UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to save children’s lives, defend their rights, and help them fulfill their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.

At UNICEF, we are committed, passionate, and proud of what we do for as long as we are needed. Promoting the rights of every child is not just a job – it is a calling.

UNICEF is a place where careers are built: we offer our staff diverse opportunities for professional and personal development that will help them reinforce a sense of purpose while serving children and communities across the world. We welcome everyone who wants to belong and grow in a diverse and passionate culture, coupled with an attractive compensation and benefits package.

Visit our website to learn more about what we do at UNICEF.

For every child, an advocate

How can you make a difference? 

Descriptif de poste en français: JD_CommunicationAssociate_GS7_fr.pdf

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Communications Associate position will be responsible for implementing UNICEF Congo’s communications and advocacy strategy under the guidance and supervision of the communications specialist. The incumbent’s efforts will play a critical role in enhancing public awareness and support around children’s rights in Congo while strengthening political will in support of UNICEF's mission and programmatic priorities for children.

KEY END-RESULTS

Editorial Communication/Writing-Based Content Creation: Through well-crafted news, human interest stories, and publications, UNICEF’s messaging effectively convince children’s needs and UNICEF impact, catching key audiences attention while bringing visibility to partners’ support.

Multimedia (Photo, Video & Graphic Design): Engaging visual content strengthens UNICEF’s storytelling, showcasing our impact and advocating for change and political action in favor of children among key audiences and partners.

Digital Communications: By leveraging social media and digital platforms, UNICEF increases visibility, fosters audience interaction, and ensures that impactful narratives about children’s rights and needs in Congo reach broader audiences in an engaging and educative format.

Media Relations: Proactive engagement with national and international media ensures timely coverage of UNICEF’s work, amplifies its advocacy efforts, and positions child rights issues at the forefront of public discussions and news reporting.

Advocacy - Positioning Children’s Rights in the Political & Public Agenda Through strategic advocacy and partnerships, UNICEF successfully influences policymakers and mobilizes public support, ensuring that children's rights become a national priority and lead to tangible policy changes benefiting young lives.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES and DUTIES & TASKS

Within the delegated authority and the given organizational set-up, the incumbent may be accountable for all or assigned areas of the following major duties and end results.

1. Editorial Communication/Writing-Based Content Creation

• Draft and edit high-quality written content, including articles, reports, newsletters, and blogs.
• Ensure consistent messaging and storytelling to strengthen UNICEF’s public advocacy.
• Collaborate with program teams to translate technical information into accessible content for diverse audiences.
• Proofread and review external communication materials for accuracy and alignment with UNICEF’s voice.

2. Visual communications (Photo, Video & Graphic Design)

• Support the production of visual assets , working with photographers, videographers andgraphic designers as needed for projects and activities requiring professional finish.
• Support the production of branded materials, ensuring adherence to UNICEF’s communication guidelines.
• Develop visual content to amplify UNICEF’s impact in the Republic of Congo and provide both visibility and recognition to donors’ support.
• Manage and archive multimedia assets systematically for internal dissemination and use.

3. Digital Communications

 

• Manage UNICEF Republic of Congo’s digital channels, including website and social media platforms.
• Develop and publish engaging content to enhance audience engagement.
• Monitor digital analytics to optimize content and engagement strategies.
• Create and run social media campaigns, ensuring alignment with UNICEF’s global and regional communications strategy.

4. Media Relations

• Develop and maintain relationships with national and international media outlets.
• Educate and strengthen the media on children rights and needs, highlighting UNICEF’s activities and results in improving the lives of children and their communities.
• Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, and news articles.
• Coordinate media coverage for UNICEF events, projects, and initiatives.
• Respond to media inquiries, ensuring accurate and timely information dissemination.

5. Advocacy & Positioning Children’s Rights in the Political & Public Agenda

• Support advocacy initiatives to promote UNICEF’s priorities in policy discussions and public forums.
• Develop strategic messaging and campaign materials to influence key stakeholders, including government representatives, parliament members, business leaders and civil society.
• Organize and support high-profile events and advocacy campaigns to elevate children’s rights in the national agenda.
• Assist in the preparation of briefing materials and advocacy reports for decision-makers.
• Support the implementation of activities carried out with UNICEF’s National Ambassador, donors and National Committees. The task includes preparing information materials and assisting in the planning, logistics and administrative arrangements of visits, briefings and other activities.

