Background

Reporting to the Director of the Washington Representation Office and working closely with the Communications Specialist, the Communications Outreach Consultant will be responsible for the launch of the updated UNDP Washington website, general update of the WRO’s contacts database; implementation and monitoring of social media and civic engagement initiatives for UNDP’s key online audiences. The consultant will also train the staff how to do the updates and how to use online resources and social media in the performance of their functions.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support re-conceptualising the WRO website in conformity with UNDP corporate guidelines, working with the UNDP Headquarters website team, under the supervision of the Communication Specialist
• Support re-launch of WRO’s public website as per the needs of the office, migrating relevant content from existing site
• Assist with development of various web-based tools we may wish to employ (surveys, share work, shareware, etc)
• Assist in design and setup of web-based workspace/website for the office located in the intranet (http://intranet.undp.org)
• Update the content of the public and intranet websites in coordination with the Communications Specialist
• Update the online contacts database of the office (constant contacts)

• Maintain and expand UNDP’s online communities, including drafting and editing social media content such as photos and information-based graphics and strategic placement as well as engaging with UNDP’s online audience;
• Enhance, grow and monitor UNDP’s presence on global social networks;
• Initiate, maintain and enhance social media campaign specific pages on UNDP and WRO websites
• Implement and measure UNDP’s social networking strategy and global outreach campaigns for special events in Washington, DC
• Identify and develop creative opportunities to increase awareness of UNDP and its priority areas;
• Provide guidance and training to colleagues on the use of social media;

• Launch updated  website for the WRO, in coordination with Communications Office in headquarters
• Enhancement of the intranet page of the Washington Representation office
• Update of the contacts database of the office (on constant contacts.com)
• Social media plan for specific outreach activities and launch of major reports in Washington, DC
• Social Media guidance for office staff  for UNDP’s English Corporate Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Pinterest and Linkedin pages
• Effective ways to engage with UNDP’s key target audience (media, government partners, development organisations, academia)  in Washington, DC
• List of Twitter accounts and Facebook pages of key UNDP partners established
• Coordinate with Communications Office in Headquarters for new and innovative ways of engagement with online communities applied to UNDP’s corporate social networking presence

Competencies

• Excellent English writing and editing skills;
• Demonstrated understanding of effective social media outreach and monitoring;
• Demonstrated experience in quality writing on short deadlines and creating compelling online content;
• Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining online communities;
• Excellent knowledge of social media tools and applications with a special focus on community building
• Strong knowledge and understanding of digital media & web editing / production, especially the blogosphere;
• Familiarity with UNDP and UN system is an asset;
• Familiarity with and strong interest in development issues is desirable.
• Very effective at multi-tasking;
• Strong initiative-taker;
• Focuses on impact and results for the client

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Advocates and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Required Skills and Experience

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Design, Media, Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Digital Communications Marketing or related field

• At least 5 years experience in website design and management  and at least 2 years experience in creating and handling message on various social media (Tweeter, Facebook, etc)
• Website development experience. Advanced proficiency with HTML, CMS, PHP, including style sheets, templates, complex tables, frames and image maps. Knowledge of basic composition, page layout, art and office/web software packages such as MS Word, Excel, Dreamweaver, Adobe PageMaker, Illustrator, Photoshop and Acrobat (or Free/Open Source Software equivalents).
• Knowledge of W3C standards such as XHTML, accessibility standards, content sharing standards such as RSS/RDF and Open Archives Initiative.
• Some experience with Content Management System (CMS) such as Plone.
• Experience with Apache web servers.
• Experience with My SQL, SQL Server, and MS Access databases.
• Experience in handling online database and events resources like Congressplus, Lyris, Eventbrite, Leadership Directories, Vocus, livestreaming, etc.
• Good oral/written communication and interpersonal skills; as well as experience in working in a multicultural environment.
• Good knowledge of graphics design, handling videos, photo layouts in various media
• Knowledge of UNDP, programming, practice areas, etc would be an added advantage.
• Relevant experience in digital media, communications or advocacy, specifically using social media in a professional capacity; should be able to draft Tweets as well as original web content for websites

• Fluency in spoken and written English.
• Working knowledge of Spanish or French desirable.