Communications Expert (UN Volunteer)

About the role

UNICEF Malawi is seeking a National UN Volunteer Communications Expert based in Lilongwe. The assignment supports the Communication, Advocacy and Partnerships (CAP) Section in strengthening strategic communications, public advocacy, media engagement and digital outreach to advance children's rights and increase the visibility of UNICEF's programmes and results. The volunteer works under the supervision of the Chief of Communication, Advocacy and Partnerships.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement integrated communication strategies and workplans aligned with programme priorities, advocacy objectives and partnership goals.
• Produce communication materials such as human-interest stories, press releases, feature articles, speeches, briefing notes, talking points and digital content.
• Manage editorial calendars and create content for the website and social media platforms.
• Use digital analytics, audience insights and media monitoring to evaluate performance and improve outcomes.
• Coordinate media engagement, including relationships with journalists, interviews, press briefings and media coverage.
• Lead the planning, implementation and evaluation of public advocacy campaigns on priority child rights issues.
• Support communication for high-level events, programme launches, donor visits, field missions and community engagement activities.
• Coordinate multimedia production, external service providers and communication inputs across teams and partners.
• Ensure compliance with UNICEF branding, ethical storytelling, informed consent, accessibility and child safeguarding standards.
• Prepare performance reports, identify reputational risks and build the communication capacity of colleagues and partners.

Required profile

• Master's degree preferred in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, International Relations, Development Studies or a related field; a first degree plus relevant professional experience may be accepted.
• At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, media relations, digital communication, advocacy, campaigns or public relations.
• Demonstrated experience developing communication strategies, integrated campaigns and media engagement initiatives.
• Strong portfolio of professional writing and editing, including press releases, speeches, stories, briefing notes, website and social media content.
• Experience leading communication initiatives independently, from planning through quality assurance, monitoring and reporting.
• Experience with the United Nations, international development or child rights organizations is an asset; familiarity with Malawi's media environment is desirable.
• Fluent English required.

Required skills

• Strategic communications, media relations and campaign management.
• Social media analytics and media monitoring.
• Brand management, ethical storytelling, informed consent, child safeguarding and reputational risk management.
• Stakeholder engagement and coordination of multimedia production and events.

What we offer

• A benefits package including a monthly Volunteer Living Allowance, health and life insurance, disability coverage and other entitlements under UNV Conditions of Service.