Background

Candidates who previously applied need not apply again.

Tanzania has held four credible general elections since the reintroduction of multi-party politics in 1992. Citizens and the government are eager to maintain this track record and to further strengthen democratic practice in Tanzania. Looking to the 2015 general election, government has undertaken early and comprehensive preparations for the electoral processes. Since receipt of official requests for UN assistance to the election cycle leading to the 2015 general election from the National Election Commission and Zanzibar Electoral Commission, a UN Needs Assessment Mission recommended the development of a project in support of the national efforts.

• Capacity of the key democratic institutions (EMBs, CRC, RPP, etc.) enhanced to support and promote legal and institutional reform in the context of the on-going constitutional reform process and beyond;
• Capacity of the EMBs to conduct credible elections enhanced through strategic, technical and operational support and improved EMB engagement with stakeholders (i.e. political parties, CSOs, and the media) to foster a democratic environment;
• Inclusive participation in elections and politics enhanced through the empowerment of women, youth and PWDs; and National peace infrastructure enhanced to mitigate and prevent election-related conflicts, including violence against women in elections.

The DEP project will be executed directly by UNDP and implemented under the overall guiding principle of national ownership and leadership in the electoral process. The international assistance provided should be considered as an extension of, and a complement to, national resources and is intended to support national management and coordination structures.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Country Director, the Communications Analyst supports the formulation and implementation of the communications and advocacy strategies to increase the standing and awareness of the DEP and UNDP with partners, the media and the public. The DEP Communications Analyst will perform the following duties:

Supports the formulation and implementation of CO communications and advocacy strategies, supports business development focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Provision of inputs and information for elaboration of CO communication strategy based on the corporate communications strategy;
• Support to increased awareness of UNDP’s mandate and goals through dissemination of information, organization of public events;
• In coordination with supervisor development and preparation of materials for marketing and awareness-raising including briefing materials and press releases;
• Effective contribution from UNDP to the Communications Working Group/Joint Communication Work Plan and in agreed UN campaigns;
• Continuously updated and high quality CO web sites in line with corporate branding requirements, UNDP transparency requirements, best practices, the annual scorecard target;
• Preparation and solicitation of the content for the web sites ensuring newsworthiness, consistency of the materials and high profile of UNDP projects and of DaO.

• Preparation and conduct of communications and public relations needs assessment for DEP;
• In consultation with DEP staff and the EMBs, prepare public information materials, articles, press releases and website content to support project delivery;
• Provide EMB Commissioners, Directors and relevant officers with training, support and advice regarding media relations, exposure and liaison as required;
• Plan and implement media and outreach activities on DEP, EMB and relevant CSO activities in relation to the electoral process;
• Organize media activities including roundtable discussions, press conferences, briefing sessions, interviews and media launches. Prepare talking points and background briefs;
• Organize field visits for journalists in relation to high level visits and events;
• Promotion and maintenance of public information campaigns on DEP activities.

Ensures implementation of the DEP publications strategy and plan focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Develop, implement and monitor DEP communications, media and public relations strategic plan;
• Daily scanning of the press (English & Kiswahili) and circulation of relevant articles to DEP team, CO staff and EMB officials;
• Identification of storylines for publications and drafting of substantive articles contributing to public debates on electoral issues;
• Coordination and management of DEP publication activities, such as content management, norms for publishing, design, etc;
• Contact with printers and other suppliers to ensure production and ensure publications dissemination;
• Produce regular reports and communication materials for DPs and other stakeholders.

• Supervision of the design and maintenance of the project website based on corporate requirements in cooperation with the ICT staff;
• Preparation of the content for the website to ensure consistency of the materials;
• Production of monthly e-newsletter, brochures, project summaries, press releases, etc. based on drafts from technical project staff;
• Support NEC and ZEC as required in developing, delivering and monitoring communications, PR and media strategic plans;
• Forge a strong working relationship with EMB communication and information officers and provide advice, guidance and support on media and PR strategic planning;
• Maintain a strong network of media contacts and provide regular newsworthy information to the national and international media.

Competencies

• Excellent analytical, networking, communication, writing and presentation skills;
• Works effectively extensive hours under pressure, manages stress well and adapts to evolving situations;
• Willingness to travel frequently in various locations of mainland in Tanzania;
• Excellent analytical, communication, writing and presentation skills;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.

Required Skills and Experience

• Advanced university degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, or equivalent professional work experience in the communication area, combined with a university degree in a related discipline.

• At least five years of relevant experience at the national or international level in public relations, journalism, communications, media or public relations;
• Extensive experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, good knowledge;
• Experience in developing and maintaining websites;
• Institutional capacity building experience, training, project design and implementation, monitoring and evaluation skills;
• Experience with UN, governments, donors, non-government and international development organizations, preferably in sub-Saharan Africa desirable;
• Network of media contacts, and in depth understanding of media sector in Tanzania desirable.

• Excellent command of written and spoken English and Kiswahili, including translation skills.

Other:

• Willingness to travel frequently in Tanzania.