General

Description of assignment title

Communications Expert

Assignment country

Malawi

Duty stations

Lilongwe

Work location

On UN premises

Expected start date

01/04/2027

Duration

6 months (with possibility of extension)

Sustainable Development Goal

Partnerships for the goals

Host entity

UNICEF

Modality

Onsite

Type

National

Volunteer category

Expert UCoS from Apr2026

Work schedule

Full-time

Number of Assignments

Details

Mission and objectives

UNICEF works in some of the world's most challenging environments to reach the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children. Guided by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, UNICEF operates in over 190 countries and territories to save lives, defend children's rights, and help every child realize their full potential. Working every day for every child, UNICEF strives to build a better future through equity, inclusion, and sustainable development.

The UNICEF Malawi Country Programme supports the Government of Malawi in fulfilling its commitments to uphold and advance the rights of children and women. The programme is aligned with national development priorities and contributes to improving outcomes for children through integrated, evidence-based, and innovative approaches. Guided by the principles of children's rights, equity, gender equality, inclusion, resilience, and accountability, UNICEF works to ensure that every child has the opportunity to survive, thrive, learn, and be protected.

UNICEF Malawi's vision is that all children, particularly the most disadvantaged and vulnerable, realize their rights and reach their full potential. The programme focuses on strengthening systems and services in health, nutrition, education, child protection, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), social policy, and emergency preparedness and response. UNICEF also promotes community engagement, social inclusion, adolescent development, and resilience to climate and other shocks, while strengthening evidence generation, monitoring, innovation, and partnerships to achieve sustainable results for children.

At the heart of UNICEF's work is the commitment to leave no child behind, ensuring that the most vulnerable girls and boys have equitable access to opportunities and services that enable them to survive, develop, participate, and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

Context

The United Nations Volunteer (UNV) Communication Expert will provide strategic communications support to UNICEF Malawi’s Communication, Advocacy and Partnerships (CAP) Section. The Expert will help translate programme priorities and evidence into compelling narratives, integrated communication plans and high-impact public engagement that advance child rights, strengthen UNICEF’s positioning and reputation, and demonstrate results to partners and the public. Working across programme teams and with external stakeholders, the Expert will advise on communication approaches; lead the planning and delivery of priority campaigns, media engagement and digital communication; identify and manage reputational risks; and ensure consistent, ethical and measurable communication across channels. The assignment requires an experienced communications professional with a proven record of delivering high-quality communication strategies, campaigns, media products, digital content, executive materials and results reporting.

Task description

Within delegated authority and under the supervision of the Chief of Communication, Advocacy and Partnerships, or a designated representative, the UNV Communication Expert will provide strategic advice and hands-on leadership across the following areas:

a) Strategic communication planning, positioning and storytelling

Develop and implement integrated communication plans aligned with UNICEF Malawi’s programme priorities, advocacy objectives, partnership goals and key moments.
Translate programme evidence and results into compelling human-interest stories, feature articles, briefs, press releases, speeches, talking points and social media content for diverse audiences.

b) Digital and social media management

Plan and develop editorial calendars and content for UNICEF Malawi’s website and social media channels, ensuring timely, audience-focused and platform-appropriate content.
Use digital analytics and audience insights to optimize content, strengthen engagement and report on reach, quality and outcomes.
Coordinate the production of multimedia assets and maintain high standards for accuracy, consent, accessibility, branding and safeguarding.

c) Media relations and public Information

Develop and implement proactive media engagement plans and maintain trusted relationships with journalists, editors and media houses.
Identify newsworthy opportunities, pitch stories, coordinate interviews and support media coverage of UNICEF priorities, results, events and campaigns.
Prepare high-quality media advisories, press releases, key messages, question-and-answer briefs and executive talking points.

d) Public Advocacy Campaigns

Lead the design, planning, implementation and evaluation of integrated public advocacy campaigns on priority child-rights issues.
Develop campaign strategies, audience journeys, key messages, creative briefs, scripts and communication materials in collaboration with programme teams and partners.
Coordinate government, media, youth, civil society, and private sector engagement to expand campaign reach and influence.
Set measurable indicators, track performance and document results, lessons and recommendations for future communication.

e) Events management

Support planning and execution of UNICEF events such as launches, press briefings, field missions, donor visits, community engagements and high-level advocacy meetings.
Coordinate logistics, branding, media presence and documentation for events.
Prepare event briefs, talking points, speeches and post-event communication materials.
Ensure events reflect UNICEF’s communication standards and visibility guidelines.

f) Coordination, quality assurance and results management

Coordinate communication inputs across the CAP Section, programme teams, senior management, regional and headquarters colleagues, and external partners to ensure coherent planning and messaging.
Manage communication workplans, production schedules and assigned budgets, and oversee external suppliers and consultants against clear briefs, deliverables and quality standards.
Establish practical monitoring frameworks and prepare concise performance reports that demonstrate communication reach, engagement, influence and contribution to programme and advocacy results.
Build the communication capacity of colleagues and partners through coaching, guidance, templates and quality feedback.

