Communication Associate

Mission and objectivesUN Women, grounded in the vision of equality enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, works for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls; the empowerment of women; and the achievement of equality between women and men as partners and beneficiaries of development, human rights, humanitarian action and peace and security.

ContextIn Cameroon, UN Women is implementing its New Strategic Note for the period 2022-2026 , aligned with UN Women Strategic Plan, UNSDCF and national priorities, which provides a national framework for UN Women’s work for the next five years, focuses on four impact areas (Governance and Participation in Public Life; Economic Empowerment and Resilience; Ending Violence Against Women and Girls; Peace and Security, Humanitarian Action and Disaster Risk Reduction). It articulates how UN-Women will leverage its unique triple mandate, encompassing normative support, UN system coordination and operational activities, to mobilize urgent and sustained action to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls and support the achievement of the 2030 Agenda. In line with its coordination mandate, UN Women promotes coordination and coherence across the UN system to enhance accountability and results for gender equality and women’s empowerment, including through joint programmatic and advocacy actions and initiatives, standardized tools and guidance and services to strengthen the relevant capacities of the UN system. UN Women is chairing the Result Group on Women’s Empowerment under the UNSDCF, which convenes 13 UN agencies and is responsible for implementation of targeted outcome on women’s empowerment in the USDCSF and driving forward gender mainstreaming across the Cooperation framework. Reporting to the Country Representative, the Communications Associate supports the formulation and implementation of the communications and advocacy strategies to increase the standing and awareness of UN Women with partners, the media and the public. The Communications Associate promotes a client-oriented approach in UN Women.

Task DescriptionUN Volunteers should be provided equal duty of care as extended to all host entity personnel. Host entity support to the UN Volunteer includes, but is not limited to: 1. Assist in providing coordination support in the development of a coherent Country Office communications and advocacy strategy: • Assist in providing inputs and background information for the development of the Country Office communication strategy. • Support advocacy efforts and campaigns by organizing roundtable discussions, press conferences, and other publicity events and providing inputs to briefing materials and press releases. • Assist the programme and staff with UN Women corporate communications guidelines and printing norms. • Support the tracking and monitoring of print and social media and report relevant information to senior staff to inform strategy development. 2. Assist in providing coordination support to the development of the Country Office’s advocacy materials: • Support the identification of storylines and achievements within the Country Office for online and print publications. • Assist in drafting press releases, articles, key messages, and other advocacy materials. • Support the coordination of the translation, adaptation, or rewriting of information received for the local context and disseminate materials to appropriate stakeholders. • Assist in coordinating the publication of materials for final approval; maintain relationships with printers/publishers. • Support in maintaining the library/database of reference materials, photos, and digital assets. • Assist in following guidelines from RO/HQ. 3. Support in providing assistance in the management of the Country Office’s social media presence and website: • Assist in identifying stories, and provide input to the development of content for the Country Office website and social media channels. • Support in updating the website and social media channels to ensure consistency in branding. • Assist in researching, compiling, and producing reports on web statistics on a regular basis and electronic surveys, as required. • Support in maintaining files, databases, and systems relevant to the Country Office’s digital presence. 4. Assist in providing media relations support to the Country Office head of office: • Support in serving as a focal point on UN Women activities open to the press, as necessary. • Assist in maintaining and updating a database of relevant press in the country. • Support in responding to requests for information and arranging interviews, as delegated. • Assist in providing substantive inputs to talking points. 5. Assist in supporting the facilitation of knowledge management and sharing: • Support in contributing to the identification of best practices and lessons learned. • Assist in supporting the management of the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Knowledge Center. • Support in organizing trainings and workshops on communication practices. • Assist in providing/exchanging information with HQ and RO. 6. Other: • Support in performing other tasks as assigned by supervisor. • Assist in providing support on special web/digital/media projects undertaken by the Country Office. Results/expected outputs • As an active UN Women team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to UN Women and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

Competencies and values• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations or Journalism.

Living conditions and remarksYaoundé, the capital city of Cameroon, is a relatively safe duty station with moderate levels of security, but it is important to remain aware of the general safety guidelines provided by the organization. The city is accessible via international flights, with the Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport offering regular connections. Domestic travel is generally available by road or air, though road conditions can vary. The climate is typically tropical, with a rainy season from May to October and a dry season from November to April. Temperatures are generally warm year-round, with some humidity. Cultural awareness is essential, especially regarding dress codes. Modesty in attire is recommended, and it is important to respect local customs and traditions. Alcohol consumption is socially acceptable in moderation, but public behavior is expected to remain respectful. The cost of living in Yaoundé is moderate compared to other cities in the region. Accommodation options range from basic apartments to more comfortable housing in expat-friendly areas. Housing is available with varying levels of comfort, and utilities such as water and electricity are generally reliable but may experience occasional outages. Food is widely available in markets and supermarkets, though some imported goods may be more expensive. Safe drinking water is readily available in bottled form, and healthcare facilities are adequate, with several hospitals and clinics offering medical services. However, for more complex medical needs, evacuation to other countries may be required. Banking facilities are available, though cash is often preferred for local transactions. Communication infrastructure is good, with reliable mobile networks and internet connectivity, though occasional disruptions can occur in remote areas. Cameroon is a unique country, and Yaoundé is a unique operational environment. It provides for an interesting and enriching experience, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as greater stamina and commitment to making life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability to work in conditions involving physical hardship and minimal comforts are essential for success in this role