Communication Associate (GS-6) , Fixed Term, Costa Rica, #104595

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for personal and professional development that will help them develop a fulfilling career while delivering on a rewarding mission. We pride ourselves on a culture that helps staff thrive, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, a voice

The incumbent will support the organization’s press management at the national and local level, as well as the organization of media and donor field visits to programs promoted by UNICEF and its partners. You will synthesize and generate multimedia communication products (videos, infographics, presentations, among others) to publicize the situation of children and the fulfillment of their rights. You will provide systematic support in the generation of reports, notes, and life stories for dissemination within UNICEF at regional and global levels, with the United Nations System and other partners, as well as the inclusion of results information in key systems of the organization such as UNINFO, CSIs, among others. The incumbent will perform the necessary administrative tasks for the contracting of services related to the communication area and will support the coordination and management of field visits of the team and key partners for the organization as ambassadors and social influencers.

How can you make a difference?

Support the implementation of the UNICEF communication strategy.

1. Support in the production of communication products and materials for different audiences, but mainly mass media.
2. Adapt global communications materials to the local context when is required.
3. Monitor and record the information published by the mass media and digital media related to UNICEF and important national and local children’s topics.
4. Assist in drafting and editing articles, press releases, human interest stories and other advocacy/information materials for both web, blogs and traditional media.
5. Implement the tasks in the country communication work plan and strategy as assigned
6. Provide technical support in the designing and production of documents and multimedia materials essential for the implementation of the communication and advocacy strategy of UNICEF Costa Rica, when it is required.
7. Ensure with the specialists and officers that all materials designed are accompanied by detailed and pertinent distribution list and follow up its delivery.
8. Maintain updated the data base of journalists, opinion leaders and social influencers and keep close collaboration with mass media.

External events for advocacy

1. Provide logistical and technical support to UNICEF Costa Rica office during public and internal activities such as workshops, events, meetings, where it is required.
2. Ensure that the country office contact list of individuals, groups, or organization, private sector and government are up to date.
3. Assist in preparing communication materials for advocacy and fundraising events according to audience and relevant for UNICEF.
4. Follow up on the agreements established in the plan advocacy when required.

Digital communication and adjusting audio-visual materials.

1. Support the implementation of digital strategy identifying materials related to bi-annual content map and pictures to develop the contents for the UNICEF digital channels.
2. Adjust the Global social media materials to local content with data or a proper local language.
3. Support public events taking pictures/videos and administrate and keep updated the photo and video gallery.

UNICEF Website and other online initiative supported by UNICEF. 

1. Update the UNICEF Costa Rica website with local, regional or international information. Follow up the Google analytics metrics and submit a quarterly report to keep updated the KPI’s set by HQ. Support the counterparts to ensure the updating of the websites with pertinent information.
2. Maintain constant monitoring of the organization’s networks and digital platforms to prevent any security breach.
3. Maintains regular contact with those managing knowledge and data at other agencies and public bodies to ensure all recent publications on children are updated in the cyber library for children available and other digital initiative promoted or supported by UNICEF Costa Rica.

UNICEF fundraising strategy

1. Support the implementation of the UNICEF partnership and fundraising strategy in the management of meetings with private sector companies, the preparation of presentations on UNICEF’s work in this sector and the development of fundraising campaigns with the private sector, as well as the design and dissemination of accountability materials.

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Education:  

• University degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, and knowledge in Graphic Design is an asset.

Work Experience:  

• Six years of practical professional work experience in communication, print and broadcast media, interactive digital media and/or publicity.
• Experience in the use of web page content management tools such as cms (drupal) and the use of Adobe suite, google analytic, and other technological tools for design, programming and monitoring of web pages and social networks.
• Experience in an international organization is a plus.

Skills: 

• Digital Communication skills.
• Photography skills, software knowledge for basic Graphic and Editorial.
• Other skills related to specific domains within communication and fundraising would be an asset

Language Requirements: Fluency in Spanish and English is required.

For every Child, you demonstrate…

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (3) Drive to achieve results for impact (4) Innovates and embraces change (5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (6) Thinks and acts strategically (7) Works collaboratively with others

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

UNICEF is here to serve the world’s most disadvantaged children and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, or any other personal characteristic.

We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. UNICEF is committed to promoting the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance.  Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.

UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable [Insert candidates from targeted underrepresented groups] are encouraged to apply.

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.