TERMS OF REFERENCE – Digital Communication Specialist (Digital
Transformation Project Communications)
Title:
Level:
Reports to:
Duration:
Location:
Communication Specialist (TA)
L-3
Digital Transition Lead
364 days
NYHQ
Purpose of the Position
UNICEF is leading a multi-year investment project to overhaul UNICEF's global digital engagement and
communications. The Digital Transformation Project (DTIP) centres around a new unicef.org, which will
become a knowledge and advocacy engine for children's rights. The vision of a UNICEF that is innovative,
collaborative, and nimble requires that unicef.org be transformed into a digital platform and content
syndication service that is audience-centred, structured not as a mirror of our internal organization, but
designed in a way that makes sense for the external user.
Under the overall direction of the Digital Transition Lead of UNICEF’s Division of Communication, acting as the
Secretariat of the Digital Transformation Project, this position oversees the project’s Communication Plan,
develop communication materials and conduct communication activities with HQ divisions, Regional and
Country offices during the transformation process. The position is responsible for the planning, execution,
monitoring and evaluation of the overall internal communication strategy of DTIP to ensure active
engagement and participation of UNICEF staff in the development of the project.
The position will also work closely with the Web Technical and Governance Lead, to write and edit digital
governance products, such as guidelines, policies and standards, as part of DTIP.
Main Responsibilities
Manage and execute internal communication strategy for the Digital Transformation Project (DTIP)
 Drafts, evolves, maintains and executes the Communication Plan for DTIP to engage and drive
excitement among internal digital advocates, taking into account team’s inputs and feedback
 Actively creates and disseminates internal communication products such as briefing notes, Global
Broadcast Messages, newsletters, blog posts, FAQs, PowerPoint presentations, and webinars, etc.
 Conceives and produces creative communication products to promote the understanding of the project
among staff such as infographics, videos, and web pages, etc.
 Prepares emails and communication materials to be shared with project stakeholders (Regional and
Country offices, the Project Board, Digital Working Group and other Reference Groups)
 Acts as focal point for communication purposes with interested stakeholders fostering two-way
communication
 Ensures up-to-date information though all communication channels (Yammer, Sharepoint) to keep all
staff informed and engaged during the transformation process
 Promotes transparency on all DTIP project streams by actively sharing information on a regular basis
 Prepares reports to share the status on internal communications periodically or as requested
 Supports communication needs around UNICEF’s emerging digital community of practice
 Organizes communication and training events related to the DTIP
 Works closely with other DTIP project team members on supporting communication activities
 Identifies new opportunities internally and externally with partners to continually improve
understanding of DTIP through trainings and knowledge-sharing.
 Align all communication activities planned and executed with the roll-out plan of the UNICEF Global
Communication Strategy and Public Advocacy.
Provide communication support around digital governance
 As part of DTIP, actively participates in the drafting and editing of digital governance products such as
standards and guidelines around digital best practices and assists with their dissemination.
 Develops toolkits and guidelines for digital content
 Reviews ToRs for digital job postings and develop standardized testing in coordination with subject
matter experts.
Other responsibilities
 May be asked to work on weekends
 May be asked to travel
 Perform other duties as may be assigned
Minimum Qualification
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Advanced university degree in communications, international relations/public affairs, journalism,
marketing, public relations, political science or other related disciplines; or equivalent professional work
experience, combined with a first university degree in a related discipline.
At least five years of professional work experience in digital media and/or digital communication.
Experience with communicating change management a plus
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and presentation skills
Must have strong people skills and be a good diplomatic communicator
Must be very well organized and detail oriented
Knowledge of contemporary development issues, developing country and programme exposure from
field experience, and familiarity with child-related and UNICEF issues, including child rights.
Experience with work in a non-profit organization a plus
Fluency in English; another UN language is an asset.
Competencies
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Proven writing and editing skills, with an excellent command of English and an ability to convey complex
ideas in a creative, clear, direct, and lively style.
Strong diplomatic, interpersonal, and team skills; demonstrated client orientation; sensitized in working
in a diverse and multicultural environment.
Knowledge and applied work experience in web, social media, and mobile principles and technologies
sufficient to execute, lead or advise others in assuring that online communication and audience
engagement tools and channels are fully leveraged.
Strong presentation skills; ability to convey complex information clearly and confidently to a wide range
of staff, including management.
An in-depth understanding and problem-solving approach to project management as it relates to
complex, multifunctional projects.
Ability to prioritize, work well under pressure and capably handle/juggle multiple tasks within tight
deadlines. Experience working with cross-functional teams.
General knowledge of: Communication practice, methodology and practical application. Knowledge of
current theories and practices in communication research planning and strategy.
Fundamentals of working in various media formats – print, audio, video, web etc.
Knowledge on computer systems, including internet navigation, office applications, and specifically,
interactive digital media.
Good understanding of United Nations or other international organizations
UNICEF is a smoke-free environment.
UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male
candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to
apply to become a part of our organization.
Closing date is Wednesday 3 June 2015.
Applications should be sent to: digitalstrategy@unicef.org. When sending to this mailbox, please ensure that
the position you are applying for is quoted on the subject line.
Applicants MUST submit their resume and a signed & dated (not typed) UNICEF P-11.
The Personal History Form (P11) in MS Word format can be downloaded from our website at
http://www.unicef.org/about/employ/index_53129.html.
Please note that acknowledgement of application will be extended only to short-listed candidates.