Communication Assistant at UNICEF

United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential. Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:     Job Title: Communication Assistant, GS-5 Job Number: 530953 Location: Lagos Work Type: Fixed Term Appointment

UNICEF in the Nigeria UNICEF in Nigeria: Nigeria is the most populated country in Africa, and almost half the entire population is under the age of 15. The current total of children under the age of 5 is nearly 31 million and each year at least 7 million babies are born. While a little over one in three of Nigeria's whole population lives below the poverty line, among children this proportion surges to 75 per cent. Many factors contribute to these outcomes rooted in poverty, inequality and insecurity. UNICEF was established in Nigeria in 1953, and today works closely with the Government, civil society, children and families to promote and protect the rights and well-being of children throughout the country. The 2018-2022 country programme aims to demonstrate the impact, value and affordability of investing in long-lasting institutional and community-based systems and policies in favor of children's survival, growth and development in Nigeria, whilst also ensuring the provision of rapid life-saving humanitarian assistance. UNICEF's strategy to move towards universal coverage is to generate action-based evidence on the efficiency, effectiveness and replicability of models established in 14 selected focus states and LGAs. Results for children will be accelerated in four high-impact areas of concern for children where UNICEF is uniquely placed to support Government, and which reduce Nigeria's high share of the global burden of key Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators, whether in proportionate or absolute terms, given the country's significant demographic weight:  (a) Enrolment of children, especially girls, in early learning and primary school at the right age, to promote psychomotor and cognitive development in order to reduce the number of out-of-school children, to improve the quality of learning, and to strengthen gender equality in and through education; (b) Routine immunization, including against polio, for all children by 1 year of age with all required antigens and support for women to make informed and empowered decisions, including during pregnancy, to promote child survival and well-being towards ensuring more children survive and thrive; (c) Feeding, hygiene and sanitation practices to reduce high levels of stunting; (d) Attitudes, practices and beliefs that perpetuate gender discrimination against girls and women to reduce the high prevalence of child marriage and violence, support girls and women to make informed and empowered decisions, including during pregnancy and motherhood to promote child survival and well-being. These priorities are consistent with and reinforce the five Key Results for Children that UNICEF Nigeria has committed to, even though they pre-dated the development of the KRCs. How can you make a difference?

• The field office in Lagos is looking for a versatile multi-tasker with excellent communication skills
• Candidates should be able to assist the Communication and field office team with information gathering, monitoring, technical and administrative services, budgeting and programme management in support of Communications, Advocacy and Partnerships activities.
• To be successful in this role, candidates should be professional, polite, and attentive while also being accurate.
• They should always be prepared and responsive, willing to help and support others and meet each challenge directly.
• The communication Assistants must be comfortable with computers, general office tasks, programme budgeting, excel at both verbal and written communication.
• Specifically, the candidate will provide support to the CAP Manager, the Communication, Advocacy and Partnerships (CAP) Section and the Lagos Field Office as a whole.
• Most importantly, the preferred person must demonstrate that they have a genuine desire to meet the needs of others.

Key Function, Accountabilities and Related Duties / Tasks

• Support to communications planning and execution
• Support to communication service delivery
• Support in managing programme results
• Administrative and clerical support

To qualify as a champion for every child you will have:

• Completed Secondary Education required, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses related to the work of the organization
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible administrative or clerical work experience supporting programme management, development communication, programme budgeting and programme management work
• Fluency in English. Knowledge of an additional UN Language is considered an asset.

For every Child, you demonstrate:

• UNICEF's core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, and Accountability and core competencies in Communication, Working with People and Drive for Results.

The technical competencies required for this post are:

• Analyzin
• Learning and Researching
• Planning and Organizing
• Following Instructions and Procedures

Click here to view our competency framework http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/files/UNICEF_Competencies.pdf

How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should: Click here to apply Note

• 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 also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles
• All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
• UNICEF only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from an institution accredited/recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), a list updated by the International Association of Universities (IAU) / United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The list can be accessed at http://www.whed.net/
• Only shortlisted candidates will be notified and advance to the next stage of the selection process.
• Employment offer is conditional upon receipt of medical clearance, any clearance required and completion of any other pre-employment criteria that UNICEF may establish. Candidates may not be further considered or offers of employment may be withdrawn if these conditions are unlikely to be met before the date for commencement of service
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process