Background
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Head of Communications unit, the Communications Specialist implements the corporate communications strategy, designs, manages and facilitates the implementation of the Country Office communications and publication strategies with a view to influence the development agenda, to promote public and media outreach and to mobilize political and financial support to UNDP.The Communications Specialist supervises and leads the communications staff of the country office and has a strong regular working relationship with the Regional Communications Manager. The Communications Specialist also works in close collaboration with the Business Development, Programme and Operations teams, staff of other UN Agencies, UNDP HQs staff (Communications Office) and Government Officials, international and local media, subject matter experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful UNDP communication strategy implementation.
A communications strategy tightly linked to programme priorities helps position the Country Office in key development markets as a leader in ways that boost demand for various service lines and increase overall business opportunities.
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Formulation and implementation of internal and external communications and advocacy strategies, supports business development focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Preparation and conduct of communications needs assessments for CO (projects, country programme and corporate change initiatives, etc)
- Provision of information for elaboration of CO communications and outreach strategy based on the corporate communications strategy.
- Development of communication materials for marketing and awareness-raising campaigns, including briefing materials and press releases in coordination with the supervisor.
- Organization of roundtable discussions, press conferences, briefing sessions, interviews.
- Provision of inputs and researched information in programme formulations to integrate advocacy and communication strategies into all aspects of UNDP’s development programme.
- Review of reference materials, identification of reference materials for retention. Maintenance of information database and photo library.
- Organization and implementation of joint UNDP information campaigns
2. Ensures planning and design of internal and external strategies for communications and outreach focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Planning and elaboration of communications needs assessments for CO (projects, country programme and corporate change initiatives, etc)
- Elaboration of the CO communications and outreach strategy based on the corporate communications strategy.
- Constructive and timely advice on inclusion of communications components in programme formulations to integrate advocacy and communication strategies into all aspects of UNDP’s development programme.
3. Ensures elaboration and implementation of the CO publications strategy and plan focusing on the achievement of the following results:
- Elaboration and implementation of the CO publications strategy and plan based on the corporate publications policy.
- Identification and development of storylines for publications and substantive articles contributing to debates on key development issues.
- Coordination and management of all CO publication activities, including content management, norms for publishing, design, liaison with printers and other suppliers to oversee production and supervision of publications dissemination.
4. Supervises the design and maintenance of the UNDP web site, intranet, CO web-based knowledge management system focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Design of the office web sites based on corporate requirements in cooperation with the ICT staff.
- Supervision and preparation of the content for the web sites ensuring consistency of the materials.
5. Supports the business development focusing on achievement of the following results:
Launches and campaigns
- Creation and promotion of campaigns to local and regional media that position UNDP and influences the development agenda based on current programme and new initiatives.
- Management, promotion and dissemination of corporate advocacy materials for launching flagship initiatives and publications such as the Human Development Report.
- Creation, promotion and maintenance of public information campaigns on UNDP activities, results of MDGs, UN Reform, etc. in association with other staff from Business Development Team
Outreach
- Promotional activities to position UNDP as a leader within the development space.
- Increased coverage and understanding of the UNDP’s work in the country or practice area through development and maintenance of media contacts and providing newsworthy information to national public and donors.
- Formatting, packaging and submission of programme initiatives for donor review in close collaboration with programme staff.
- Development and maintenance of close contacts with government officials, multilateral and bilateral donors, civil society and private sector for implementation of the communications strategy, organization of roundtable discussions, press conferences, briefing sessions, interviews, launches, etc.
- Forging of a “one UN” image through publicizing the significance of local UN reform efforts, joint programmes, common services. Organization and implementation of joint UN information campaigns (UN Day, World AIDS Day, etc.)
- Ensured access for journalists to subject matter experts.
- Regular newsletter to donors, donor reports, civic education and community awareness where appropriate to support projects
Public information
- Effective responses to inquiries for public information materials.
- Innovative and creative solutions to sensitive or corporately strategic public communications issues.
- Advocacy and promotion of UNDP mandate, mission and purpose.
6. Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme country goals and activities.
- Monitor practices, and project-specific news and developments in order to ensure guidance to the office that reflects the best and most current available information.
- Provides advice and support to UNDP inputs to CCA, UNDAF, CPD and other documents
- Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice including corporate communications repositories.
- Organization and provision of training, consultancy and advice to UNDP staff on communications.