 

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…

Minimum requirements:

• Education: Completion of Secondary School, University level courses in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or related field.

A bachelor’s degree from a recognized academic institution in a field relevant to the position may replace three years of related work experience. A master’s degree may replace an additional two years

Work Experience:

At least seven years practical professional work experience in communication, public relations, journalism, digital media, or related fields. Experience working in international organizations, development agencies, or humanitarian contexts is highly desirable.

The candidate should demonstrate expertise in content creation, digital engagement, media relations, and advocacy. Practical knowledge of multimedia production (photography, videography, graphic design) is highly desirable. Strong collaboration skills and the ability to communicate complex issues effectively across various audiences are essential.

Skills : Technical Knowledge

a) Specific Technical Knowledge Required (for the job) 

Specific and up-to-date working knowledge of:

• Executive Board and other policy documents.
• Executive Directives,
• Mid-Term Strategic Plan (MTSP)
• UN/UNICEF Policy Papers
• UNICEF programme policy, procedures and guidelines.
• Rights-based and Results-based approach and programming in UNICEF
• General administrative and financial guidelines.
• Human resources manual
• UNICEF communication and other DOC guidelines
• Communication toolkit
• Brand Toolkit and Brand Book

• UNICEF Stylebook
• Ethical Guidelines on Reporting on Children

b) Common Technical Knowledge Required (for the job group) [ I ]

General knowledge of:

• Communication practice, methodology and practical application. Knowledge of current theories and practices in communication research planning and strategy.
• Fundamentals of working in various media formats – print, audio, video, web etc.
• Computer systems, including internet navigation, office applications, and specifically, interactive digital media.
• United Nations or other international organizations; good understanding of world affairs, current events and international development issues
• Global human rights issues, specifically relating to children and women, and current UNCEF position and approaches.
• UNICEF communication goals, visions, positions, policies, guidelines and strategies.
• UNICEF policies and strategy to address national and international issues, including emergencies.
• UNICEF emergency communication policies, goals, strategies and approaches, including emergency preparedness.

 

Language Requirements: Fluency in French and proficiency in English are required. 

Desirables:

Knowledge of another UN official language or the local language of the duty station is considered an asset as well as relevant country-level experience, particularly in development, fragile and humanitarian contexts. 

For every Child, you demonstrate...

UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values

The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…

(1) Builds and maintains partnerships

(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness

(3) Drive to achieve results for impact

(4) Innovates and embraces change

(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity

(6) Thinks and acts strategically

(7) Works collaboratively with others 

[add the 8^th competency (Nurtures, leads and manages people) for a supervisory role]. 

Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.

This position has been assessed as an elevated risk role for Child Safeguarding purposes as it is either a role with direct contact with children, a role that works directly with identifiable children’s data, a safeguarding response role, or an assessed risk role. Additional vetting and assessment for elevated risk roles in child safeguarding (potentially including additional criminal background checks) apply.

UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.

UNICEF encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic backgrounds, and from people with disabilities, including neurodivergence. We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF provides reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process. If you require any accommodation, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF. Should you be shortlisted, please get in touch with the recruiter directly to share further details, enabling us to make the necessary arrangements in advance.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). 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 based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. 

Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.

Remarks:

As per 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.

UNICEF is committed to fostering an inclusive, representative, and welcoming workforce. For this position, eligible and suitable candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason. 

UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information.

Humanitarian action is a cross-cutting priority within UNICEF’s Strategic Plan. UNICEF is committed to stay and deliver in humanitarian contexts. Therefore, all staff, at all levels across all functional areas, can be called upon to be deployed to support humanitarian response, contributing to both strengthening resilience of communities and capacity of national authorities.

UNICEF shall not facilitate the issuance of a visa and working authorization for candidates under consideration for positions at the national officer and general service category.

All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.

Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.