Communication Specialist

Mission and objectives

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) represents the world’s commitment to universal ideals of human dignity. OHCHR has the mandate to promote and protect all Human Rights for all. The High Commissioner for Human Rights is the principal Human Rights official of the United Nations. The High Commissioner heads OHCHR and spearheads the United Nations’ Human Rights efforts. OHCHR offers leadership, work objectively, educate, and take action to empower individuals and assist states in upholding Human Rights including human rights protection. The Office’s priorities expected accomplishments and strategies are set out in the OHCHR Management plan 2024 – 2027, , which guides the Office’s engagement across all pillars and strategic directions, including early warning and prevention, human rights mechanisms, equality and non-discrimination, accountability, and the integration of human rights across the UN system.

The Office also supports the work of the United Nations Human Rights mechanisms, including the Treaty Bodies established to monitor State Parties’ compliance with the core international Human Rights treaties and the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. We promote the right to development, coordinate United Nations Human Rights education and public information activities, and strengthen Human Rights across the United Nations system. We work to ensure the enforcement of universally recognized Human Rights norms, including through promoting both the universal ratification and implementation of the major Human Rights treaties and respect for the rule of law.

The OHCHR Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office (ESARO) supports the implementation of OHCHR’s mandate in the region by providing strategic, technical, and operational support to country engagement. The Office works with regional partners, governments, United Nations Country Teams, and other stakeholders to strengthen national human rights protection systems, support human rights monitoring and reporting, and promote the integration of human rights across the United Nations system. The Office also maintains a strong Ethiopia Country Programme, supporting human rights monitoring and reporting, as well as capacity-building and technical assistance to key government institutions in Ethiopia. Additionally, OHCHR works on strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations, Human Rights Defenders and other relevant stakeholders to engage in the promotion and protection of human rights.

Context

Under the overall supervision of the Regional Director of OHCHR ESARO or his delegated responsibility, the UN Volunteer will be assigned to support OHCHR-ESARO’s communication work.

Task description

The Communications Specialist will support the Office by undertaking a range of tasks focused on communications research, social media content creation, online storytelling, data visualization, media monitoring, and communication material translation. The role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to represent data in multiple formats, ensuring OHCHR communication efforts are effective and impactful.

Within the delegated authority of OHCHR-ESARO Regional Director and the guidance of the Programme Management Officer or their designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Communications Specialist will:

• Conduct research on relevant human rights and humanitarian topics and issues, providing insights and data that inform OHCHR communication.

• Develop, schedule, and monitor content for OHCHR social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) in line with OHCHR communication strategies.

• Support the creation of visuals, graphics, and other multimedia assets using design tools such as CANVA, Adobe InDesign, or equivalent software.

• Craft compelling online stories that highlight the OHCHR’s work in the East African region, turning the office’s work into engaging content for diverse audiences.

• Monitor traditional and social media to track narratives and issues of relevance to human rights work, providing timely reports and insights, as well as content for the web, social media, and/or campaigns.

• Compile press clippings, social media analytics, and monitor public reactions to human rights work.

• Advise the Representative about interviews with media, op-eds, speeches covered by the media, and other public activities with media impact.

• Assist in the preparation and organization of press briefings, conferences, and field missions.

• Collaborate with colleagues across OHCHR and the UN system to ensure communication efforts are coordinated and amplified.

• Identify and liaise with CSOs’ communications units with whom OHCHR can launch collaborative efforts, such as campaigns or other activities.

• Create a database of journalists and media who cover HR in the region and liaise with them and their editors-in-chief so OHCHR becomes a needed referent to them regarding human rights.

• Perform other related duties as assigned, including supporting the implementation of joint UN campaigns.

Skills and experience

• Experience in research, data analysis, content creation, and multimedia design is required.

• Proficiency in English and French is required

• Ability to translate complex information into accessible and engaging content.

• Familiarity with human rights and OHCHR’s mandate is preferred.

• Accuracy and attention to detail in data collection and presentation

• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners and authorities at different levels.

• 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, design, and video editing applications.

• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

• Knowledge of any other UN language is an advantage.

Assignment requirements

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