Communications Support Specialist job in #Brussels, #Belgium/ UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction

Result of Service

Advocacy
Advance the case for DDR in Central Asia so that it is recognized as an essential contributor to sustainable development so that all stakeholders are convinced with the need for coordinated, urgent, strategic action

Influence
Improve awareness of UNDRR and its role in catalysing and realising efficient and impactful action around disaster risk reduction through the Central Asia Initiative, including through the implementation of the Sendai Framework so that interest, participation and investment are increased

Engage
Create opportunities for collaboration through the Central Asia Initiative, leveraging and knowledge sharing around shared DRR objectives so that policies and activities are harmonized and contribute to shared goals

Change
Contribute to reducing the impact of disaster through supporting the implementation of the

Sendai Framework and developing targeted, participatory advocacy campaigns and behaviour change interventions in line with the Central Asia Initiative, so that risks are reduced, and resilience promoted, in key vulnerable populations and locations.

Work Location

Brussels.

Expected duration

As soon as possible for a period of 6 months.

Duties and Responsibilities

Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of efforts to reduce disasters and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in both developed and less developed countries. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary- General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG), UNDRR has over 100 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices. Specifically, UNDRR guides, monitors, analyses and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, supports regional and national implementation of the Framework and catalyses action and increases global awareness to reduce disaster risk working with UN Member States and a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians and the science and technology community.

The key focus of the consultancy is communications support for the Central Asia initiative currently implemented by UNDRR with the financial support of the European Commission in order to strengthen disaster and climate resilience in the five countries of the sub-region.

Responsibilities
Under the overall supervision of the Chief of the Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, and in close collaboration with the programme officer of the Central Asia Initiative and the programme officer in charge of external relations, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

– Strengthen DRR information and awareness raising in Central Asia through communications, development of advocacy materials and communication-related events.
– Support visibility and communication-related actions of the Central Asia Initiative, preparing written articles and social media content in both Russian and English; identifying medial platforms for Russian speaking audiences, support the visibility of activities undertaken as part of the initiative.
– Develop thematic and annual reports related to the Central Asia Initiative.
– Support ROECA in communication-related efforts in the five beneficiary countries in Central Asia through preparing news articles, video clips and photos for the UNDRR website and bulletin on the events taking place in January and the beginning of February
– Support social media activities, in particular, in Russian.
– Build and maintain photo bank related to DRR in Central Asia and Europe.
– Contributes to talking points, speeches, and briefs for meetings with Central Asian focal points and partners.
– Contributes to UNDRR ROECA Office overall communication-related efforts, including on advocacy, the Prevention Saves Lives Campaign in 2022 and its development of a new phase
– Supports the planning of a visibility event for the Central Asia initiative.

Qualifications/special skills

Academic Qualifications: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Communications, Journalism, Development Studies, International Relations, Social Sciences, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience: – Minimum 3 (three) years of experience in journalism or public relations and communications, including social media and other digital media management (Twitter and the web) is required.
-Familiarity with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, disaster risk reduction, and climate change adaptation is desirable.
-Practical experience in developing innovative and effective social media campaigns, including using data for storytelling and publishing stories and editing content is desirable.
-Previous experience with communication work for the UN is considered an asset.

Language: Fluency in English and Russian languages is required.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.