Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Regional Office for West and Central Africa (ROSEN), Division for Operations (DO) of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) with duty station in Dakar, Senegal. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Regional Coordinator, Head of the Trafficking in Persons/Smuggling of Migrants (TIP/SOM) unit, the overall supervision of the Senior Law Enforcement Advisor and the Regional Representative, and in close collaboration with all TIP/SOM staff. The Associate Media, Communication and Gender Officer and gender specialist will be responsible for the development of the TIP/SOM Unit media and communication strategy, as well as ensuring the integration of gender mainstreaming across its activities. For more information on UNODC, please visit the website www.unodc.org

Responsibilities

Within assigned authority, the incumbent will be responsible for managing the secretariat functions and supporting the implementation of the mechanism. Associate Media, Communications and Gender Officer will liaise with the national focal points on a daily basis and with internal and external partners to ensure the operationalization and functioning of the mechanism. The Associate Media, Communications and Gender Officer will be responsible for the following specific duties: • Promote the work of UNODC against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants in West and Central Africa within the overall framework of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children and the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air, both supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. • Develop, maintain and update the unit’s advocacy and communication strategy and associated workplan at the regional level in consultation with the head of unit and colleagues. • Serve as the TIP/SOM Unit focal point for all issues pertaining to gender, human rights and disability inclusion in programming on TIP and SOM-related matters. • Support the implementation of gender and human rights mainstreaming in the implementation of UNODC regional strategy against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants, including through monitoring and analyzing progress in gender mainstreaming development and implementation and preparing relevant documents and reports. • Promote a better understanding of trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants issues as well as the work conducted by the unit to assist states in countering these thematic in West and Central Africa by carrying out media, information and communication campaigns on various platforms. • Liaise with relevant stakeholders, such as governmental authorities, law enforcement and criminal justice practitioners, civil society organizations and other relevant partners to support the mainstreaming of gender and human rights dimensions into normative and strategic responses against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants in the region. • Support the development of tools on gender and human rights mainstreaming into anti-TIP and SOM programmes and activities, including through identification of and liaison with consultants and other internal and external experts, preparation and review of draft material and coordination of expert group meetings or other consultations, as relevant. • Assist in organizing and delivering regional and national workshops on gender and human rights mainstreaming in efforts to combat TIP and SOM. • Support with coordinating activities of the Network of Women in Law and Policy against Organized Crime in West and Central Africa, in collaboration with relevant teams in headquarters. • Draft and prepare briefing notes, talking points, speaking notes, speeches and provide support in the coordination of a variety of inputs on gender and human rights mainstreaming in efforts to counter TIP and SOM in the region for senior management and/or target countries. • Draft and edit key external information material, including brochures, web stories, press releases, briefing points and official discourses. • Draft articles on unit’s activities in West Africa together with original stories related to trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants (feature stories, photo stories and Press notes). • Design, launch and support the unit’s website together with its communication and advocacy strategy; • Update website and Social Media Management: prepare new material and update daily and weekly content for the unit’s website and Social Media platforms. • Assist with Media Monitoring and flagging of trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants issues reported in the media (online, print and broadcast). • Sort, produce and maintain a photo and video gallery with content from unit’s projects in West Africa and Central Africa. • Assist with designing, production and dissemination of unit’s publications and reports. • Participate in key events and conferences as needed. • Assist with development and implementation of communication and sensitization activities. • Support design and implementation of campaigns for the international day for Victims of Trafficking (Blue Heart Campaign) and International Migrant’s Day. • Establish unit’s database (Media and Stakeholders) for information and media dissemination. • Maintain close collaboration with Regional Communication Advisers from other agencies and UNODC HQ Communication Officers for effective overall coordination. • Maintain close collaboration with local media and influencers. • Attend UN Communications Group meetings and participate in joint activities as required. • Respond to other media and communication related requests as needed. • Contribute to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provide draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Perform other work-related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Has knowledge of the full range of communications approaches and tools, strong social media skills and ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Demonstrated skills in monitoring and evaluating project outcomes using qualitative and quantitative indicators, applying MEL methodologies to inform program decisions. Has ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors’ language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in journalism, communication, media with a strong interest for social science, international relations, political science, law, gender and human rights, public administration or related fields. A first-level university degree in similar field in combination with two additional year of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A first-level university degree and no experience will be accepted for candidates who have passed the United Nations Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P).

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

Demonstrate a minimum of two years of relevant professional work experience in journalism, communication or media OR the successful completion of the Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P) is required. Demonstrated knowledge of ethical standards in reporting on migration, human rights, crime prevention or criminal justice at national or international level is desirable. Demonstrated excellent communication skills and experience in writing and editing articles and conducting interviews is desirable. Demonstrated excellent command of photography, writing for the web, filming or editing is desirable. Demonstrated knowledge of the work of UNODC or the thematic areas of migration, trafficking in persons or human rights is desirable. Demonstrated knowledge of gender and human rights dimensions within normative and policy frameworks addressing TIP and SOM, as well as experience in developing tools or conceptualizing and implementing technical assistance activities on gender-responsive approaches to TIP and SOM, is desirable. Demonstrated experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in both English and French is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

This temporary position is currently available for a period of three months. Actual filling of this position and actual duration of the assignment is subject to availability of funding. If the selected candidate is an internal staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection may be administered as a temporary assignment. While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Dakar is classified in the A category (family duty station).

United Nations Considerations

According to 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. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.