UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. To save their lives. To defend their rights. To help them fulfill their potential.
Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone.
And we never give up!
For every child, an advocate.
In Nigeria, UNICEF works in a complex humanitarian and development setting to fulfill and protect children's rights in partnership with the government, civil society, children, and families. UNICEF Nigeria is one of the largest UNICEF Country Offices globally - click the link to learn more about UNICEF in Nigeria: https://www.unicef.org/nigeria/
Click here to experience our country through the perspective of our colleagues by clicking on this Link
Background:
The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, in advocacy and in operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated.
There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries.
This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations
How can you make a difference?
Purpose for the job
Under the guidance and supervision of the Chief of Communication, Advocacy and Partnerships, the Communication Associate will be responsible for the below-mentioned tasks and outputs:
Communication Materials: Assist in production and dissemination of communication products and materials to support the Country Office communication strategy, regional and global campaigns, and resource mobilization.
Media Relations: Effective support is provided in developing and maintaining media contacts, materials, and relationships across print, broadcast, and digital platforms to communicate UNICEF’s work to wider audiences.
Media Strategies: Campaigns, special events, and partnerships are supported with tailored media strategies that achieve advocacy, visibility, and fundraising objectives.
Stakeholder Engagement: Contact lists and partnerships with government, UN, media, and civil society stakeholders are maintained and expanded to advance communication, advocacy, and programme goals.
Key functions, accountabilities and related duties/tasks
Summary of key functions/accountabilities:
Communication Materials & Content Development
- Implement tasks from the country Communication Advocacy and Partnerships work plan and strategy.
- Gather and produce content showcasing programme activities, achievements, and human-interest stories.
- Provide support for adaptation and editing of global materials for local relevance across traditional and digital media.
- Support the timely production, quality control, and dissemination of advocacy materials, briefs, and fact sheets.
- Maintain an Advocacy Results Tracker for the Country Office, ensuring it is up to date with reports from collated from NCO and Field Office Communication Officers
- Support with Monitoring and evaluating the reach, use, and effectiveness of communication materials.
2. Media Relations & Strategies
- Maintain and update media contact databases for quick and accurate outreach.
- Support close collaboration with media outlets to increase UNICEF’s visibility.
- Assist in distributing press releases, media kits, background notes, and promotional materials.
- Support in organizing press conferences, interviews, field visits, and media briefings.
- Assist in implementing media strategies for campaigns, partnerships, and special events.
- Work closely with the media monitoring consultant and prepare monthly reports on UNICEF’s visibility.
3. Event & Logistics Coordination
- Assist in planning, budgeting, and execution of flagship and partnership events.
- Manage logistics, including venue booking, vendor liaison, accreditation, travel, and payments.
- Ensure events align with programme objectives and UNICEF visibility standards.
4. Branding & Visibility
- Oversee the production and distribution of branded materials (shirts, decals, promotional items) in compliance with UNICEF branding guidelines.
- Work with audiovisual and design consultants to ensure high-quality, brand-aligned outputs.
5. Procurement, Finance & Budget Oversight
- Manage procurement processes for goods, services, and consultants in line with UNICEF regulations.
- Administer Direct Cash Transfers (DCTs) with government counterparts, ensuring accountability.
- Process vendor and hotel payments and track event-related disbursements.
- Monitor section budget lines, including fund reservations and expiring funds, sharing reports regularly with Communication Officers to optimize resource use
- Organize and facilitate section meetings and inter unit activities.
6. Travel & Administrative Support
- Manage section travel plans, ensuring funds are available and travel complies with policy.
- Coordinate travel logistics (bookings, DSA, clearances) for staff and consultants.
7. Vendor & Consultant Management
- Oversee recruitment, contracting, and performance monitoring of consultants (including audiovisual, communication and media service providers).
- Maintain positive vendor relationships to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.
- Ensure timely processing of payments to vendors, consultants and communication experts engaged by UNICEF to maintain a good image and integrity of UNICEF
8. Stakeholder Engagement & Accreditation
- Support international journalists accreditation processes with the Federal Ministry of Information.
