspects of production, (e.g., quality control, translations, reviews of layout, graphic design and printing;

- Help organize and generate public support for special events and activities to promote country programme goals. Assist in developing and maintaining close collaboration with mass media, as well as with groups and organizations whose support is essential to the achievement of advocacy and communication objectives;

- Establish/maintain an up-to-date documentation centre for publications, press releases and clippings, as well as photographic and audio-visual materials.;

- Monitor and evaluate the appropriate and timely dissemination of advocacy and communication materials to target audiences, and participate in the evaluation of their impact;

- Contribute to the development of an advocacy and communication strategy;

- Prepare background communication and promotional materials for briefing and visits of media, goodwill ambassadors, donors, national committee representatives and other special interest groups. Assist in the planning, logistic and administrative arrangements for them.

Qualifications

Education: Secondary education; University Degree in Communication, Journalism, Languages (English and Montenegrin in particular), Graphic Design or a related to the communications is desirable, but it is not the requirement.

Work Experience: Six years of progressively responsible professional work in media/communication.

Language proficiency: Fluency in both English and Montenegrin is required with thorough knowledge of spelling and grammar in both English and Montenegrin. Excellent translation skills English to Montenegrin and vice versa both written and oral. Excellent writing skills in both English and Montenegrin required.

Skills: Knowledge of work in PC, applications, spreadsheets, word processing and graphics; ability to conduct research and good problem solving; ability to analyze and interpret financial data; ability to acquire to knowledge of the organization’s programme policies, programme budget system and financial procedures; ability to work in an international and multicultural team.

Competency Profile

i) Core Values

• Commitment

• Diversity and Inclusion

• Integrity

ii)  Core Competencies

• Communication

• Working with People

• Drive for Results

iii) Functional Competencies

• Analyzing

• Learning and Researching

·  Following Instructions and Procedures

• Planning and Organizing