7. Ensures effective management of the Communication Office and supervision of the Communications team focusing on achieving the following results:
- Effective management of the Communications Office, including preparation of the workiplan, management of translations and contractual matters.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
- Promoting ethics and integrity, creating organizational precedents
- Building support and political acumen
- Building staff competence, creating an environment of creativity and innovation
- Building and promoting effective teams
- Creating and promoting enabling environment for open communication
- Creating an emotionally intelligent organization
- Leveraging conflict in the interests of UNDP & setting standards
- Sharing knowledge across the organization and building a culture of knowledge sharing and learning.
- Fair and transparent decision making; calculated risk-taking
Functional Competencie
Advocacy/Advancing a Policy-Oriented Agenda
- Analysis and creation of messages and strategies
- Creates effective advocacy strategies
- Contributes to the elaboration of advocacy strategies by identifying and prioritizing audiences and communication means
- Uses the opportunity to bring forward and disseminate materials for advocacy work
Building Strategic Partnerships
- Identifying and building partnerships
- Sensitizes UN Partners, donors and other international organizations to the UNDP’s strategic agenda, identifying areas for joint efforts
- Promotes UNDP’s agenda in inter-agency meetings
Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing
- Developing tools and mechanisms
- Makes the case for innovative ideas documenting successes and building them into the design of new approaches
- Identifies new approaches and strategies that promote the use of tools and mechanisms
Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise
- In-depth knowledge of the subject-matter
- Understands more advanced aspects of primary area of specialization as well as the fundamental concepts of related disciplines
- Continues to seeks new and improved methods and systems for accomplishing the work of the unit
- Keeps abreast of new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally
- Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments
Creating Visibility for UNDP/Supporting UNDP’s Capacity to Advocate
- Developing promotional projects and organizational messages
- Develops promotional activities based on monitoring/evaluation information identifying areas requiring higher visibility
- Develops messages for use by UNDP staff when working with partners, internationally and nationally
- Reviews documents and materials intended for use within and outside the organization in order to ensure consistency and validity of messages
Global Leadership and Advocacy for UNDP’s Goals
- Analysis and creation of messages and strategies
- Creates effective global advocacy messages/strategies
- Contributes to the elaboration of a global advocacy strategy by identifying and prioritizing audiences and messages
Conceptual Innovation in the Provision of Technical Expertise
- Developing innovative and creative approaches
- Leverages different experiences and expertise of team members to achieve better and more innovative outcomes
Client Orientation
- Contributing to positive outcomes for the client
- Anticipates client needs
- Works towards creating an enabling environment for a smooth relationship between the clients and service provider
- Demonstrates understanding of client’s perspective
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Master’s Degree in in media relations, journalism, publishing.
Experience:
- Minimum 5 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in public relations, communications or advocacy. Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization is helpful but not mandatory. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based management systems.
Language Requirements:
- Verbal and written fluency in English and Arabic.
Other useful information regarding the post level and remuneration package:
POST LEVEL:
The National Professional category consists of four levels (NOA to NOD) where NOD is the highest level and NOA is the lowest level. Below is a description of National Professional post levels and qualifications requirements for each level:
NOD (Level 4): Must have a Masters Degree with minimum 7 years of relevant professional work experience in the field of specialization
NOC (Level 3): Must have a Masters Degree with minimum 5 years of relevant professional work experience in the field of specialization
NOB (Level 2): Must have a Masters Degree with minimum 2 years of relevant professional work experience in the field of specialization
NOA (Level 1): Must have a Masters Degree with minimum 2 years of relevant professional work experience in the field of specialization
REMUNERATION:
For new FTA appointments in National Professional categories, candidates are appointed at step 1 (one) of the salary scale. One additional step may be granted for each additional year of relevant work experience beyond the minimum required for appointment at step 1 (one) of the grade up to maximum of step 6 (six).
The latest Salary Scale for National Professional category can be accessed through the following link:
http://www.un.org/Depts/OHRM/salaries_allowances/salaries/iraq.htm
Once you are in, please click on the following link under National Officer Category – (Revision 14, effective 1 July 2012 (for staff recruited on or after 1 December 1997). The net base salary amount is what is reflected under the (Total Net) line of each level.
Instruction for submission of applications:
- Please fill out a P-11 form posted on http://www.iq.undp.org/img/p11_personal_history_form.docx and submit your application on line . Please note that no other type of application form, including CVs, will be considered for such positions, other than the one found at the link specified above.
- Only candidates who are short-listed will be contacted.
- We strongly encourage qualified female candidates to apply. UNDP seeks to ensure that male and female employees are given equal career opportunities, and that staff members are able to keep an appropriate balance between work and private life.
- UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
- Non-Iraqi applicants will not be considered.
- UNDP, as a matter of practice, does not charge any application, processing or training fee at any stage of the recruitment process.