Communication officer

Host entity: UNODC

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Communication, advocacy, public information

Application deadline: 06/11/2026

Mission and objectives

The United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) was established in 1997 and in Vienna, Austria. UNODC is s a world leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. It operates through 54 regional offices, covering more than 150 countries. Its regional office for Western and Central Africa (ROSEN) is located in Dakar, Senegal and has been active in the region for more than 20 years. Currently ROSEN covers 22 countries and has established 13 field offices.

Assignment context

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), established in 1997 and headquartered in Vienna, Austria, is the world leader in the fight against illicit drugs and international crime. It carries out its work through 54 regional offices covering more than 150 countries, as part of a mission to contribute to global peace and security, human rights and development by making the world safer from drugs, crime, corruption and terrorism. This work rests on three pillars: field-based technical cooperation, aimed at strengthening Member States’ capacity to counteract illicit drugs, crime and terrorism; research and analytical work, aimed at deepening understanding of these issues and expanding the evidence base underpinning policy and operational decisions; and normative work, supporting the ratification and implementation of relevant international treaties as well as the development of domestic legislation in these areas. In Africa, this approach is embodied in the Strategic Vision for Africa, UNODC’s response to the continent’s evolving needs and its expectations of the UN system, as the world enters the Decade of Action to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals and works to realize the African Union’s Agenda 2063. It is within this framework that the Regional Office for West and Central Africa (ROSEN) operates, based in Dakar, Senegal, active in the region for more than 20 years, and currently covering 22 countries through 13 field offices.
The position is located at the Regional Office for West and Central Africa of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC ROSEN) in Dakar, Senegal. The UN Volunteer will work under the direct supervision of Deputy Regional Representative / Front Office Programme Coordination Officer.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Front Office Programme Coordination Officer, and the overall guidance of the Deputy Regional Representative, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Communication:
1. Strategic Communication and Institutional Visibility
•Contribute to promoting the work of UNODC in the region in accordance with UN communication guidelines and branding standards.
•Contribute to strengthening the institutional visibility of the Office and its partners among government counterparts, national institutions, UN agencies and donors.
2. Content Creation and Communication Materials
•Design and produce communication assets (flyers, banners/kakemonos, illustrations, infographics, presentations) using InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop for programmes with limited communication resources.
•Contribute to drafting, adapting and translating communication materials (newsletters, progress reports, training reports, project proposals, articles, blogs, human-interest stories, press releases).

3. Digital Platforms and Social Media Management
•Ensure regular updating and harmonized coverage of the Office’s and programmes’ activities, where relevant, across social media platforms and the website.
•Support the writing, editing and timely posting of online content, and monitor its dissemination.
•Coordinate social media calendars and the monthly newsletter production cycle.
•Explore and apply AI-assisted tools to optimize content creation, editing and workflow efficiency.
•Monitor ROSEN social media and digital platforms.

4. Media Relations and Information Dissemination
•Support the preparation and dissemination of communication materials intended for national and international media outlets.
•Contribute to organizing media coverage of major activities and events supported by the Office.
•Disseminate information and invitations to project partners, beneficiaries and other stakeholders, including new publications and event promotion.

5. Event Support and Stakeholder Coordination
•Support the planning and preparation of events, meetings, conferences and other stakeholder engagements (invitations, speaker cards, quote cards, speeches, note-taking).
•Provide onsite and virtual communications support during events, including photo/video production.
•Support the documentation and archiving of project activities, workshops and events (written, photographic, audiovisual materials).
•Update and maintain mailing and contact lists of government counterparts, national institutions, UN agencies and donors.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:
•Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day).
•Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country.
•Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities.
•Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.
•Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly arrived UN Volunteers.
•Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/Expected Outputs:
•Written outputs, e.g. background documentation, talking points, proposals, concept notes, analysis, reports, inputs to publications, etc. are produced.
•Smartsheet, country fiches, donor fiches regularly updated.
•Knowledge management database developed and updated.
•Implementation and monitoring of the communication strategy.
•Monthly reports on social media impact.
•Transmission of reports (monthly, quarterly, annually) to donors and any other relevant beneficiary.

Skills and experience

in communications, media relations and/or journalism is required.
A good knowledge of crime prevention and criminal justice or international affairs is a distinct advantage.
Working experience with the United Nations system, multilateral organizations, or international organizations is a distinct advantage.
Prior experience in West Africa is also a distinct advantage.
Previous experience as a volunteer and/or experience of another culture (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be highly regarded.
Computer skills (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, social media, Adobe Suite, Illustrator, Photoshop, Final Cut, Canva or any other relevant design software).
Good interpersonal, networking and communication skills.
Willingness to contribute and work as part of a team.
Flexible and open to learning and new experiences.
Respect for diversity and adaptability to other cultures, environments and living conditions.

Competencies and values

•Accountability
•Adaptability and Flexibility
•Commitment and Motivation
•Commitment to Continuous Learning
•Communication
•Ethics and Values
•Integrity
•Managing Performance
•Planning and Organizing
•Professionalism
•Respect for Diversity
•Self-Management
•Working in Teams

Living conditions

The assignment will take place in the nation’s capital, Dakar, a family duty station (Hardship classification A) with missions to the region. Dakar is a liveable city. The spontaneous reception and hospitality of the Senegalese are among the characteristic features of this West African country. The living conditions in Dakar are good, as well as the access to health services. The yellow fever vaccine is compulsory and vaccination cards should be presented at the entrance. Vaccinations against Meningococcal Meningitis and Hepatitis A and B are also recommended. Basic drugs are available in pharmacies, but it is recommended to bring specific prescription drugs.
According to ANSD/RGPHAE 2013 official estimates, the population of the Dakar metropolitan area reaches over 3.1 million people. The total population of Senegal is 13,508,715 inhabitants (ANSD 2013). Senegal is located on UTC/GMT. Senegal has a warm climate and sunny days throughout the year that make it a comfortable duty station. Daytime temperatures average around 30°C. The rainy season falls during the northern hemisphere’s summer/fall.
The currency used in Senegal is the Franc CFA (XOF). Many hotels, restaurants and businesses in Senegal accept the main international credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, etc.). It is also possible to withdraw cash from automatic teller machines found in all major cities. Accommodation facilities are generally good and the choice is wide. It is possible to rent unfurnished and furnished accommodation from 450 to 2000 USD. UN Volunteers can also co-rent and share private accommodation, which must comply with the Minimum Operating Residential Security Standards (MORSS). Transportation in town can be easily arranged through local taxis.
To enter Senegal, a valid passport is required. ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) nationals are not required to obtain an entry visa. Nationals of other countries may be required to obtain an entry visa or long-stay visa. They should contact the closest Senegalese representation. Senegalese Embassies and consulates in various West African countries and other parts of the world issue visas prior to travel.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.