Job: NATIONAL UN VOLUNTEER - PUBLIC INFORMATION ASSISTANT

Location :

Kyiv, UKRAINE

Application Deadline :

29-Oct-13

Type of Contract :

UNV

Post Level :

UNV

Languages Required :

English   Russian  

Starting Date :
(date when the selected candidate is expected to start)

01-Jan-2014

Duration of Initial Contract :

3 months

Expected Duration of Assignment :

12 months

Background

Brief Project Description: UNHCR seeks to strengthen national asylum systems and safeguard asylum in the broader migration context through dynamic partnerships with the European Union, national governments and NGOs. 

Host Agency/Host Institute: UNHCR 

Organizational Context: The national UN Volunteer will work under the supervision of the Regional PI Officer.

Type of assignment place: Family duty station

Duties and Responsibilities

Description of Duties:

• Assist the supervisor in the planning and implementation of the regional public information and public awareness activities.
• Provide day-to-day assistance in handling media relations including organizing media events, interviews, workshops, training; assist in the organisation of media events.
• Contribute to the production of information material for public awareness campaigns and for the preparation of in-house bulletins, newsletters and information kits; liaise with printers concerning brochures and publications published by the office.
• Assist in drafting and editing articles, press releases, feature stories and other advocacy and information materials for both web-based and traditional media.
• Ensures timely dissemination of UNHCR updates, press releases and statements.
• Keep close working contacts with media, civil society and government partners, promoting a positive image of refugees and UNHCR’s activities in the region.
• Monitor national, regional and international media and keep the office informed on the vital developments and issues which can be of relevance to UNHCR and refugees.
• Maintain data base of contacts (including media, NGO and government partners) and news clippings; maintain an up-to-date filing system and library.
• Update the regional website run by the office, using the content management programme.
• Classify and maintain adequate stock of UNHCR visibility materials and promote sale of merchandise where appropriate.
• Draft routine correspondence and respond to media queries and incoming requests.
• Liaise with communication staff of other UN agencies and UNHCR offices world-wide.
• Perform other duties as required, including unofficial translations as and when necessary.
• Performs other duties as required by supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to:

• Strengthening their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and taking active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark IVD).
• Getting acquainted with and building on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country.
• Reflecting on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities.
• Contributing articles/write-ups on field experiences and submitting them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.
• Assisting with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers.
• Promoting or advising local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encouraging relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/Expected Output:

• UNHCR PI activities are well coordinated, inputs from the all partners considered and activities are implemented.
• Support to the Protection Unit is provided as requested.
• A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development within your host community.

Competencies

• At least 22 years of age.
• University degree in linguistics, journalism, communications or equivalent.
• 2-3 years of relevant work experience in the field of communication or related field.
• Basic knowledge of social media, photo editing and website management is desired.
• Excellent spoken and written skills in English; Fluency in Russian and Ukrainian.

Required Skills and Experience

• Computer skills: Computer literacy with good knowledge of computer application.
  
  Corporate Competencies:
• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards.
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNHCR.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

More Info and Application