Communication Officer (Donor Relations and Brand) at UNICEF

The UNICEF Malawi Country Programme (2024-2028) works through a One-UN approach based on the new United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSCDF) Strategic Priorities. 2024-2028).  All four strategic priorities of the UNSCDF2024-2028 hold significance to UNICEF and the priorities identified for children: i) Economic Development, ii) Governance, iii) Human Capital Development, and iv) Climate Change. UNICEF co-leads the further elaboration and results in developing the Human Capital Development strategic priority. The intent of the UNICEF Country Programme Document (CPD )2024-2028 is fully aligned with these priorities, which are also directly linked to the pillars of Malawi Vision 2063, and the Malawi Implementation Plan (MIP, 2030). To this extent, UNICEF’s strategy for the CPD includes Child Survival and Development (Health, Nutrition and WASH), Education, Learning and Child Protection, Social Policy (Social Protection and Public Finance for Children), Gender Equality, Inclusion and Innovation within a robust evidence-informed environment. These are focus areas under the Human Capital Development Enabler of the MIP (2030). The Country Programme envisages the progressive fulfilment of the rights to survival, development, education, protection and participation of all children, including adolescents, especially the most vulnerable and those at risk of being left behind, in an inclusive, resilient and protective environment. Besides Malawi’s 2063 vision and 2021–2030 implementation plan (MIP), the African Union’s Agenda 2063; UNICEF’s Strategic Plan, Gender Action Plan III, Innovation Strategy; and the SDGs. The country programme includes child survival and development, learning, skills development and protection, and social policy. All components are supported by the programme and operational effectiveness and efficiency imperatives. Risk-informed programming across the humanitarian and development nexus in all three outcome areas will strengthen disaster preparedness, enhance climate adaptation/mitigation and response, and increase the resilience capacity of institutions, communities and young people. Programming aligns with UNICEF Core Commitments for Children in Humanitarian Action and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee’s Transformative Agenda.

One of the key roles within the Communication Advocacy and Partnerships (CAP) Section is to build donor trust by ensuring visibility of their programmes and through quality reporting.  The team is furthermore dedicated to branding and positioning UNICEF as the leading child rights player in Malawi, while advocating for children’s rights. Through strategic donor engagements and proactive resource mobilization, we aim to ensure that we have mobilized resources essential for the success of UNICEF Malawi’s programmes to make a real difference in the lives of children. As Communication Officer (Donor Relations and Brand), you will be at the forefront of enhancing the country office’s donor relations engagement, brand visibility for UNICEF and supporting emergency response.

How can you make a difference?

The Malawi Country Office offers an exciting and rewarding career opportunity for you to join our dynamic Communication Advocacy and Partnerships (CAP) team. In your role as Communication Officer (Donor Relations and Brand), you will be responsible for supporting the overall communication and advocacy goals of the country office, and specifically enhance its partner engagement and donor visibility plans to contribute to improved donor relations and fundraising.  Additionally, you will support smooth project management activities within the CAP Section, the country office’s overall brand and visibility goals and contribute to strategic communication output in emergency contexts. In your role, you will report to the Chief Communication, Advocacy and Partnership for general guidance, while you will be providing technical support on communication and advocacy in partnership with Chiefs of Sections and Programme Managers.

This position therefore offers a unique opportunity for a qualified, motivated and committed individual to make a significant impact on quality reporting and donor relations and branding. By excelling professionally, you will contribute to the overall achievement of transformative results for children by delivering on the following key responsibility areas, but not limited to:

1. Partnerships and Donor Relations

1. Creating and implementing donor visibility plans for major new and existing grants and updating the generic donor visibility strategy.
2. Coordinating closely with the Partnerships Specialist to ensure communication and visibility requirements are met for donor reports.
3. Managing partner/donor related events, including the preparation of communication and branding assets.
4. Creating a partner engagement calendar for partner and national committee field visits to support the country’s offices resource mobilization initiatives and donor stewardship.

2. Communication asset generation 

1. Producing quality multimedia content and stories to support the country office priorities to strengthen fundraising and UNICEF’s role as the leading voice of children in Malawi.
2. Developing quality communication and media plans for humanitarian emergency response.
3. Contributing as part of the CAP Section, for the smooth functioning and planning of key public ‘moments’.
4. Supporting the Chief, Communication, Advocacy and Partnerships in the successful management and coordination of communication with consultants to ensure that they are supporting the section’s communication deliverables.

3. Develop and maintain the UNICEF brand and visibility 

1. Producing and monitoring the implementation of UNICEF Malawi Country Office’s brand and visibility strategy.
2. Supporting the production of visibility assets, ensuring compliance with UNICEF branding guidelines.

Method of Application

You are encouraged to download the detailed job description  TOR – TA NOB Communication Officer (Donor Relations and Brand)_advert copy.pdf in order to view the full role and its requirements.

To qualify as a champion for every child you will have…

Education:

• A university degree in Communications, Journalism, Social Sciences, International Relations, Management, etc.

Experience

• At least two years of progressively responsible professional work experience at the national or international levels in one or a combination of the following fields of work: communication, donor relations.
• Proven experience in developing communication and donor relations strategies, also in writing press releases, stories, social media posts in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrable experience in designing and developing reports for donors, and other key stakeholders.
• Experience of project management of high-level events.
• Experience of interviewing families and individuals living in rural / remote terrains and writing stories / report based on interviews, evidence gathered.
• Experience of budgetary management.
• Engagement with a variety of stakeholders, including donors and representatives of the government considered a strong asset.
• Experience of delivering communication output in emergency situation considered an asset.
• Previous experience in a UN agency is considered a strong asset.

Technical knowledge and skills:

• Excellent technical skills in writing, in particular story-telling and reporting.
• Strong skills in leading and organizing high-profile events, including visits.
• Strong skills in creative development and content generation.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to engage easily with a variety of personalities, from prominent figures to engaging with young people and children.
• Skills in photography, and developing engaging presentations.
• Strong coordination skills.
• Quick learner and team player.
• Ability to work under pressure and in multicultural environment.

Language:

• Fluency in English required with strong verbal and written skills. Knowledge of the local working language (Chichewa) is an asset.

Apply Now

Advertised: 30 Apr 2024 South Africa Standard Time
Deadline: 14 May 2024 South Africa Standard Time