Communications Operations Assistant

Host entity: UNICEF

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Administration, Communication, advocacy, public information, Logistics, procurement, commodities

Application deadline: 21/09/2026

Mission and objectives

The United Nations General Assembly has entrusted UNICEF with the mandate to promote the protection of children’s rights, help meet their basic needs, and expand the opportunities available to them so that they can reach their full potential.

UNICEF is guided by the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and strives to ensure that these rights become enduring ethical principles and international standards of conduct toward children. UNICEF reaffirms that the survival, protection, and development of children are universal development imperatives and an integral part of humanity’s progress.

UNICEF mobilizes political will and material resources to help countries—particularly developing countries—ensure that children have priority access to resources, and to build the capacity to establish appropriate policies and provide services for children and their families.
UNICEF is committed to ensuring that special protection is provided to the most vulnerable children: victims of war, disasters, extreme poverty, all forms of violence and exploitation, and children with disabilities.

UNICEF responds to emergencies by protecting children’s rights. In coordination with United Nations partners and humanitarian agencies, UNICEF makes its unique rapid-response services available to collaborating organizations to alleviate the suffering of children and their caregivers.

UNICEF is a non-partisan organization, and its assistance is non-discriminatory; in all its work, priority is given to the most disadvantaged children and the countries most in need. Through its country programs, UNICEF aims to promote equal rights for women and girls and to support their full participation in the political, social, and economic development of their communities.

Assignment context

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 favouritism. 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.

Digital media, especially social platforms, are changing the ways people interact, giving rise to new and diverse audiences and empowering civil society in ways that have profound implications for communication and advocacy. Nearly half of the world’s population now has Internet access – a figure predicted to increase, even in places with less connectivity and fewer amenities – enabling new forms of communication. Country Programme 2022-2026 highlighted the importance of public advocacy and communication for child rights. The programme aims to increase public awareness and action to address vulnerabilities and inequities affecting children.

There were 7.03 million internet users in Honduras at the start of 2024 when internet penetration stood at 65.9 percent. Honduras was home to 4.55 million social media users in January 2024, equating to 42.6 percent of the total population. This makes the internet a good platform to reach various stakeholders to drive change for children. Strategic use of digital media, especially social media, will deepen UNICEF’s dialogue with stakeholders about child rights and equity as well as broaden their engagement in issues related to children. A greater understanding of children’s challenges and better involvement in children’s issues result in more impact: The richer the conversation and better engagement, the greater the chance for audience actions in support of UNICEF’s public advocacy. UNICEF Honduras increased its followers on social media platforms significantly in recent years and there’s an urgent requirement for more regular and stronger communications and quality content on UNICEF Honduras’ digital platforms to maintain the growth of audiences and followers across channels.

Digital content and engagement will remain and reinforce UNICEF’s leadership as a credible voice for and with children. UNICEF Honduras’ digital platforms target international donors, decision-makers, local supporters, communities, families, young people and the public.

Task description

Within the framework of delegated authority and under the supervision of the Communications Specialist and/or their designated representative, the UN Volunteer will perform the following tasks:

Administrative Support and Procurement Processes:
• Support the preparation of Terms of Reference (ToRs), technical specifications, and other documentation required for the procurement of communication services and consultancies.
• Assist in the coordination and follow-up of procurement and administrative processes related to communication activities and products.
• Assist monitoring contracts, purchase orders, deliverables, and timelines of communication service providers, ensuring compliance with agreed requirements and deadlines.
• Maintain updated records, tracking tools, and documentation related to procurement processes, contracts, and service agreements.
• Assist in the liaison with internal stakeholders and external vendors to facilitate the timely implementation of communication-related projects.

Visibility Materials and Budget Management:
• Support the team planning, procurement, production, and distribution of visibility and branding materials.
• Support the team track expenditures related to communication activities and materials, identify budget utilization trends, and support budget monitoring and reporting.
• Including web page content publication.

Dissemination and Visibility:
• Assist monitoring the publication and distribution of communication products to ensure timely and effective outreach.
• Assist the team in the organization and communication support of events, launches, campaigns, field visits, and visibility initiatives.
• Contribute to documenting and promoting program results and impact stories to strengthen UNICEF visibility and advocacy efforts.

Skills and experience

At least 3 years of experience in:
• Developing communication content for multiple platforms and audiences.
• Supporting administrative, procurement, or contract management processes.
• Drafting Terms of Reference (ToRs), technical specifications, and procurement-related documentation.

Skills:
• Proven ability to write and produce Human Interest Stories (HIS), feature stories, and other narrative communication products.
• Ability to coordinate and monitor multiple projects, contracts, deliverables, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Knowledge of budget monitoring and expenditure tracking.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, partners, consultants, and service providers.
• Demonstrated initiative, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Spanish; working knowledge of English is considered an asset.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; familiarity with communication, design, and digital content management tools is desirable.

Purpose of Assignment:
• To support UNICEF's Communications Unit in administrative and procurement processes, contract management, budget monitoring, visibility initiatives, and the development of communication content, including Human Interest Stories (HIS), scripts, and other communication products, ensuring timely implementation and compliance with UNICEF standards and donor requirements.

Competencies and values

Competencies:
• Builds and Maintains Partnerships
• Demonstrates self awareness and ethical awareness
• Drive to Achieve Impactful Results
• Innovates and embraces change
• Manages ambiguity and complexity
• Works collaboritively with others

Values:
• Care
• Respect
• Integrity
• Trust
• Accountability
• Sustainability

Living conditions

The incumbent will be based in Tegucigalpa, that offers adequate living standard. Tegucigalpa is classified as “B” duty station as of 1 January 2014 under the mobility and hardship (M&H) classification of duty stations, as determined by the international Civil Service Commission (ICSC).

Since this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the benefits of this assignment, according to the Conditions of Service for United Nations Volunteers, are as follows:

• A monthly volunteer living allowance (VLA) for basic needs (L30,191.08).
• A pre-assignment allowance (paid once, within the first month of service).
• An end-of-assignment allowance, paid upon completion of the contract.
• Health, life, and disability insurance.
• Health insurance for eligible dependents.
• 2.5 days of annual leave per month, which can be carried over.
• Learning platforms.
https://www.unv.org/

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