The Position:
In January 2025, UNFPA Sierra Leone commenced the implementation of its new Country Programme (2025-2030).ย To ensure successful implementation of the Country Programme, enhanced visibility, and promotion of UNFPAโs work in Sierra Leone is important.
Under the overall guidance of the UNFPA Country Representative, the Media and Communications Associate works closely with the larger UNFPA Programme and Operations Teams using UNFPA and national systems and tools to deliver results. S/he will also work closely with the Local Government, Sister UN agencies, NGOs and partners to achieve the Programmeโs objectives in Sierra Leone.
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How you can make a difference:
UNFPA is the lead UN agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled.ย UNFPAโs strategic plan (2022-2025) reaffirms the relevance of the current strategic direction of UNFPA and focuses on three transformative results: to end preventable maternal deaths, end unmet need for family planning, and end gender-based violence and harmful practices. These results capture our strategic commitments on accelerating progress towards realizing the ICPD and SDGs in the Decade of Action leading up to 2030. Our strategic plan calls upon UN Member States, organizations, and individuals to โbuild forward betterโ, while addressing the negative impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on womenโs and girlsโ access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights, recover lost gains, and realize our goals.
In a world where fundamental human rights are at risk, we need principled and ethical staff who embody these international norms and standards, and who will defend them courageously and with full conviction.
UNFPA is seeking candidates that transform, inspire and deliver high-impact and sustained results. We need staff who are transparent, exceptional in how they manage the resources entrusted to them and who commit to deliver excellence in programme results.
Job Purpose:
The Communications and Media Associate will provide support to the Communications Unit, assisting in the implementation of communication and media strategies to enhance the visibility and understanding of UNFPA's work in Sierra Leone. This role will support directly the Representative with communication initiatives.
You would be responsible for:
1. ย Successful Implementation of the Country Programme through:
Implementation of an information and communication strategy for the Country Office Liaises with UNFPA Headquarters and Regional Information Officers in support of media activities of the Country Office. Networks and works closely with information and communications specialists at other UN agencies in Sierra Leone and participates in the Inter-Agency Communication Officersโ meetings. Attends meetings, press briefings and other public events as needed.2. ย Audio-visual Content Productionย
Lead photography and maintenance of an up-to-date photo bank of high-resolution images capturing the Country Officeโs interventions. Lead the conceptualization, filming, and editing of video content for the Country Office Support vendors working on high-level audiovisual content with concept guidance,ย scripting, and editing. Ensure branding and style compliance in the production of all audiovisual content. Prepares specific briefing materials, background papers, other custom publications and exhibition materials Plans and organizes travel to locations throughout Sierra Leone to gather information, research topics, film and photograph specific sites and interviews public figures and programme target groups to document activities for use in publications, websites or video documentaries.3. ย Graphic Design and Product Development
Lead the graphic designing of communication and public information products such as briefs, reports, newsletters, flyers and factsheets, posters, Social Media cards, etc. Developed a bank of infographic cards capturing information and data on Country Office intervention areas and adapted to various platforms, including social media. Ensure compliance with UNFPAโs branding standards and guidelines at the UNFPA-supported facilities. Liaise with and support partners delivering high-quality graphic design products for events and activities held in partnership with UNFPA/donors4. ย Engagement with traditional and non-traditional media
Engage social media to promote the ICPD agenda and UNFPAโs programme in Sierra Leone Establish a network of key media network and personnel and maintains good relationships with Journalists working on issues related to sexual and reproductive health, population and gender. Contributes to design and implementation of key Media and Communications materials including materials to promote UNFPAโs three transformative results in Sierra Leone Oversees media assistance including the drafting and issuing of press releases, maintenance of a media contact list and distribution of current information materials to the press In collaboration with the IT focal point, oversees the update of the UNFPA Sierra Leone website.Qualifications and Experience:
Education:ย
High School Certificate Bachelor's degree in communications, mass media or a related field.ย
Knowledge and Experience:
A minimum of six (6) yearsโ experience (with a high school certificate) or three (3) yearsโ experience (with a bachelorโs degree) in communication, media relations, and/or knowledge management. Excellent graphic designing and practical experience of using relevant content software (Photoshop and Adobe Premiere Pro and Canva). Demonstrable ability to manage information collection and reporting, planning and prioritization. Good knowledge of photography and image editing Excellent coordination skills, and an ability to follow instructions, work under pressure and independently as part of a team. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills. Details Oriented.ย
Languages:
Fluency in English (oral and written) is a requirementRequired Competencies:
Values:
Exemplifying integrity Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system Embracing cultural diversity Embracing changeCore Competencies:
Achieving results Being accountable Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen Thinking analytically and strategically Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships Communicating for ImpactFunctional Competencies:
Business acumen Providing logistical support Managing data Managing documents, correspondence and reports Managing information and workflow Planning, organizing and multi-taskingUNFPA Work Environment:
UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of equality, diversity, integrity, and healthy work life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply.
Compensation and Benefits:
UNFPA offers an attractive remuneration package including a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits as applicable.
Disclaimer:
UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Fraudulent notices, letters or offers may be submitted to the UNFPA fraud hotline http://www.unfpa.org/help/hotline.cfm