Background

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme 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 society 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.

Under the direct supervision of the UNV Country Coordinator with the matrix support and supervision of the Communications Associate in RO Amman/Istanbul. The Communications Assistant is responsible for assisting the Field Unit in maintenance of online presence, and outreach efforts of the Field Unit during the International Volunteers Day (IVD) and other corporate events.

Living Conditions:

Turkey is normally a pleasant country to live and work in. UNICEF has its country office in the capital, Ankara, and one field office (FO) in Gaziantep province of the South East region of the country. The UNVs will be based in the CO in Ankara.   

The majority of provinces (64 of 81 provinces) in Turkey are assessed to be at Security Level 1, Minimal. Security Level 2, Low, is applied to Istanbul, Agri, Gaziantep, Sanliurfa and Kilis provinces. Security Level 3, Moderate, is applicable to Van, Tunceli, Siirt, Batman, Bitlis, Bingol, Mardin, Mus and Hatay provinces. Security Level 4, Substantial, applies to Diyarbakir, Hakkari and Sirnak provinces. Missions to Hakkari and Sirnak provinces remain temporarily restricted. Night travel is prohibited in Security Level 3 and 4 areas, and Agri and Igdir province.  

Like other UN personnel, Personal and Home Security is your own responsibility. UNDSS will give you a Security Briefing upon your arrival, including information on travel restrictions and standard procedures for obtaining approvals for travel.  

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.

Duties and Responsibilities

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of UNV Country Coordinator or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Communication Assistant will:

• Support Field Unit in the preparation of media tools and messaging in preparation of the International Volunteers Day (IVD);
• Liaise with external and internal partners to ensure continued support during the International Volunteers Day (IVD) and other corporate events;
• Support Field Unit in the development of online and print materials for the promotion of outreach events and campaigns;
• Promote field level UNV activities, conduct interviews with the UN Volunteers and collect volunteer success stories through mass media, social media networks and printed editions in cooperation with the UNV RO Communications team;
• Assist with regular communication flows on promotion and advocacy for the UNV modality and volunteerism for peace and development with the focus on SDGs;
• Prepare up-to-date information, articles, and publishing content based on corporate rules and priorities;
• Manage UNV FU’s social media platforms, monitor conversations and comments, keep track of social media analytics and convey key messages to target audiences on the web.
• Provide communicational support to the UNV Regional Office in Istanbul if required.

• 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 UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV 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 UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
• Assist with the UNV 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 UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/expected outputs:

• One UNV story from the field on monthly basis is developed and shared through UNV Field Unit’s social media accounts;
• Inspiring Volunteerism related stories, in Turkey are collected and shared during IVD outreach campaign and social media tools;
• IVD preparations and outcomes are shared with mass media, with UN and Non-UN partners;
• Press releases are prepared for each major event UNV Field Unit is (co-)organizing in Turkey, following relevant SOP;
• At least 2 partner agencies include information or stories relevant to UNV in their publications.
• UNV vacancies are designed and shared on social media within deadlines;
• UNV Regional Office is assisted/supported in the delivery of the regional IVD campaign;
• Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment
• A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of social media usage is increased; activities participated in and capacities developed.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

• Innovation: Ability to make new and useful ideas work
• Leadership: Ability to persuade others to follow
• Communication: Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform
• Delivery: Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement

• Technical/functional
• Research: Knowledge of analytical tools, market research and methods for undertaking substantive research on various policy related issues
• Marketing: Ability to communicate the value of a product or service
• Web Design: Ability to create and design web content

Values:

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UN Volunteers; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UN Volunteers procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;
• Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UN Volunteers in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority;
• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;
• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
• Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;

• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
• Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary;
• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UN Volunteers’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Required Skills and Experience

Required Degree Level: Secondary Education

Required Experience: minimum 2  years

Education, qualifications, skills, experience, areas of expertise:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant area, e.g. Training in editing/writing/publishing;
• University degree in journalism or communication is desirable but is not a requirement;
  • At least 2 years of relevant work experience; experience in web content editing/publishing highly desirable.
  • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
  • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;

• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with graphic design tools, database management; and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
• Sound security awareness;
• Have affinity with volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Language skills

      Fluency in spoken and written English and Turkish is required;

Disclaimer

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme which welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture.

United Nations Volunteers reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this opening for other openings with United Nations Volunteers with similar assignment description, experience and educational requirements.