Communication Officer (P-1) ICTD, New York, USA

Under the supervision and general guidance of the Deputy Director, Strategy, Risk Management, and Governance, the incumbent of this post will be responsible for assisting with the preparation, planning, execution, and monitoring of a comprehensive internal communication strategy that will support the implementation of a unified Digital Workplace for ICTD. In this context, internal communication means the information flow within the ICTD and between the ICTD and Business Owner Divisions, client offices, NYHQ and other parts of UNICEF.

If you are a committed, creative professional and are passionate about making a lasting difference for children, the world's leading children's rights organization would like to hear from you.

For 70 years, UNICEF has been working on the ground in 190 countries and territories to promote children's survival, protection and development. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

Purpose of the Position

Under the supervision and general guidance of the Deputy Director, Strategy, Risk Management, and Governance, the incumbent of this post will be responsible for assisting with the preparation, planning, execution, and monitoring of a comprehensive internal communication strategy that will support the implementation of a unified Digital Workplace for ICTD. In this context, internal communication means the information flow within the ICTD and between the ICTD and Business Owner Divisions, client offices, NYHQ and other parts of UNICEF.

Key Expected Results

1. Assists with Developing and Implementing a Communications Strategy, Communication Tools and Promotional Material for the Global ICT function

• Supports the Deputy Director in the development, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of the ICT communication Strategy in support of ICT strategy and internal brand.
• Maintains and further develops existing communication tools, team sites, project communication strategies, wikis etc.
• Assists with producing communications content, including, but not limited to, briefing notes, guidance notes, fact sheets, brochures, and any other materials as assigned.

2. Assists with the Development and Implementation of Information Architecture, Internal Communication Structures and Knowledge Management Tools

• Takes part in the development and implementation of the necessary information architecture and internal communication structures to enable the use of tools that facilitate a two-way flow of information and facilitates knowledge sharing among the different target groups (NYHQ, ICTD staff, ICTD management, Regional Offices and Country Offices)
• In close coordination with the developers and IT colleagues, contributes to the development and continuous evolution of the ICTD intranet and other elements of the ICTD digital workplace (such as team sites and community of practice platforms) with special focus on fully exploiting its potential for internal communication and knowledge sharing, collaboration, document and information management.
• Ensures that ICTD is up-to-date regarding digital tools and their use for the purpose of internal communication including through the utilization of existing ITCD infrastructure.

3. Assists with Building the ICTD Internal Brand, Developing Networks and Partnerships and Ensuring Consistent Branding and Vision Throughout all ICTD Communication Channels

• Monitors the implementation and maintains oversight of an ICTD digital workplace in collaboration with all ICTD sections so that it reflects a common identity and voice, avoids duplication of efforts and materials, and simplifies communication resource management and retrieval in support of improved business processes and the successful operation of ICTD.
• Creates and maintains contacts and relationships with journalists and media outlets covering all media—print, TV, radio, web, etc. to communicate the story of UNICEF's ICT collaboration to a broader audience.

4. Assists with Secretariat Services to ICT Governance Bodies

• Organizes meeting of ICT governing bodies (ICT board, Global ICT Management Team, ICTD Management Team and other bodies).
• Drafts minutes for ICT governing bodies and manages their respective team sites.

Qualifications of Successful Candidate

• Advanced university degree (Master's) in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Computer Science or related field is required. A relevant first-level university degree (Bachelor's), in combination with two (2) years of additional relevant work  experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of (1) one year professional work experience in strategic communication, print and broadcast media, or interactive digital media is required. International experience is strongly preferred.
• Prior understanding of the concept of the Digital Workplace and hands-on experience in introducing and creatively promoting the use of related platforms and tools for effective communication is desirable.
• Prior experience in developing communication products, interviewing and developing stories is desirable.
• Prior knowledge of Microsoft SharePoint would be a considered a strong asset.
• Fluency in English (written & verbal) is required. Knowledge of an additional UN Language (Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish) is considered an asset.

In addition, the candidate should possess the following:

• Excellent writing skills
• Good knowledge of leveraging social media tools and techniques
• Knowledge of trends in multimedia tools and techniques for purposes of documentation preparation
• Knowledge of current theories and practices in communication research planning and strategy
• Fundamentals of working in various media formats- print, audio, video, web, social media
• Previous experience in, or understanding of, Information Technology services and/ or support is desirable

Competencies of Successful Candidate

Core Values

• Commitment
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Integrity

Core competencies

• Communication Level II
• Working with People Level I
• Drive for Results Level II

Functional Competencies

• Formulating Strategies and Concepts Level I
• Relating and Networking Leve lI
• Persuading and Influencing Level 
• Applying Technical Expertise Level I  
• Learning and Researching Level I
• Planning and Organizing Level I    

To view our competency framework, please click here. 

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation.