Background

Duties and Responsibilities

• Planning and implementation of internal and external strategies for communications and outreach;
• Design and maintenance of the WRO web site and other communications vehicles, including social media;
• Support UNDP headquarters communications efforts; and
• Media and public information liaison for the WRO.

• Assess communications needs and priorities for the WRO;
• Refine and adapt WRO communications and outreach strategy based on UNDP's corporate communications strategy;
• Constructive and timely advice to integrate advocacy and communication strategies into all aspects of UNDP’s Washington activities;
• Propose and implement UNDP WRO outreach activities such as public speeches, roundtables, panel discussions, and joint events with Washington-based partners;
• Develop and maintain contacts with government officials, NGOs, journalists and other key Washington policy-makers and identify targets of opportunity and vehicles to communicate with these constituencies; and
• Design and maintain outreach list to remain in contact with key audiences.

• Design (based on corporate requirements), maintain and regularly update WRO web site;
• Prepare web content and draft regular electronic newsletter; and
• Development of electronic updates for distribution to target audiences.

• Provide advice and recommendations to HQ communications staff on effective messaging, positioning and tactics to reach key Washington constituencies;
• Dissemination of corporate advocacy materials for launching flagship initiatives and publications such as the Human Development Report;
• Support and assist with global promotional activities and public relations campaigns to position UNDP as a leader within the development space;
• Draft materials and serve as lead on specific global communications projects upon request of UNDP Communications Director;
• Participate in weekly global communications conference call and provide weekly updates on communications activities to UNDP Communications Director; and
• Assist UNDP communications officers around the globe with Washington-related inquiries and information.

• Advise WRO colleagues on media relations and handle media inquiries;
• Development and maintenance of media contacts and lists;
• Draft and distribute media advisories, news releases and other materials and design and organize media events, as appropriate, to promote activities of the WRO;
• Advise and assist WRO colleagues to include media outreach activities such as interviews or press briefings in the Washington schedules of visiting UNDP officials, and arrange these activities;
• Provide access for journalists to subject matter experts;
• Provide effective and timely responses to public information inquiries; and
• Provide timely strategic advice and creative solutions for dealing with sensitive   communications issues and stories.

Competencies

• 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.
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

• Shares knowledge and experience and contributes to UNDP Practice Areas;
• Encourages office staff to share knowledge and contribute to UNDP Practice Areas;
• Develops deep knowledge in Practice Areas;
• Demonstrates strong coaching/mentoring skills, regularly providing helpful feedback and advice to others in the office; and
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

• Ability to elaborate and implement communications and publications strategies;
• Demonstrated effectiveness in developing media campaigns, including well-written information about UNDP, its objectives and activities;
• Ability to effectively manage an advocacy campaign;
• Demonstrates excellent ability to write and communicate orally with accuracy and professionalism, often on short deadlines;
• Demonstrated experience with social media and other multimedia tools to position and promote communications activities;
• Ability to effectively plan and manage the communications needs of the WRO;
• Communicates sensitively and effectively across different constituencies; and
• Demonstrates strong IT skills.

• Focuses on impact and results;
• Leads team efforts effectively and shows conflict resolution skills;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Builds strong relationships with internal and external actors;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities; and
• Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master's degree in media relations, journalism, publishing, public affairs or related fields.

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in public relations, communications or advocacy, including significant experience and networks in Washington, DC.;
• Proven crisis communications experience;
• Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization, NGO, or think tank is helpful but not mandatory;
• Experience in the use of computers and office software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based management systems is highly desirable.

• Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of another UN working language is an asset.