Results/expected outputs:

As an active CAP team member, the UNV will be expected to render efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support to UNICEF and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including:

A prioritized six-month communication workplan, with clear audiences, deliverables, milestones, responsibilities and performance indicators, is agreed and implemented.
High-quality strategic and editorial products including communication plans, stories, press releases, briefs, speeches, talking points and digital content are delivered on time and to UNICEF standards.
Priority public advocacy campaigns are planned and implemented with measurable audience reach, engagement and documented results.
UNICEF Malawi’s digital channels are supported by a consistent editorial calendar, stronger content quality and regular performance analysis.
Proactive media engagement generates accurate, timely and positive coverage, while emerging issues and reputational risks are identified and addressed promptly.
Major events, donor visits and high-level engagements are supported by coherent communication packages, strong visibility and timely follow-up products.
Monthly analytics and concise results reports inform management decisions and demonstrate communications’ contribution to advocacy and programme priorities.
Age, Gender and Diversity perspectives are systematically applied, integrated and documented throughout the assignment.
A final statement documents achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development, including activities undertaken and capacities strengthened.

Eligibility criteria

Age

18 - 80

Required experience

7 years

Nationality

Candidate must be a national, legal resident or hold refugee status in the country of assignment.

Assignment requirements

Relevant experience

7 years

Languages

English, Level: Fluent, Desirable

Required education level

Master's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, International Relations, Development studies or a related field is preferred.

A first university degree combined with additional relevant professional experience may be accepted.

At least 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in strategic communications, media relations, digital communication, advocacy, campaigns, public relations or a related field is strongly preferred.

Candidates must demonstrate a proven track record of independently leading and delivering core communication products and initiatives from strategy and planning through implementation, quality assurance, measurement and reporting.

Competencies and values

Professionalism: understands UNICEF-relevant operations, rules and procedures; applies sound judgement, discretion and political sensitivity; works independently, takes initiative and manages information accurately, objectively and confidentially; is responsive and client-oriented.
Integrity: upholds UN and UNICEF values and ethical standards; acts in the organization’s interest, resists undue pressure and does not abuse power or authority.
Teamwork and respect for diversity: works effectively across teams and cultures; builds strong partnerships; respects diversity; supports gender equality and helps colleagues achieve shared goals.
Commitment to continuous learning: shows initiative, learns new skills and adapts to changing work needs.
Planning and organizing: sets priorities, manages competing deadlines and coordinates work efficiently under pressure.
Communication: communicates clearly in writing and speech; presents options and recommendations concisely; shares information effectively with diverse audiences.
Flexibility: adapts to changing, demanding or remote working conditions and is willing to travel or relocate within the area of operations when needed.
Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNICEF’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

Skills and experience

Demonstrated experience developing and implementing integrated communication strategies and workplans linked to organizational or programme results.
A strong portfolio of high-quality writing and editing, including stories, press releases, briefs, speeches, talking points, web content and social media copy.
Proven experience leading public campaigns, media engagement and digital content planning, with evidence of measurable reach, engagement or influence.
Demonstrated ability to advise senior colleagues, distil complex evidence into clear messages and tailor communication for government, donors, media, partners and the public.
Experience using media monitoring, social media analytics and other performance data to identify risks, refine approaches and report results.
Sound knowledge of brand management, ethical storytelling, informed consent, child safeguarding and reputational risk management.
Experience coordinating multimedia production, events, external suppliers and multiple stakeholders against deadlines and quality standards.
Excellent judgement, political sensitivity, organization and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively under pressure.
Experience with the United Nations, an international development organization or a child-rights organization is an asset; familiarity with the Malawi media and communication environment is desirable.

Area(s) of expertise

Communication, advocacy, public information, Data science, information management, Artificial Intelligence, Digital and social media

Driving license

Other information

Volunteerism is understood as a wide range of activities undertaken of free will, for the general public good, for which monetary reward is not the principal motivating factor.

Living conditions and remarks

As a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.

Inclusivity statement

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

Reasonable accommodation

UNICEF offers reasonable accommodation for UN Volunteers with disabilities. This may include, for example, accessible software, travel assistance for missions or personal attendants. We encourage you to disclose your disability during your application in case you need reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process and afterwards in your assignment.

Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements

In addition to duty station-specific vaccine requirements, appointments are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the appointment. It does not apply to UN Volunteers who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their contracts.

Scam warning

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

- Exercise editorial quality assurance and ensure all products meet UNICEF brand, accessibility, ethical storytelling, child safeguarding and visibility standards.
Exercise editorial quality assurance and ensure all products meet UNICEF brand, accessibility, ethical storytelling, child safeguarding and visibility standards.

Communications Expert, Lilongwe