Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Regional Office for West and Central Africa (ROSEN), Division for Operations (DO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) with duty station in Dakar, Senegal. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator leading the Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (TIP/SOM) Programme Team, and the overall supervision of the Senior Law Enforcement Officer and the Representative of ROSEN. For more information on UNODC, please visit the website www.unodc.org


Responsibilities

Within assigned authority, the Associate Media and Communications Officer will provide assistance to the development of the media and communication strategy of the Trafficking in Persons and Smuggling of Migrants (TIP/SOM) programming area. S/he will be responsible for providing support to the management of the secretariat functions. As Team member, the incumbent will liaise with the national focal points on a daily basis, as well as with internal and external partners to ensure the operationalization and functioning of the mechanism. The incumbent will be responsible for the following specific duties: • Provide substantive support to promoting the work of UNODC against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants in West and Central Africa within the overall framework of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children and the Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air, both supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime. • Support the development, maintenance and updating of the programming area’s advocacy and communication strategy and associated workplan at the regional level in consultation with the Supervisor and colleagues. • Provide substantive support to promoting a better understanding of trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants’ issues as well as the work conducted by the Team to assist states in countering these thematic areas in West and Central Africa by carrying out media, information and communication campaigns on various platforms. • Draft and edit key external information material, including brochures, web stories, press releases, briefing points and official discourses. Draft articles on Team’s activities in West Africa together with original stories related to trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants (feature stories, photo stories and Press notes). • Design, launch and support the Team’s website together with its communication and advocacy strategy. Update website and Social Media Management by preparing new material and updating daily and weekly content for the Team’s website and Social Media platforms. • Assist with Media Monitoring and flagging of trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants’ issues reported in the media (online, print and broadcast). • Sort, produce and maintain a photo and video gallery with content from the Team’s projects in West Africa and Central Africa. Assist with the design, production and dissemination of the Team’s publications and reports. • Participate in key events, conferences, workshops and networks, as needed. • Assist with the development and implementation of communication and awareness-raising activities. Support the design and implementation of the International day for Victims of Trafficking (Blue Heart Campaign) and International Migrant’s day. • Establish Team’s database (Media and Stakeholders) for information and media dissemination. • Maintain close collaboration with regional Communication Advisers from other agencies and UNODC HQ Communication Officers for effective overall coordination. Maintain close collaboration with local media and influencers. • Attend UN Communications Group meetings and participate in joint activities as required. • Respond to other media and communication related requests as needed. • Provide substantive support and assistance with programme management tasks, including the development, implementation and monitoring of assigned projects and their activities, as required. • Compile information on best practices in the fight against trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants and facilitate information sharing at the regional level. • Contribute to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provide draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Perform other work-related duties as required.


Competencies

Professionalism: Has knowledge of the full range of communications approaches and tools, strong social media skills and ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Has demonstrated subject matter expertise and judgment. Is able to work with a high degree of autonomy in line with established procedures in a politically sensitive environment. Shows personal initiative and accountability. Has ability to handle information objectively, accurately and confidentially. Has ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.


Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in journalism, communication, media with a focus on social science, international relations, political science, law, public administration or related fields is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A first-level university degree and no experience will be accepted for candidates who have passed the United Nations Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P).


Work Experience

A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in journalism, communication or media OR the successful completion of the Young Professionals Programme Examination (YPP), the United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P) is required. Work experience in applying ethical standards in reporting on migration, human rights, crime prevention or criminal justice is required. Work experience in writing and editing articles, including for the web, and conducting interviews is required. Work experience with photography, filming or video-editing is desirable. Work experience within the United Nations system or similar international organizations in the thematic areas of migration, trafficking in persons or human rights is desirable. Work experience in a field environment is desirable. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.


Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English and French is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage.