Mission and objectives

UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. UNICEF is guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child and strives to establish children's rights as enduring ethical principles and international standards of behaviour towards children. UNICEF insists that the survival, protection and development of children are universal development imperatives that are integral to human progress. UNICEF mobilizes political will and material resources to help countries, particularly developing countries, ensure a "first call for children" and to build their capacity to form appropriate policies and deliver services for children and their families. UNICEF is committed to ensuring special protection for the most disadvantaged children – victims of war, disasters, extreme poverty, all forms of violence and exploitation, and those with disabilities. UNICEF responds in emergencies to protect the rights of children. In coordination with United Nations partners and humanitarian agencies, UNICEF makes its unique facilities for rapid response available to its partners to relieve the suffering of children and those who provide their care. UNICEF is non-partisan and its cooperation is free of discrimination. In everything it does, the most disadvantaged children and the countries in greatest need have priority. UNICEF aims, through its country programmes, to promote the equal rights of women and girls and to support their full participation in the political, social and economic development of their communities. UNICEF works with all its partners towards the attainment of the sustainable human development goals adopted by the world community and the realization of the vision of peace and social progress enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.

Context

This United Nations Volunteers (UNV) assignment is part of UNICEF’s Communication and Advocacy portfolio. The Jamaica Country Office Communication Team is a small team that needs additional hands-on capacity to support our outputs for our work in advocacy, content production/storytelling, digital innovation and child-youth engagement.

Task Description

Task description: The Assistant Communication Officer supports the development and implementation of communication and advocacy initiatives, ensuring effective outreach and engagement across multiple platforms. The role involves creative, technical, and operational support to enhance visibility, promote key messages, and strengthen public awareness of organizational initiatives. Key Responsibilities 1. Graphic Design and Visual Content Development • Design high-quality visual materials for digital and print platforms, including social media graphics, flyers, one-pagers, and branded items. • Ensure all designs align with organizational branding guidelines and maintain visual consistency. • Translate communication messages into engaging visual formats in collaboration with the communications team. 2. Communications Support • Develop written and visual content tailored to diverse audiences across multiple channels. • Create public information materials, including safety messaging during emergencies. • Support the drafting and review of press releases and digital content. • Design and manage social media content to strengthen digital presence and engagement. 3. Event Coordination and Support • Assist in planning, organizing, and executing events, ensuring smooth logistics and operations. • Design event branding materials, signage, and promotional assets. • Represent the organization at events, engaging stakeholders and promoting key initiatives. 4. Disaster Management and Emergency Communication • Support emergency response activities, including distribution of relief supplies. • Develop communication products such as response plans, preparedness guides, and awareness materials. • Produce multimedia content (videos, graphics) highlighting response efforts and preparedness messaging. 5. Photography and Videography • Capture high-quality images and video content for programs, events, and field activities. • Produce, edit, and deliver multimedia storytelling content aligned with communication goals. • Document program impact through visual storytelling, including work in dynamic and field environments. 6. Website Management and Content Development • Maintain and update website content using a Content Management System (CMS), ensuring accuracy and usability. • Publish web articles, blogs, press content, and multimedia features. • Troubleshoot technical issues and optimize user experience. Expected Outcomes • Enhanced quality and consistency of communication materials. • Increased digital engagement and public awareness. • Effective support for events and campaigns. • Timely and impactful communication during emergencies. • Strengthened visual storytelling and documentation of organizational impact.

Competencies and values

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

Living conditions and remarks

The UNICEF Jamaica office is located in Kingston, the capital city of Jamaica. While crime rates are high, violent crime tends to be concentrated in inner-city areas. There are many residential areas in Kingston that are considered relatively safe and which provide comfortable living conditions in gated communities or townhouse complexes. Public transportation is easily accessible. Risks to UN personnel are considered low. The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. Travel to duty station (will be provided in the event the duty station is not within commuting distance from the place of recruitment. The applicable Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as final repatriation (if applicable) and exit allowance for satisfactory service. Specific UN Volunteer entitlements, including insurance coverage, Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA), Entry / Exit lump sums, among others, are available at: https://app.unv.org/calculator. The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at: https://explore.unv.org/cos.