The Position:

The Communications Assistant assists the implementation visibility of the UNFPA country programme in Albania. The programme supports the Government of the Republic of Albania to strengthen SRH, GE and GBV and Human Rights in the country, in line with international Conventions and government commitments to EU accession and achievement of SDGs.

The programme supports operationalization of Laws and policies that support women, young people and the population dynamics. It develops coordination mechanisms and access to services, supports the design of a model for integrated data collection and analysis, strengthens the capacities of service providers, addresses population challenges, as well as works on sensitization of media professionals and developing campaigns for promoting access and quality provision of social and health services in the country.

The Communication Assistant will report directly to the Programme Analyst Advocacy and Communication.

How you can make a difference:

UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person’s potential is fulfilled. UNFPA’s strategic plan (2022-2025), reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths; end unmet need for family planning; and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations and individuals to “build forward better”, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on women’s and girls’ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains and realize our goals.

In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff, who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.

UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high impact and sustained results; we need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.

 

Job Purpose:

The Communication Assistant plays an instrumental role in supporting the implementation of the communications activities within the UNFPA country programme.

S(h)e will work with the CO Communications and Programme teams assisting and contributing to:

• Effective implementation of the programme communications strategy and plan;
• Coordination and organization of the programme campaigns and visibility events;
• Conceptualization and design of various programme promotional materials;
• Maintaining relations with the media and communicating CO positions and programme results through appropriate channels;

Administration of UNFPA CO web and social media content related to the project;

UNFPA participation in Joint UN communications initiatives related to the project.

You would be responsible for:

• Supporting preparation and implementation of the CO communication plan and corresponding reporting;
• Monitoring and evaluating the appropriate and timely dissemination of advocacy and communication materials to target audiences, and participate in the evaluation of their impact;
• Assisting in drafting, editing and proof-reading of all materials, capturing key messages of UNFPA work in the country, collating amendments from colleagues (including, but not limited to concept notes, brochures, lists of participants, press-releases, fliers, biographies, feature articles related to activities/events, human interest stories and any other advocacy materials);
• Preparing background communication and promotional materials for briefing and visits of media, high level UNFPA staff, donors, and other special interest groups.
• Assisting in the planning, logistics and administrative arrangements for them;
• Assisting in the creation, editing and retouching of photographs and videos. Acting as photographer at events. Support in managing the coordination of film and photography shoots /accompanying photographers and videographers;
• Organising and generating support for special events and activities to promote country programme goals. Assisting in developing and maintaining close collaboration with mass media, as well as with groups and organizations whose support is essential to the achievement of advocacy and communication objectives;
• Support in updating social media on a regular basis with relevant material, highlighting key events and achievements. Support in managing and updating UNFPA CO website;
• Assisting in planning and implementing new initiatives. Brainstorming and generating story ideas and creative ideas for campaigns, promotions, and event themes;
• Support in organising and managing media archive. Establishing/maintaining an up-to-date documentation centre for publications, press releases and clippings, as well as photographic and audio-visual materials. Mapping major media outlets and compiling a database of media lists and stakeholder contacts;
• Monitoring mainstream media and informing CO staff on any development relevant to the work of UNFPA;
• Maintaining media events calendar, ensuring timely preparation of promotional activities;
• Support in negotiating and purchasing communication related series and materials, ensuring most cost effective options are explored. Following up on the production of advocacy and communication materials (e.g., films, videos, audio-visuals, etc.), and overseeing the qualitative aspects of production, (e.g., quality control, translations, reviews of layout, graphic design and printing;
• Assisting with representing CO at press and other events and providing logistical and technical support as required;
• Assisting in conducting of joint events and initiatives in collaboration with the UN Communications Group;
• Assisting and participating in joint RO and cluster initiatives.
• Perform other relevant duties and assist with other communications tasks as required.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education:

First-level university degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Information, Political or Social Sciences, or related field is required.

Knowledge and Experience:

• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in the national or international level in communications with proven record in story writing, communication materials production for a variety of media, video productions, website management, or related fields.
• Good understanding of new and evolving communication technologies and tools.
• Proficiency in current office software applications and digital platforms. Usage of software applications (Photoshop, PaintNet, Illustrator, InDesign, Acrobat, Premier Pro, Word, PowerPoint, and other graphics applications) is an advantage.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Excellent writing and interpretation skills, as well as strong analytical aptitude and strong communication skills, and attention to detail.
• Previous experience in the UN or other international development organizations, especially in areas related to gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health is an asset.

Languages:

Fluency in both oral and written English and Albanian.

Required Competencies:

Values:

Exemplifying integrity,

Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system,

Embracing cultural diversity,

Embracing change

Core Competencies:

Achieving results,

Being accountable,

Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen,

Thinking analytically and strategically,

Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships,

Functional Competencies:

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Managerial Competencies (if applicable):

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Compensation and Benefits:

 

This position offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.

UNFPA Work Environment:

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA’s workforce – click here to learn more.

Disclaimer:

Selection and appointment may be subject to background and reference checks, medical clearance, visa issuance and other administrative requirements.

UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.

Applicants for positions in the international Professional and higher categories, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, may be required to renounce such status upon their appointment.