Communications Officer

Mission and objectives

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favouritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated.

Context

UNICEF’s mission is to promote and protect the rights of every child, ensuring that no child is left behind. The Partnership, Advocacy and Communication Section of UNICEF Viet Nam play a key role in advancing this mission by shaping public opinion, narratives, supporting advocacy, priorities, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring consistent, high-quality communication that amplifies children’s voice and rights. In UNICEF Viet Nam Country Programme 2027-2031, partnerships, advocacy, and communication will continue to be central to mobilizing attention, action and resources for children. The office will place increased emphasis on evidence-based advocacy, strategic engagement with government, development partners, media, the private sector and young people, and effective visibility for UNICEF-supported results and partnerships. Building on the contribution of the previous Digital Communication Officer, this assignment will provide continued and broader support to UNICEF Viet Nam’s partnership, advocacy, and communication priorities. The UN Volunteer will contribute to content production, media and social media monitoring, support for special events and partner visibility, documentation of results and stories, and coordination across programme and Partnership, Advocacy and Communication team (PAC) teams to help position UNICEF as a trusted voice and partner for children in Viet Nam.

Task Description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Digital Communication Officer, the Communications Officer will undertake the following tasks:

• Advocacy and messaging: Support the development and adaptation of clear, audience-focused advocacy and communication messages, briefs, talking points, human-interest stories and other materials that reflect UNICEF Viet Nam’s programme priorities and child rights mandate.
• Partnerships and visibility: Support communication and visibility requirements for UNICEF partnerships and donor-supported activities, including drafting and coordinating partner-facing materials, event visibility inputs, photo captions, success stories and donor-recognition content in line with UNICEF branding and visibility guidance.
• Events and campaigns: Provide communication support for key advocacy events, campaigns, workshops and high-level visits, including content planning, speaker notes, press and partner materials, social media packages, photography/video coordination and post-event documentation.
• Digital and public engagement: Support the planning, implementation and monitoring of digital and social media activities that advance UNICEF’s advocacy, resource mobilization, social and behaviour change, partnership and brand objectives, while helping engage key audiences such as youth, media, partners and the wider public.
• Media monitoring and analysis: Support daily and issue-based media and social media monitoring, compile coverage updates, and contribute to reports and recommendations that inform advocacy, partnership and communication decisions.
• Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:
• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UN Volunteer and external publications and take active part in UN Volunteers activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Provide annual and end-of-assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UN Volunteers publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
• Assist with the UN Volunteers Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UN Volunteers Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.
• Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Competencies and values

• Professionalism: Demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNICEF, with technical expertise in communication, digital engagement, and media production. Capable of handling sensitive information with discretion, showing political sensitivity, diplomacy, and tact. Ability to apply sound judgement, coordinate with a wide range of actors, especially senior stakeholders, and manage responsibilities with autonomy and initiative. Resourcefulness, flexibility, and responsiveness in supporting clients, along with the capacity to work independently and objectively.
• Integrity: Uphold and promote the ethical standards of the UN and UNICEF, acting without personal gain and demonstrating integrity in all professional activities. Resilient in maintaining professional ethics in the face of political pressure and swift in addressing unethical behaviour. Exercise authority responsibly, without exploiting power, and ensure decision-making is guided by organizational interests.
• Teamwork and Respect for Diversity: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively across diverse teams, with sensitivity to multicultural, multi-ethnic, and mixed-gender environments. Promote and respect diversity in terms of culture, gender, religion, nationality, and age. Commitment to gender equality and creating an inclusive environment where everyone contributes towards common goals.
• Commitment to Continuous Learning: Demonstrated initiative and openness to acquiring new skills and keeping pace with the latest trends in digital communication, media production, and social media strategies. Adaptability to evolving work environments and willingness to continuously improve personal and professional competencies.
• Planning and Organizing: Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage a large volume of work efficiently. Competence in planning, coordinating, and monitoring tasks, while handling multiple projects concurrently. Capacity to manage deadlines and conflicting priorities in high-pressure situations.
• Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills in both English and Vietnamese, with the ability to prepare concise reports, deliver presentations, and articulate recommendations. Competent in communicating effectively with diverse stakeholders, including local partners, community members, and senior officials. Adept at transferring knowledge to varied audiences.
• Flexibility: Willingness to adapt to different environments, including challenging or remote conditions. Comfortable working independently in demanding situations, with the ability to travel and relocate within operational areas as needed.
• Commitment to UNICEF's Mission and Values: Genuine dedication to UNICEF’s vision of promoting child rights, along with a commitment to volunteerism, solidarity, and self-reliance. Advocate for UNICEF’s core values of equity, inclusion, and sustainable development in all professional activities.

Living conditions and remarks

The incumbent will be based in Ha Noi, which offers an adequate standard of living. Ha Noi has been classified as an “A” duty station since 1 January 2014 under the mobility and hardship classification of duty stations by the International Civil Service Commission. Security situation: Viet Nam is relatively safe. Although there is no recent history of terrorism, attacks cannot be ruled out. Common crimes include petty theft, bag or purse snatching, and pickpocketing, especially in tourist areas and on buses. When walking, avoid carrying visible valuables and avoid using a phone on the street. Access and air travel: Air travel is the most accessible public transport option in Viet Nam, though arrangements should be planned carefully with airport agents. Buses, taxis and motorcycle taxis are widely available, but accessibility should be assessed upon taking up the assignment. Climate: Viet Nam has a tropical climate. The typhoon/cyclone season usually runs from May to November. Ho Chi Minh City has two seasons: rainy season from mid-May to mid-November and dry season for the rest of the year. Northern Viet Nam has four seasons, with winter temperatures sometimes below 10°C. Climate change is making weather less predictable and increasing extreme conditions. Alcohol use: The alcohol law effective from 1 January 2020 requires zero alcohol for drivers. Penalties are severe, including fines of up to VND 40 million, nearly USD 2,000, and driving licence confiscation for 12–24 months. Cost of living: Viet Nam is a growing expat destination and remains relatively affordable. Living costs in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City are higher than in other areas. Accommodation options: Hotels are suitable for short stays, while serviced apartments are common in big cities. Accommodation can be found easily online. Many apartments have elevators, but level floors, steps and other obstacles, including in bathrooms and building access areas, should be checked during the search. Food, water and electricity: Food is diverse and easily accessible, and food delivery services such as GrabFood are common in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City. Water and electricity are public services and are rarely interrupted except in urgent cases; planned cuts are usually communicated to local customers. Medical facilities: Health care in cities is adequate for ordinary treatment, but complex cases may require evacuation. Rural health care is very basic, and many hospitals require payment guarantees before treatment. Viet Nam has a risk of Zika virus transmission. International and private hospitals are generally more accessible than public hospitals. It is important to check advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre and identify suitable services for any specific medical needs. Banking facilities: Viet Nam has state-owned, private, semi-private and international banks. Vietnamese currency is used for daily purchases, while credit and ATM card payments are more accepted in large shopping centres. ATMs are common in cities. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer is responsible for arranging their own housing and other living essentials. You can check full entitlements at the duty station at https://app.unv.org/calculator The complete UN Volunteer Conditions of Service is available at https://explore.unv.org/cos.