Mission and objectives

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN (United Nations) organization that contributes to peace and development through volunteerism worldwide. Volunteerism is a powerful means of engaging people in tackling development challenges, and it can transform the pace and nature of development. Volunteerism benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer by strengthening trust, solidarity, and reciprocity among citizens, and by purposefully creating opportunities for participation. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for recognition of volunteers, working with partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing an increasing number and diversity of volunteers, including experienced UN Volunteers, throughout the world. UNV embraces volunteerism as universal and inclusive and recognizes volunteerism in its diversity as well as the values that sustain it: free will, commitment, engagement and solidarity.

Context

United Nations Volunteers (UNV) is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development, and it benefits both societies at large and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally, encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers. In most cultures volunteerism is deeply embedded in long-established, ancient traditions of sharing and support within the communities. In this context, UN Volunteers take part in various forms of volunteerism and play a role in development and peace together with co-workers, host agencies and local communities. In all assignments, UN Volunteers promote volunteerism through their action and conduct. Engaging in volunteer activity can effectively and positively enrich their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between themselves and the people in their host community. This will make the time they spend as UN Volunteers even more rewarding and productive.

Task Description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Regional Manager or his/her designate, and responding to Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) management, the UNV ROLAC Communications Specialist will provide support in: Content Development and Editorial Production • Develop and deliver results- and evidence-based content that showcases the contributions of UN Volunteers and advances the value of volunteerism, including UNV good practices in volunteer mobilization across the region. • Lead regional editorial planning and production for the UNV website, ensuring alignment with UNV’s global communications priorities and corporate guidelines. • Research, curate, develop briefs, and edit evidence-based UNV narratives align with corporate priorities, packaging content in multiple formats, including reports, brochures, fact sheets, newsletters, summaries, videos, animations, speeches, and stories. Creative Campaigns and Content Delivery • Conceptualize and coordinate creative communications campaigns from concept note to implementation, including defining content workflows, coordinating inputs, and managing timelines across teams and partners. • Edit and publish content across digital and in-person channels, including web and social media platforms, conveying key messages to target audiences, with a particular focus on UNV mobilization and talent acquisition. • Implement and manage tools and processes that enable Field Units to submit content for corporate communications purposes, ensuring quality, consistency, and timely delivery. Work Planning, Coordination, and Process Support • Support the implementation, monitoring, and reporting of the Regional Office communications annual work plan, including coordination with regional stakeholders and Field Units. • Support the identification of trends, the application of innovative approaches, and the rollout of pilot initiatives to improve Regional Office communications products, content creation, and processes. • Coordinate with the RO Results-Based Management Specialist, Portfolio Specialists, Programme Assistants, Senior Management, and Field Units to ensure accurate and timely delivery of communications inputs. Stakeholder Engagement, Events, and Operational Support • Coordinate with UN agencies, talent partners, and other relevant regional stakeholders to publish UNV communication products through external channels and promote collaboration and joint communications campaigns. • Support Field Units in preparing media tools and key messages for corporate observances, liaise with external partners, and support the organization and reporting of corporate events and milestones at the Regional Office level. • When needed, support the management of suppliers and vendors involved in communications activities, including follow-up and quality control. Digital Communications / Social Media • Advise on the strategic use of social media platforms by recommending which content formats and messages are best suited for each channel, in line with UNV communications priorities. • Support the adaptation, review, and refinement of editorial and multimedia content for social media dissemination, ensuring consistency with UNV messaging, branding, and storytelling standards. UNV Branding and Content Creation Standards • Ensure the consistent application of UNV branding and content creation standards across written, graphic, and audiovisual outputs. • Review and provide guidance on the correct use of UNV branding and content standards in materials produced by Field Units in the region, ensuring alignment with corporate guidelines and the ONE UNV Brand. • Support colleagues and Field Units by advising on content presentation, tone, structure, and coherence across communication products and platforms.

Competencies and values

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity • Judgement and decision-making • Planning and organising • Professionalism • Self-management

Living conditions and remarks

Panama is a family duty station and considered to be a safe place to live. However, like in any city around the world, it is always good to be aware of your surroundings and to be alert. There is a wide range of goods available in Panama and many modern shopping complexes and department stores and designer stores. There are suitable residential areas, accommodation options, good hospitals, schools, universities, banks, and a wide selection of restaurants. There are beaches, mountains and national parks in the rainforest that are said to have the broadest range of flora and fauna in the world. Panama does not have any serious health concerns to worry about, however, it is important to note that in some areas such as the Darien province, it is recommended to take precautions for malaria. The Centers for Disease Control website also recommends yellow fever vaccination for travel to Darien province and the San Blas islands. Weather: Panama has two seasons, the dry season, which is from January until late April or early May, and the rainy season which is the rest of the year. The daytime temperature ranges between 80 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit with the evenings being cooler by 5 to 10 degrees. The average humidity is 70%. Average cost of living: USD1,120. Currency: Panama Balboa; pegged 1:1 with the US dollar. Internet: High-speed internet is readily available in cities like Panama City, Colon, and David. In remote areas, you'll find DSL, cable, or satellite internet. Panama is a unique country. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, and more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential. https://www.unv.org/ Inclusivity statement United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.