Communication Consultant – Climate Change

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, gender identity and sexual orientation, as well as persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. UNICEF’s office is accessible to a certain extent, and employees are entitled to reasonable accommodations that are needed for ensuring equitable working conditions.

UNICEF in Serbia is seeking a qualified professional for the assignment of Communication Consultant – Climate Change; Ref. Number: VN 61 – 542201

Air pollution represents the single largest environmental risk to health globally. The World Health Organisation has estimated that air pollution was responsible for more than 550,000 premature deaths in the European Region in 2016, 6,592 of which were attributed to air pollution in Serbia. Air pollution is associated with some of the biggest killers of children, such as pneumonia, which is globally responsible for the deaths of 920,000 children under 5 years of age every year. It is also linked with other chronic respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and asthma which can be debilitating, force children to miss school, and even cause long-lasting damage to their health and wellbeing. 

Local self-governments can significantly influence the lives of children in local communities by creating conditions for them to exercise their rights. In recent observations on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in the Republic of Serbia, the need for further mainstreaming of child and youth participation in policy making, implementation and monitoring processes at national and local levels is emphasized. 

Work Assignment Overview:

To tackle the issue, UNICEF in Serbia, with the support from the Kingdom of Norway, is implementing a two-year project “Schools for Better Air Quality: Citizens-Based Monitoring, STEM Education, and Youth Activism in Serbia”. A part-time consultant will support the development and implementation of a Communication Strategy for the project and a detailed dissemination plan for awareness-raising, social mobilization and advocacy activities by UNICEF and programme partners, and will support the Norwegian Embassy for their communication in relation to this project.

Duration of the assignment: August 2021 – July 2022 (up to 100 workdays, part-time, home-based)

Task description:

Task 1: Develop a Communication and Visibility Strategy for the Air Pollution programme

Task 2: Coordinate the development, fine-tuning and finalisation of the creative concept, visual identity and subsequent communication products with the selected agency, including participation in meetings, field visits, events, photo and video shoot sessions, etc.

Task 3:

• Assist in identifying and engaging public figures to promote the issue and act as influencers
• Compile a list of professionals willing to support the project and to be interviewed by the media
• Prepare and organise briefings for partners, children/adolescents and celebrities
• Coordinate media interviews
• Assist in preparing key messages for social media with high impact advocacy content
• Reference: 2MN3qKmsj-G6Y6a9N0IwqIjIHOXwz4qDocTH3O1Ac4U.

Task 4:

• Assist in identifying friendly media both at local and national level willing to support the coverage of the air pollution programme
• Prepare a detailed list and short description of the themes to be covered in the mainstream and local media (print, TV, radio, online) in cooperation with programme and Communication colleagues
• Liaise with the project partners and friends to secure interlocutors for the agreed upon media interviews and appearances
• Assist in preparing digital media posts and visual products, including making photos and short videos

Task 5: Assist in the organization of events, field visits, etc. including logistical support, follow-up on invitation letters and confirmations

Task 6: Coordinate field visits for the production of the project multi-media and educational materials, including obtaining permissions from the schools, parents, children, etc.

Task 7: Provide administrative and technical support for any other communication activities in the Communication section.

Knowledge/Expertise/Skills required:

• University Degree in the field of Communication or Marketing
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a marketing agency, of which at least 2 years closely related to campaigns, social marketing and communication
• Ability to find appropriate stories to cover in the field
• Excellent command of Serbian and English languages, both written and oral
• Excellent writing skills
• Highly organized with ability to work quickly and efficiently as part of a team
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and under pressure
• Work experience covering UNICEF’s work, and familiarity with early childhood issues is an asset

How to apply:

Qualified candidates are requested to submit their application through UNICEF Vacancies website.

The application must include a financial proposal in RSD as a separate document, providing the following information:

1. Daily rate (all costs included, e.g. health insurance, pension, usage of mobile phone),
2. Daily travel allowance for an overnight stay in Serbia (including accommodation),
3. Transportation costs per km (for travel within Serbia).

The closing date for applications is 2 August 2021. 

Important notes: 

Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified and advance to the next stage of the selection process.

For every child, you must demonstrate UNICEF's core values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability. 

UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. UNICEF also adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.F