United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
UNICEF supports the Government of Malawi and works in cooperation with other partners to uphold and respect the rights and well-being of children in Malawi.
Working to the UNICEF Malawi Country Programme (2024-2028) through a One-UN approach based on the new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSCDF) Strategic Priorities. 2024-2028), it is the goal of UNICEF for every child to survive and thrive, to learn, to live in a safe, clean an inclusive, resilient and protective environment and to enjoy an equitable chance in life. The UNICEF Malawi Country Programme also aligns with the pillars of Malawi Vision 2063 and the Malawi Implementation Plan (MIP 2030).
In addition to Malawi’s 2063 Vision and 2021–2030 implementation plan (MIP), UNICEF also aligns to the African Union’s Agenda 2063, UNICEF’s Strategic Plan, Gender Action Plan III, Innovation Strategy and the SDGs.
The country programme includes child survival and development, learning, skills development and protection, and social policy. All components are supported by the programme and operational effectiveness and efficiency imperatives. Risk-informed programming across the humanitarian and development nexus in all three outcome areas will strengthen disaster preparedness, enhance climate adaptation/mitigation and response, and increase the resilience capacity of institutions, communities and young people. Programming aligns with UNICEF Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee’s Transformative Agenda.
The position of Communication Officer (Digital and Youth) sits in the Communication, Advocacy and Partnerships Section, reporting to the Chief of Section. The Communication, Advocacy and Partnerships Section in UNICEF Malawi plays a vital role in telling the story of UNICEF’s impact in Malawi; it provides a platform for children and young people to participate, to engage and to input, and it seeks to ensure that it’s building strategic alliances and partnerships for the overall development of children in Malawi.
Digital communication and youth participation form a substantive part of the strategic output of the Communication, Advocacy and Partnership Section. It is also an essential component to the overarching goals contained in the UNICEF Communication and Advocacy Strategy as UNICEF seeks to a) nearly double its supporter bases to engage 100 million individuals to volunteer, advocate and engage and b) to create platforms and opportunities for children and young people to drive progress and demand accountability. It reaches audiences both within and beyond the borders of Malawi. As such this role provides an important function to communicate and advocate around children’s issues, build social movements, and influence policy makers.
How can you make a difference?
The Malawi Country Office offers an exciting and rewarding career opportunity for you to join our dynamic Communication, Advocacy and Partnerships team where you will play a key role in developing and implementing strong communication strategies and plans for UNICEF Malawi programmes and advocacy. As Communication Officer (Digital and Youth), you will also be responsible for managing the digital communication output for UNICEF Malawi, in particular all UNICEF Malawi’s social platforms, website and other digital communication platforms such as the U-Report. You will contribute to the development of strategies for UNICEF Malawi’s website and social media platforms and will be at the forefront of developing and implementing the U-Report for the Malawi Country Office – a key tool to engage with adolescents and young people in the country. You will also play a role in building a cohort of youth influencers and advocates.
Working under the overall guidance and supervision of the Chief, Communication, Advocacy and Partnerships, you will have responsibility to ensure that the digital platforms are in keeping with UNICEF guidelines and reaching the overarching goal of enhancing communication, advocacy and strengthening partnerships for UNICEF in Malawi.
This position therefore offers a unique opportunity for a qualified, motivated and committed individual to make a significant impact on the lives of children in Malawi. By excelling professionally, you will contribute to the overall achievement of transformative results for children by delivering on the following key responsibility areas, but not limited to: strategic communication output, including supporting donor visits, creating audiovisual content, and writing articles, and content. In addition, you will have sharp digital communication acumen, drawing on experience and knowledge of digital and social engagement, experience of managing websites and / or blogsites and communicating on social media platforms.
You are encouraged to download the detailed job description 
JD NOB Communication Officer_Digital and Youth.pdf in order to view the full role and its requirements.
To join our team as an advocate for every child you will have…
Education
- A university degree in communications, journalism, social sciences, international relations, literature, languages or a related field is required.
Experience
- A minimum of two (2) years of practical professional work experience in communication, print and broadcast media, or interactive digital media at national level is required.
- A minimum of 12 months’ experience in the management and content generation of digital platforms, including social media channels and websites is required.
- Experience in writing stories, articles and reports is required.
- Experience in creating short film, reels etc. is a strong asset
- Experience in leading and implementing own areas of work, including developing project / communication plans or strategies is a strong asset.
- Experience in fostering and strengthening external relationships or partnerships is a strong asset.
- Experience in engaging and coordinating young people and / or children is a strong asset.
Technical knowledge and skills
- Exceptional communication and organizational skills are required.
- Project management skills are required.
- Basic skill in designing graphics for social media is a strong asset.
- Strong understanding of photography and presentation software is a strong asset.
- Solid analytical skills with key performance metrics utilizing analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Google Webmaster Tools, Bing Webmaster Tools) is an asset.
Language:
- Fluency in English and a local language, both exceptional verbal and written skills, are essential.
Advertised: 24 Jul 2024 South Africa Standard Time
Deadline: 06 Aug 2024 South Africa Standard Time