National United Nations Volunteer – Communications Specialist
Nationality: Vietnamese Section: United Nations Volunteers Country Office Duty Station: UNDP Hanoi, Viet Nam Duration: 7 months with the possibility of extension Expected start date: June 2007
BACKGROUND
This post is a United Nations Volunteers Programme Assignment and based on the values of free will, commitment, engagement and solidarity, which are the foundations of volunteerism. Volunteering brings benefit to the individual volunteer. It makes important contributions, economically, as well as socially. It contributes to creating social cohesion and capital, through helping to build trust and reciprocity among citizens.
The United Nations Volunteers is the UN Organization that supports sustainable human development globally through the promotion of volunteerism and mobilization of volunteers. It serves the causes of peace and development through enhancing opportunities for participation by all peoples. It is universal, inclusive and embraces volunteer actions in all its diversity.
Volunteerism is diverse and is embedded in all cultures and traditions. In this context, as a United Nations Volunteer you are encouraged and expected to relate to local volunteerism and to be identified with the concept. You are expected to regard your national colleagues as peers and together uphold trust as volunteers among yourselves and within the communities and the organization you are assigned to.
Purpose of the Post
Under the general supervision of the Head of UNV Country Office Team, the National UN Volunteer will coordinate activities for promoting volunteerism and provide IT and administrative support to UNV unit operations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Take lead in media coordination to maximize the visibility of UNV and volunteer work • Organize media coverage for UNV events including UNV missions, fieldtrips and special events • Coordinate the production of press releases for UNV events or UNV related activities and joint programmes • Suggest and coordinate media production whenever possible to promote the MDGs and the contribution of UNV in particular and volunteers in general • Suggest media relations and advocacy components in UNV projects and joint programmes to enhance visibility of the Country Office Team and voluntary work and individual UNVs
2. Take lead in internal communication work of the Country Office Team • Coordinate the Country Office Team contribution in joint communication work such as monthly information updates and joint-UN publications • Member of the new harmonized UN Communications Unit, participating in UN wide communications activities as agreed • Coordinate the development, maintenance and updating of the UNV Viet Nam website in two languages (English and Vietnamese) • Manage UNV website • Manage the e-lists to maximize the benefit of this communications tools for volunteer promotion • Suggest messages for posting on the e-list on volunteerism • Liaise the development of internal promotional materials • Provide guidance on media relations to UN Volunteers • Liaise with UN Volunteers to obtain stories and help gain media coverage for the stories
3. Take lead in external communication work of the Country Office Team • Maintain good media relations to ensure positive cooperation between the media and UNV Viet Nam • Liaise with other UN agencies and partner organizations to organize public events on International Volunteer Day (IVD) and other international days • Technical assistance to communications focal points in UNV supported projects • Contribute/submit volunteer stories, IVD report to UNV Headquarters and other publications on request • Promote volunteerism within the region and beyond
4. Promote volunteerism • Promote volunteerism and resource mobilization among the UN community, the national and provincial governments, non-governmental and community-based organizations and the private sector through the development of partnership strategies • Liaise with national and international volunteer-based organizations for a national network to promote volunteerism • Disseminate volunteer promotional materials, information through UNV communications tools
5. Provide Human Resource Management relating to University Volunteer and Online Volunteer schemes • Manage the recruitment of University Volunteers and Online Volunteers • Take part in the recruitment and briefing of University Volunteer(s), as the Country Office’s focal point for University Volunteers • Directly manage and supervise the University Volunteer working on the UNV website • Recruit and manage online volunteers who provide services in translations, web site development, and other communications activities • Provide consultation for colleagues on the recruitment and management of Online Volunteers when needed.
COMPETENCIES
• Experience in using a wide range of communications tools (print, broadcasting and electronic media). • Experience in working with the media • Experience in the production of publications and media work. • Experience in human resource management • Demonstrate personal sensitivity, flexible communications and commitment to the values and principles of volunteerism
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
• University degree in communications/journalism/social sciences or related fields • Minimum of 3 year experience in related fields • Excellent written and oral skills in English and Vietnamese • Good interpersonal and organizational skills • Good office computer skills • Good knowledge of web site management • Experience in small-scale audio and video production would be an asset • Good knowledge of relevant governmental and non-governmental/voluntary organizations in Vietnam • Previous volunteer experience is desired • Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment and to deliver under pressure
CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
National UN Volunteers in Viet Nam receive a volunteer living allowance (VLA), which is intended to cover their accommodation and basic living expenses. In Viet Nam the current VLA rate is approx. VND 6,900,000 per month. They also receive a resettlement allowance on successful completion. Full medical and life insurance is provided, and they are entitled to 30 days annual leave.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Interested vietnamese candidates should include a detailed curriculum vitae (CV) and an application letter (both in English) marked: “Application for the post of National UNV Specialist in Communications” via email to
Short-listed candidates will be required to take a written examination and will be interviewed.
Deadline: 25 April 2007
Acknowledgement will be sent to short-listed applicants only.
