Job type: Full-time
General
Description of assignment title
Communications Specialist – Clean Cooking Awareness
Assignment country
United Republic of Tanzania
Expected start date
03/02/2025
Sustainable Development Goal
7. Affordable and clean energy
Volunteer category
National UN Volunteer Expert
Host entity
UNCDF
Type
Onsite
Duration
12 months
(with possibility of extension)
Number of assignments
1
Duty stations
Dar es Salaam
Details
Mission and objectives
UNCDF offers “last mile” finance models that unlock public and private resources, especially at the domestic level, to reduce poverty and support local economic development.
Context
The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) makes public and private finance work for the poor in the world’s 46 least developed countries (LDCs). UNCDF offers “last mile” finance models that unlock public and private resources, especially at the domestic level, to reduce poverty and support local economic development.
UNCDF is a Fund Manager and main implementing partner of the Clean Cooking Solutions Project (the “CookFund”), which is a key component of the Integrated Approach to Sustainable Cooking Solutions (IASCS) funded by the European Union Delegation in Tanzania. UNCDF works with key ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Energy (MoE), Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT), and Tanzania Forest Service (TFS) Agency. UNCDF is also charged to ensure coordination of the NGOs under component of the Integrated Approach to Sustainable Cooking Solutions Initiative of the European Union Delegation in Tanzania.
The CookFund programme aims at contributing to Tanzania’s climate change commitment by increasing the share of the population with access to sustainable cooking solutions. The programme is a performance-based programme that provides financial and technical assistance to eligible enterprises and companies to accelerate market roll-out of clean cooking solutions, leading to improved environment, jobs, and business opportunities along the different value chains. The programme also supports legal, regulatory and enforceability of biomass energy, transitioning of public institutions from the use of charcoal and firewood to cleaner fuel and efficient appliances and support to national level awareness raising and sensitization on benefits and opportunities of clean cooking solutions.
As part of its commitment to enhancing national-level awareness and sensitization about the benefits of clean cooking solutions, to facilitate better understanding and advocacy for the clean cooking strategy, the CookFund Programme in close collaboration with the Ministry of Energy will be launching a nationwide clean cooking awareness campaign to promote the adoption of clean cooking solutions.
The objectives of the Campaign are to: 1) raise awareness about the health, environmental, and economic benefits of clean cooking solutions; 2) promote the adoption of clean cooking technologies (e.g., clean cookstoves, improved fuels) among households, especially in rural areas; 3) engage key stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, the private sector, and development partners; and 4) build public understanding of the role of clean cooking in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly those related to health, climate, and energy.
Task description
Under this context, UNCDF is looking to hire a national expert- Communications Specialist who will be responsible for developing, executing, and managing communication strategies to ensure the success of the clean cooking awareness campaign.
Task description:
Under the direct supervision of the CookFund Manager the National Expert will lead the communication strategy for the campaign in close collaboration with UNCDF communication team, ensuring it is executed effectively and reaches diverse target audiences across Tanzania. Key responsibilities will include:
• Implement a comprehensive national communication strategy and action plan for the clean cooking awareness campaign.
• Oversee the creation of campaign materials, media content, and messaging that are culturally and contextually relevant.
• Manage relationships with media outlets, partners, and other stakeholders to enhance the visibility and impact of the campaign.
• Ensure monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are in place to track campaign performance and adjust strategies as necessary.
Scope of Work
The National Expert will perform the following key tasks:
a) Organization, Planning and Facilitation of Key Programme Activities (50%)
• Plan and oversee the production of campaign materials, including print, radio, TV, digital, and social media content.
• Develop and implement media outreach strategies to secure press coverage and amplify key messages.
• Coordinate with local partners and stakeholders to ensure effective grassroots outreach, especially in rural areas.
• Lead the design and development of a national communication strategy for the clean cooking awareness campaign.
• Identify and segment target audiences (e.g., rural households, urban communities, policymakers, private sector) to tailor messaging and outreach efforts.
• Develop clear, impactful messages on the benefits of clean cooking, incorporating health, environmental, and economic factors.
• Identify key influencers and stakeholders to engage in the campaign, including government representatives, community leaders, NGOs, and the private sector.
b) Campaign Implementation and Stakeholders Engagement (25%)
• Develop and maintain relationships with national and local media outlets to ensure broad coverage of the campaign.
• Liaise with government agencies, NGOs, and community organizations to build synergies and support for the campaign.
• Support planning and execution of campaign activities to achieve maximum outreach and impact.
• Assist in developing regular progress reports and as needed for programme reviews.
• Support creation and distribution of promotional materials, such as flyers, brochures, posters, and digital assets.
• Ensure integration of traditional and digital media approaches to reach both urban and rural populations.
• Organize and participate in workshops, community events, and forums to promote clean cooking solutions and engage key stakeholders.
c) Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (25%)
• Develop indicators to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication activities.
• Regularly assess the campaign’s progress and impact, making adjustments to strategies where necessary.
• Prepare progress reports, including a final evaluation report at the end of the 6-month campaign period.
• Provide training and guidance to UNCDF teams or partners on clean cooking messaging, media outreach, and campaign management.
Results/Expected Outputs
• Comprehensive communication strategy and action plan for the clean cooking campaign (due within the first month of the assignment).
• Creative campaign materials (e.g., radio spots, TV advertisements, social media content) developed and approved.
• Strong monitoring and reporting of implemented activities including monthly progress reports detailing campaign activities, results, and adjustments.
• Final report at the end of the 6-month period, summarizing campaign outcomes and lessons learned.
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.
Eligibility criteria
Age
18 – 80
Required experience
7 years
Nationality
Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.
Assignment requirements
Relevant experience
7 years
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required
Swahili, Level: Fluent, Desirable
Required education level
Bachelor degree or equivalent in Communications, Media and Public Relations, Social Studies, Community Development, Clean Energy, and Clean Cooking.
Competencies and values
• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organizing
• Professionalism
• Self-management
Skills and experience
• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in communication, media relations, and public outreach, with a strong focus on public health, environmental sustainability, or renewable and energy sub-sectors.
• Proven experience in managing large-scale national campaigns, ideally in the context of development or social change.
• Demonstrated experience in crafting effective messages for diverse audiences and managing media relations.
• Strong understanding of Tanzania’s media landscape, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
• Experience in developing and managing multi-platform campaigns (traditional and digital media).
• Strong strategic thinking and planning abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both Kiswahili and English.
• Proven ability to lead teams and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
• Knowledge of clean cooking solutions and their role in sustainable development is an advantage.
• Proficiency in social media platforms, digital marketing tools, and analytics.
Area(s) of expertise
Administration, Communication, Community development
Driving license
–
Other information
Living conditions and remarks
The living condition in Dar es Salaam and Tanzania in general is satisfactory and the duty station is classified at level B by the UN International Civil Service Commission.
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.
Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy
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How to Apply:
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