- Maintain updated contact lists of partners, stakeholders, and celebrities.
- Support in Preparing background notes, fact sheets, and promotional materials for partner visits and advocacy events.
- Assist with strengthening collaboration with government, UN, and bilateral partners to advance communication objectives
9. Asset & Equipment Management
- Manage the section’s communication and visibility assets, including high-end cameras, audiovisual equipment, media software, and digital tools.
- Oversee the inventory, maintenance, and proper use of communication hardware (e.g., TVs, recorders, projectors).
- Ensure safe custody, tracking, and accountability of promotional and visibility items such as banners, branded symbols, and outreach materials.
- Establish systems for regular stock-taking, replenishment, and efficient allocation of assets to support communication and advocacy initiatives.
If you would like to know more about this position, please review the complete Job Description here:
TOR TA Template Comms_Associate .pdf
To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have…
Minimum requirements:
- Education: Completion of secondary education, preferably supplemented by technical or university courses in communications, journalism, public relations, or related fields.
- Work Experience: Minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible administrative and communication-related work.
- Previous experience with UNICEF, UN, or other international development organizations is an asset.
- Language Requirements: Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official UN language (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or a local language is an asset.
For every Child, you demonstrate...
UNICEF’s Core Values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust and Accountability and Sustainability (CRITAS) underpin everything we do and how we do it. Get acquainted with Our Values Charter: UNICEF Values
The UNICEF competencies required for this post are…
(1) Builds and maintains partnerships (1)
(2) Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness (1)
(3) Drive to achieve results for impact (1)
(4) Innovates and embraces change (1)
(5) Manages ambiguity and complexity (1)
(6) Thinks and acts strategically (1)
(7) Works collaboratively with others (1)
Familiarize yourself with our competency framework and its different levels.
Temporary Assignment:
UNICEF staff members holding fixed-term, continuing, or permanent appointments who are considered to be on abolished post status may apply for this temporary position and, if selected with a start date before 31 December 2025, may take it up as a temporary assignment, in line with UNICEF guidance on separation due to the abolition of posts or staff reduction. They will retain their fixed-term entitlements but will not hold a lien to their abolished post. For other scenarios where a Temporary Assignment may be possible, please refer to 
Additional guidance on IP to IP temporary assignments after completion of the full TOD.pdf (accessible to internal staff only).
The conditions of a temporary assignment, including relocation entitlements, will depend on the status of the staff member’s original appointment and may be limited in accordance with applicable UNICEF policies, procedures, and practices in force.
UNICEF promotes and advocates for the protection of the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything it does and is mandated to support the realization of the rights of every child, including those most disadvantaged, and our global workforce must reflect the diversity of those children. The UNICEF family is committed to include everyone, irrespective of their race/ethnicity, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, socio-economic background, minority, or any other status.
We offer a wide range of benefits to our staff, including paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements.
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 is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children.
All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.
UNICEF appointments are subject to medical clearance. Issuance of a visa by the host country of the duty station is required for IP positions and will be facilitated by UNICEF. Appointments may also be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid). Should you be selected for a position with UNICEF, you either must be inoculated as required or receive a medical exemption from the relevant department of the UN. Otherwise, the selection will be canceled.
Remarks:
As per Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.
UNICEF’s active commitment to diversity and inclusion is critical to deliver the best results for children. For this position, eligible and suitable are encouraged to apply.
Government employees who are considered for employment with UNICEF are normally required to resign from their government positions before taking up an assignment with
UNICEF. UNICEF reserves the right to withdraw an offer of appointment, without compensation, if a visa or medical clearance is not obtained, or necessary inoculation requirements are not met, within a reasonable period for any reason.
UNICEF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, and hiring processes (i.e., application stage, interview stage, validation stage, or appointment and training). UNICEF will not ask for applicants’ bank account information..
All UNICEF positions are advertised, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. An internal candidate performing at the level of the post in the relevant functional area, or an internal/external candidate in the corresponding Talent Group, may be selected, if suitable for the post, without assessment of other candidates.
Additional information about working for UNICEF can be found here.
