Background

Duties and Responsibilities

• Work closely with the programme management units of the three global thematic initiative programmes (or “GTIs”)noted above  to develop a strategy and plan for global research based on the needs and objectives of the three programmes; manage implementation of the plan.
• With the UNCDF communications team manage the three programmes’ partner communications, media releases, and website pages.
• In close cooperation with the UNCDF Knowledge Management team, develop, coordinate and oversee the three programmes’ knowledge-sharing events, working closely with the programme teams and relevant UNCDF operations units.
• Develop and manage programme partners’ networking, exchanges and learning, including sharing information, facilitating networking, and identifying and facilitating financial support for learning events (as available from the programmes).
• Maintain updates to the programmes’ information on web portals and other electronic presence.
• Supervise the contracting and editing of programme-related publications.
• Coordinate and ensure linkages with country and regional level programmes.
  

• Work with the three teams to develop a research agenda and plan;
• Ensure the inclusion of gender issues and gender disaggregated data and/or analysis in the programmes’ research agendas;
• Develop standards and templates for different knowledge products, drawing on best practices, currently used formats and UNCDF’s knowledge management policies;
• With the programme teams’ assistance and in accordance with the plan, draft knowledge products on key topics related to the programmes’ activities;
• With the teams’ assistance, develop technical TORs for larger scale research, and manage procurement process and oversight of research consultants;
• Oversee the publications process for three programmes, working with the programme teams, relevant operations units, authors, editors and vendors to fulfill  knowledge generation targets;
• Extract key findings from knowledge products and draft shorter versions for blogs and press quotes/releases that can support the communications and advocacy agenda;
• With UNCDF Communications Team, establish marketing and distribution strategy for research products and oversee activities;
• Coordinate plans and efforts of the three programmes and Making Access to Finance Possible (MAP) to maximize synergies and harmonize research efforts.
  

• Develop a communications and marketing strategy for the three global programmes  in coordination with the UNCDF Communications Team, identifying communications channels and distribution methods;
• Ensure that branding of each of the three programmes is consistent with UNCDF branding guidelines and each programmes’ funders’ requirements;
• Manage the writing, development, design, production and dissemination of diverse publications and news releases through print and video, focusing on achievement of the programmes’ results; Prepare and disseminate appropriate press releases and other notifications for programme activities and when the need arises, ensure visibility for the programmes’ funders;
• With the UNCDF Communications Team, update UNCDF website contents for the three programmes so that they are current, relevant and reflect FIPA priorities and identify other innovative ways of enhancing FIPA’s information dissemination using the internet.
  

• Work with the three teams to develop timelines and work schedules for programme events;
• Contribute to brainstorming on creating participatory, knowledge enhancing workshops and events;
• Support the three teams on coordination, organizational details and procurement issues related to events;
• Manage guest lists, invitations, organize the creation of information packages, letters of invitation relevant to upcoming events, work with the relevant programme associates and operations teams;
• Develop logistics plan, oversee and coordinate programme associates and operations’ unit implementation of logistics, travel and procurement;
• Assist with on-site advance preparations for events;
• With team members, assist in contracting speakers or facilitators, as necessary;
• Ensure that all materials and presentations are available on time, shared with participants and accessible (including on the UNCDF website);
• Assist in the drafting of conference / workshop  proceedings, lessons learned reports, preparation of project accomplishment reports and other knowledge products;
• Develop action item follow up list from conferences and workshop to ensure that expected results are met;
• Develop survey and feedback tools for workshops and events, analyze and provide feedback to teams;
• With team input, ensure the programmes’ regional and international events are included in the FIPA and UNCDF calendars.
  

• Develop strategy for increasing networking and cross-learning among UNCDF’s global programme partners;
• Identify opportunities for scholarship or sponsorships for the programmes’ partners, help match events and partners, organize logistics and registration with partners;
• Oversee UNCDF funded scholarships and/or travel support for learning events with relevant programme assistants, draft MOUs and monitor follow up required in MOUs;
• Contribute to UNCDF’s social media platforms including : keeping content up to date, uploading new materials (knowledge products, press releases) and tracking site usage and views or hits;
• Motivate and monitor programme team members to contribute to blogs and other social media;
• Monitor and respond to website contributions and feedback related to three teams;
• Provide quarterly report to the three teams on research and learning activities for their quarterly reporting to funders;
• Monitor website indicators with support of UNCDF Communications team;
• Assist the three teams in developing and maintaining list serves and contact databases for partners and other stakeholders;
• Liaise with CGAP, Making Finance work for Africa, UNDP regional offices and  development partners for information sharing.
  

• Support the use and implementation of UNCDF knowledge sharing tools and services, monitoring and evaluating their success; strengthen knowledge sharing processes between the global/regional programmes and country programmes;
• Upload generated documents and tools to the UNCDF intranet;
• Provide training on knowledge products and knowledge sharing tools to the three programme teams;
• Work with BTC Alliance Communication Specialist to facilitate inputs to the BTC Alliance and provide assistance in BTC Alliance research agenda;
• Work with MAP Programme Manager to ensure lessons learned are reflected in communications strategy;
• Stay current on learning courses – including mandatory UNDP courses related to Atlas, internal processes and values;
• Participate in professional training and capacity development activities, particularly in events related to the programmes’ outputs so as to develop capacity and knowledge in these areas.
  

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates commitment to UNDP PC’s mission, vision and values.
• Displays cultural, gender, religious, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Exhibits integrity in the work place, including transparency and honesty
  

• Experience in conducting and overseeing field research related to financial inclusion, economic development or other issues pertaining to the millennium development goals (MDGs). 
• Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications; web design and/or maintenance;
• Experience in overseeing document and report production, print and electronic publishing
• Preferably experience in branding, communications and experience in media relations, graphic design and video production;
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
• Ability to manage events, oversee contributions of other actors
  

• Experience working with international organizations, developing country governments, donor agencies, and/or NGOs and other civil society groups engaged in diverse sectors of international development
• Familiarity with UNDP and UN system and/or the donor community
• Ability to organize and perform a variety of specialized tasks simultaneously related to Results Management, including administrative support to design, planning and implementation of programme, managing data, reporting.
• Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new system, including new IT based systems
  

• Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Leads team creatively and effectively
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
• Interacts with others in a professional, respectful, and friendly manner
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
• Communicates clearly and convincingly

Required Skills and Experience

• Secondary Education, preferably with specialized certification in communications, management, marketing, or related disciplines
• University Degree in communications, journalism, marketing, social sciences, or related discipline would be desirable, but it is not a requirement.
  

• 7 years of progressively responsible experience in communication, development; or other relevant field is required at the national or international level.
• Exposure to financial services industry, the donor community or the development field;
• Experience overseeing and conducting research and managing research projects. 
  

• Fluency in English and French.