Mission and objectivesUNFPA operates in Syria under the umbrella of the 8th Country Programme Document (2016-2017) extended to 2019 and the Humanitarian Response Plan. The overall aim of the country office is to contribute to three long-term strategic goals of zero preventable maternal deaths, zero unmet need for family planning, and zero GBV and harmful practices in Syria. To achieve these goals, UNFPA invests in the capacity of the health and social systems and NGOs to provide reproductive, maternal health and GBV services and expand the partnership with local communities and academia. In the absence of UN Women, UNFPA works to enhance womenโs empowerment and gender equality reduce childe marriage and advocate for youth education, inclusiveness and civic participation especially in the light of the SCR 2250 on Youth, peace, and security. UNFPA leads the GBV Sub-sector coordination in Syria as part of the Protection Sector and actively contributes to the work of Health Sector. The key types of UNFPA programmatic services include; static and mobile RH and GBV clinics, Women and Girls Safe Spaces, family protection units, as well as Community Centres with integrated services. Furthermore, UNFPA supplies various types of dignity kits for female and male beneficiaries, several types of reproductive health kits for clinics, and hygiene products for women and girls. UNFPA Country Office is increasing the efforts to contribute to the resilience pillar of HRP, focusing on rehabilitation of basic social infrastructure such as health clinics and community centres, restoration and expansion of quality services with a social inclusion and social cohesion objectives. UNFPA closely cooperates with all UN Agencies present in Syria.
ContextSyria Country Office communication needs have increased due to the recent closure of Whole of Syria Hub which was managing part of the communication and advocacy work as well as visibility of donor support. The landscape in Syria post December 2024 has changed dramatically with new humanitarian needs for returnees, newly displaced populations and impact on services for women and girls. Protection risks have increased as well as overall vulnerability. The changed context required additional communication efforts for the strategic and sustained communication to amplify the situation of women and girls. That said, the communications expert will support addressing technical communication needs of the programme units as well as assisting administrative procedures. Syria CO requires the support of a Communication Specialist to do graphic design, disseminate information on the situation of women and girls and UNFPA programmes, develop key messages to engage and collaborate with media, donors, partners, and the general public to raise awareness. In addition, communication to shift attitudes and practice and negative social norms to support women and girls; and to advocate on the creation of an enabling environment, promote and accelerate the implementation of ICPD. Also , following the closure of the Whole of Syria (WoS) operation, there is an increasing need to strengthen the internal communication capacity within the country office to ensure that UNFPAโs impact and visibility are effectively communicated to internally and to stakeholders, donors, partners, and the public. The transition period has placed additional demands on the Communications Unit to cover expanded responsibilities with limited human resources. This includes managing increased reporting, visibility requirements, and the need to highlight the continued presence and impact of UNFPAโs work in Syria. Donors are requiring more frequent and higher-quality communication materials on impact of investments. It is also crucial in handling administrative, logistical, and financial processes related to procurement, event organization, and supply management, which are essential for smooth operations, particularly in the case of expanded responsibilities as well as coverage.
Task DescriptionWithin the delegated authority and under the supervision of Head of Communication or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the Communication Expert will: 1. Communication and Reporting โ Draft and edit communication materials, reports, and success stories, including ensuring donor compliance on reporting and communications โ Support the implementation of communication strategies in coordination with programme units, and field offices, including Implementing partner communication teams. โ Maintain and update communication databases. โ Support the communication team in showcasing the impact of UNFPA-supported programmes, strengthening partnerships. โ Lead the website content management, graphic design, media production, and social media engagement, which are crucial to ensuring professional and timely communication outputs. 2. Media Production and Visibility โ Support media production efforts to enhance donor visibility through visual production (photo/video), advanced high-quality content creation, including success stories, multimedia materials, and visibility products, and enhancing the reach and effectiveness of UNFPAโs communication campaigns. โ Collaborate with media outlets and partners to promote visibility of UNFPA activities among wider audiences. โ Assist in the creation of engaging content for various communication channels. 3. Event Support and Coordination โ Provide communications related technical support to programme units/field offices/management for events, workshops, and amplify messages through various channels, i.e. social media, mainstreaming media (audio, visual and print media). โ Support the planning and execution of advocacy campaigns related to sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, youth, and population issues (i.e. international days).. โ Ensure proper documentation and visibility during events. โ Provide event coverage (photo/video) within Damascus and in governorates, as requested. โ Conduct advanced editing and production of visual and multimedia materials. โ Assist in managing content and driving engagement across social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube). โ Handle administrative, logistical, and financial tasks, including procurement processes, workshop organization, and payment follow-up. โ Represent the Communications Unit in meetings when delegated. โ Manage the inhouse communications warehouse, including supply planning, dispatch and tracking. 4. Monitoring and Evaluation of Communications Efforts โTrack the effectiveness of communication initiatives through analytics, media monitoring, and reporting on key performance indicators (KPIs).
Competencies and valuesValues: โ Exemplifying integrity, โ Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, โ Embracing cultural diversity, โ Embracing change Functional Competencies: โ Results-based Programme development and management Managing data โ Innovation and marketing of new approaches. โ Advocacy/ advancing a policy oriented agenda. Core Competencies: โ Achieving results, โ Being accountable, โ Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen, โ Thinking analytically and strategically, โ Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships, โ Communicating for impact
Living conditions and remarksAs this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in Damascus National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions. Benefits Package: โข Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) at the amount of USD 919 โข Monthly Expertise Differential (40% VLA) at the amount of USD 367.6 โข Well-being differential USD 275.7 โข Annual and learning leaves โข Medical and life Insurance โข Free access to different learning platforms. For more information on UN Volunteer benefits, entitlements and support, please visit: https://www.unv.org/volunteer-your-country-conditions-service