Unicef Communication Officer

  UNITED NATIONS RELIEF AND WORKS AGENCY FOR PALESTINE REFUGEES IN THE NEAR EAST – UNRWA   UNRWA is the United Nations agency responsible for the protection, care and human development of a population of some 5 million Palestine refugees living in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and the Syrian Arab Republic. The Agency is committed to assistingPalestinerefugees in maintaining a decent standard of living, acquiring appropriate knowledge and skills, enjoying the fullest possible extent of human rights, and leading a long and healthy life. UNRWA is by far the largest UN operation in the Middle East with over 30,000 staff. Most of the staff members are refugees themselves, working directly to benefit their communities – as teachers, doctors, nurses or social workers. UNICEF Communication Officer   Location Lebanon Field Office Type of Appointment Contractor Deadline for Application 25/05/2016 Vacancy Announcement Number 988/2016 Department/Division Public Information and Communications Office      MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES In accordance with the UNICEF/UNRWA partnership project, Assistance to Palestine Refugee Children in Lebanon, PQ15F11/PQ15ST9 which focuses on providing intersectoral assistance to Palestine refugee children from Syria and Lebanon, with the intent of meeting the needs of refugee children in terms of Protection, Health, Education, Relief and WASH needs of Palestinian families with children, the incumbent, in accordance with established Agency policy and procedures, is responsible for:   (A)   Draft a comprehensive visibility plan for the project in coordination with DRU, as well as comprehensive analysis of expected communication results. (B)   Develop, implement and monitor communications and visibility programs for project activities in coordination with DRU, hereunder both within the camps and within the agency. (C)   Share information on the expected benefits of the project, for the camps as a whole and for individual families/residents; (D)   Works closely with UNICEF communications team as well as with all relevant UNRWA departments, including DRU, on the key messages of the campaign to further visibility of the project (E)   Create and support initiatives that will increase community awareness of project activities; for example, by arranging exhibits of photos, maps and displays; (F)    Arrange and host regular meetings/seminars with the community to explain the significance and benefits of the project; create presentation materials required e.g. PowerPoint slides/fact sheets and utilize existing materials and displays where appropriate to boost visibility of project activities (G)   Proactively and regularly seek information on the visibility and progress of project activities, through meetings and conversations with the heads of relevant projects and relevant UNRWA units, such as the donor relations unit. Highlight ways to share such progress with residents in collaboration with the Communications Unit and PIO; (H)   Set up a timeframe for the communications and visibility activities and a budget breakdown for the expected expenses. (I)     Support the production and distribution of public awareness and campaign materials; produce and publish human interest stories for the UNRWA website to highlight the impact of the partnership project on the most vulnerable Palestine refugees in Lebanon.  (J)    Publish relevant information about the project activities and beneficiary community produced by partner organizations; enhance the online presence of the project (Facebook, YouTube, UNRWA website, Twitter); (K)   Design, organize, contribute to, and coordinate implementation of donor/partner/media led events; organize and prepare visit programs; attend and support all visits to the project; communicate and coordinate between local stakeholders and donors during field visits; (L)    Facilitate inter-division/unit/team coordination by good passage of information; actively follow up with UNRWA staff and stakeholders in the field on issues raised by the beneficiary population through the dialogue managed by the Communications Team; (M)   Endeavor to provide visibility to the donors by setting up signboards, writing press releases, organizing a ceremony, and producing TV spots about the the project. (N)   Perform other such duties as may be assigned by supervisor. (O)   Write bi-monthly reports to the donors (P)   Perform such other related duties as may be required   PERSONAL & PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES (A)   Academic and Professional        A university degree in Communications, journalism, Public relations, Environmental Health, Business Administration or Management.   (B)   Experience        At least three years relevant professional experience (one year of which with an international organization) in communication project management, raising awareness, or media relations (graphic design skills or translation are highly preferable). Previous experience with UNWRA and/or UNICEF/funded activities is expected and necessary. Experience in organising events and/or recreational activities with children is highly desirable.   (C)   Language        Excellent command of spoken and written English and Arabic.   (D)   Skills and Competencies (i)     Knowledge of UN system; (ii)    Basic understanding of Lebanese Palestinian relations and diplomacy; (iii)   Initiative, flexibility and resourcefulness in developing innovative communication tools and outreach techniques; (iv)   Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; (v)    Demonstration of flexibility and problem solving skills; (vi)   Excellent knowledge of Word, Excel and PowerPoint;   CONDITIONS OF SERVICE Salary: $1461-$1950 (Full Package) Contract Duration: up to 31 December 2016 (Extendable) according to availability  of funds and satisfactory performance. Working Schedule: Monday-Friday (7:15-14:45)   EQUIVALENCY Candidates with an equivalent combination of relevant academic qualifications, professional training and progressive work experience may also be considered.   GENERAL INFORMATION UNRWA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications equally from men and women. It is Agency Policy to give full consideration to qualified disabled candidates whose disability does not impact their ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of the post. Priority will be given to fully qualify registered Palestinian refugees. Prior to the commencement of services,the consultant shall confirm and acknowledge in writing,and provide proof of the existence of,self-procured adequate private insurance against medical,disability and accident for the duration of the contract.   As a member of the United Nations system, UNRWA maintains a close relatives’ policy.  In this regard, if a candidate has a close relative (mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter) who is already employed by the Agency, he/she can only be employed if the Agency is unable to find another suitable candidate.   UNRWA staff members with fixed term appointments may not be considered for any consultant/contractor position while in service. Candidates who are no longer employed by the Agency must have a minimum of 3 months break in service before they apply to any consultant/contract positions.   UNRWA is a United Nations organization whose staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity,neutrality and impartiality. This includes respect for human rights,for diversity,and for non-violent means of dealing with all kinds of conflict. UNRWA staffs are expected to uphold these values at all times,both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for UNRWA jobs. UNRWA is a non-smoking working environment. الأونروا هي منظمة تابعة للأمم المتحدة، وهي منظمة تفترض من موظفيها الالتزام بأعلى معايير الاستقامة والحياد والنزاهة. ويشمل ذلك احترام مبادئ حقوق الإنسان واحترام التنوع وتبني الوسائل غير العنيفة في حل كافة أشكال النزاعات.  المتوقع من موظفي الأونروا أن يقوموا بدعم هذه القيم في كافة الأوقات، سواء في أماكن العمل أم خارجه. إن أولئك الأشخاص الذين يتمتعون بالالتزام الكامل وغير المشروط بهذه القيم هم فقط الذين ينبغي أن يتقدموا بطلباتهم للعمل لدى الأونروا. الأنروا هي بيئه عمل لا يسمح فيها بالتدخين.   TECHNICAL & PRACTICAL TESTS REQUIRED Short-listed candidates will sit for: Interview (100%)     HOW TO APPLY If you have got the skills and experience required above, and want to make an active and lasting contribution to improving the lives of Palestinerefugees, then register on http://jobs.unrwa.org by creating a personal profile and completing the UNRWA Personal History Form. Only applications received through this website will be considered and the system will not allow applications after the deadline. Please note that UNRWA only accepts degrees from accredited educational institutions. Candidates may also be invited to take a technical exam in order further evaluate their qualifications for the post. Due to a high volume of applications received, only short-listed applicants will be contacted. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process. The United Nations does not concern itself with information on bank accounts. For any queries please send an email to: recruitmentquestions@unrwa.org     Date of issue: 19.05.2016