Public Information Associate – UNV jobs in South Sudan

• Location: South Sudan
• Vacancy No: N/A 
• Salary: N/A
• Organization: UNV
• Gender: Both
• Deadline: 2024-02-21

Details
Mission and objectives
The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country.

During times of displacement, we provide critical emergency assistance in the form of clean water, sanitation and healthcare, as well as shelter, blankets, household goods and sometimes food. We also arrange transport and assistance packages for people who return home, and income-generating projects for those who resettle.

Context
The Office of the UNHCR was established on 14 December 1950 by the UN General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It strives to ensure that everyone can exercise the right to seek asylum and find safe refuge in another State, with the option to return home voluntarily, integrate locally or to resettle in a third country (www.unhcr.org).

Conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) in Sudan’s Blue Nile state in September 2011 led to the influx of refugees into South Sudan starting in November 2011. In view of the more recent conflict in Sudan which started in April 2023, additional refugees have been arriving in Maban, with currently a population of 186,000 refugees who have sought protection and assistance from the Government of South Sudan. These refugees have been settled in four camps – Doro, Yusuf Batil, Gendrassa and Kaya – in the Greater Maban County, North Upper Nile state. The Sub-Office in Maban has also been covering the Field Unit in Renk. In view of the continuous underfunding of the operation in South Sudan as well as the ongoing crisis in Sudan, SO Maban plans to increase the visibility of the operations in both locations through the hiring of an experienced Public Information Associate.

Task description
Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Head of Sub-Office or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Public Information Associate will:

• Consolidate information on SO Maban’s operation and activities and identify appropriate
messages for campaigns and appeals.

• Assist in the coordination of the drafting of, situation reports, briefing notes, background material,
talking points, fact sheets, press releases and articles.

• Assist in the development of targeted communications strategies and media packages for the
Maban and Renk situations and/or activities that require focused attention.

• Propose events and initiatives (e.g. commercial, cultural, political and sports) to promote the
work of UNHCR SO Maban and take action as appropriate.

• Assist in planning and organizing advertisements, exhibitions, training seminars, conferences,
meetings, social events and other activities to promote a better understanding of UNHCR’s.
activities and accomplishments by the general public and/or organized groups.

• Support any donor briefings and visits to SO Maban

• 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.

Eligibility criteria
Age
27 – 80

Nationality
Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Requirements
Required experience
3 years of experience in journalism, public information or communication or other relevant programmes. Experience working in the UN or other international development organization is an asset.

At least 3 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level.

Experience with video creation/ editing is an asset.

Excellent oral and written skills in English; 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 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 or interest in the refugee cause, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable, development, and the UN System.

Area(s) of expertise
Communication

Driving license
–

Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required

Required education level
Bachelor degree or equivalent in Journalism, Communication, Political Sciences, Social Sciences, International Relations or related field

Competencies and values
Professionalism: Demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNHCR; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNHCR’s procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy, and to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement.

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 owner’s. resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independent.

Established procedures: Ability to manage information objectively, accurately. confidentially responsive and client oriented.

Integrity: Demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNHCR in daily activities and behaviors, 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 unprofessional or unethical behavior. 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.

Other information
Living conditions and remarks
Bunj, South Sudan is classified as an “E” non-family duty station, in a culturally sensitive setting with minimal educational, health and leisure facilities. It is categorized as a UN Security Level IV with an imposed curfew from 7pm to 6am due to security and crime risks; therefore, working experience in a hardship duty station is desirable.

The highly recommended vaccination in South Sudan is Yellow Fever. Access to South Sudan is restricted to people with evidence of yellow fever vaccination.

Additionally, candidates from Ebola affected countries might be refused entry into South Sudan. There are only two mobile telephone companies. Currently in South Sudan which are ZAIN and MTN providing services and sim cards can be easily bought with cash after registration by the Service provider. There are no fixed telephone lines in South Sudan. There are several hotels and guest houses approved by the UN Security in Juba.

The widely used currency for business transaction is the South Sudan Pounds (SSP). However, due to the high inflation rates, the SSP of recent has been considerably losing value against the USD. Banking facilities are becoming fewer and with a bit of challenge in conducting transactions especially the use of bank credit and debit cards.

Except seven (7) national staff recruited from the local community, all other UNHCR staff including affiliate workforce at Sub-Office Bunj reside within UNHCR accommodation facility in its compound where a curfew is in effect during the night from 7pm to 6am.

Each staff is provided a self-contained/prefabricated and furnished accommodation room (as per the minimum standard of living conditions in the field) with a reasonable rental fee as per the rules governing UNHCR provided accommodation.

The office has power generators sets that provide 24hrs/7days electricity for the entire compound. There is internet connectivity within the entire compound which enables staff members to communicate easily with outside/families through skype, WhatsApp and other social media. There is also MTN mobile services and sim cards can be easily bought with cash after registration by the Service provider.

Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
This UNV assignment is subject to proof of vaccination against Covid-19 with WHO approved vaccine, unless the UNHCR Medical Service approves an exemption from this requirement on medical grounds

APPLY NOW

If you are looking for more UN jobs in South Sudan, please click here: UN jobs in South Sudan