UNDP Jobs - 43247- Knowledge Management and Communications Consultant

Knowledge Management and Communications Consultant

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

17-Feb-2014

Application Deadline :

31-Jan-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

6 months, with possibility of extension

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

6 months

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. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in more than 170 countries and territories, UNDP offers global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations. As articulated in its 2014-2017 Strategic Plan, UNDP also aims to be a global operational arm for broadening and deepening South-South cooperation (SSC) and triangular cooperation (TrC). The consultant will support the work of the SSC team in strengthening UNDP’s support to SSC/TrC as well as in implementing projects for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant shall support the work of the team along three work streams: (1) knowledge management and the nurturing of communities of practice, particularly through the development of monthly and quarterly newsletters and the management of webpages and online knowledge sharing platforms; (2) the production and dissemination of communications materials through social media channels and campaigns; and (3) research on relevant development issues including South-South Cooperation. Specific responsibilities include the following:

Produce monthly news updates and newsletters by collecting and organizing content, and consistently and proactively liaising with relevant colleagues both at HQ and at country offices;
Manage relevant webpages and Teamworks spaces by populating them with useful resources, writing blog entries and leading e-discussions;
Support the organization of learning workshops, including on knowledge management, coordinating closely with relevant partners;
Produce fast facts, brochures, press/media kits, pamphlets, FAQs, posters and other visual materials, videos and any other communications materials deemed appropriate, liaising directly with a graphic designer to edit content and oversee production of final products in multiple UN languages;
Collect human interest stories and photos from country offices for editing and dissemination;
Support the dissemination of communications materials through UNDP’s public website and social media channels through effective collaboration with UNDP’s Office of Communications;
Conduct research on relevant development issues including MDG achievement, poverty reduction and South-South and triangular cooperation;
Identify best practices for analysis and documentation of lessons learned;
Support the development of instructional materials including presentation files and video clips;
Support overall research, drafting and editing needs of the team.

Deliverables

The following is an indicative list of deliverables for each month, subject to modification based on the changing needs and priorities of the team.

By end of Month 1 (mid-March):

One Monthly Newsletter produced and disseminated;
One Monthly News Update produced and dissemintaed;
One Quarterly Newsletter designed, edited and disseminated;
Webpage updated and regularly managed;
Two Teamworks spaces reorganized and populated with resources, media materials and blog posts;
Communications materials produced and disseminated through UNDP’s public website, social media channels (including Facebook and twitter) and media campaigns, as well as through external platforms wherever relevant.

By end of Month 2 (mid-April):

One Monthly Newsletter designed and disseminated;
One Monthly News Update developed and disseiminated;
One webpage created and populated with resources;
One webpage updated and regularly managed;
At least one e-discussion initiated;
Communications materials produced and disseminated through UNDP’s public website, social media channels (including Facebook and twitter) and media campaigns, as well as through external platforms wherever relevant.

By end of Month 3 (mid-May):

One Monthly Newsletter designed and disseminated;
One Monthly News Update developed and disseminated;
At least three human interest stories with photos finalized and disseminated;
Press kit (including media advisory) developed;
Webpages updated and regularly managed;
Communications materials produced and disseminated through UNDP’s public website, social media channels (including Facebook and twitter) and media campaigns, as well as through external platforms wherever relevant.

By end of Month 4 (mid-June):

One Monthly Newsletter designed and disseminated;
One Monthly News Update developed and disseminated;
One Newsletter designed and disseminated;
Webpages updated and regularly managed;
At least one video on country projects produced;
Communications materials produced and disseminated through UNDP’s public website, social media channels (including Facebook and twitter) and media campaigns, as well as through external platforms wherever relevant.

By end of Month 5 (mid-July):

One Monthly Newsletter designed and disseminated;
One Monthly News Update developed and disseminated;
Webpages updated and regularly managed;
Annual report drafted and designed;
Communications materials produced and disseminated through UNDP’s public website, social media channels (including Facebook and twitter) and media campaigns, as well as through external platforms wherever relevant.

By end of Month 6 (mid- or late August):

One Monthly Newsletter designed and disseminated;
One monthly News Update developed and disseminated;
One Quarterly Newsletter designed, edited and disseminated;
Webpages updated and regularly managed;
A set of learning materials, including powerpoint presentations and instructional videos, developed;
Communications materials produced and disseminated through UNDP’s public website, social media channels (including Facebook and twitter) and media campaigns, as well as through external platforms wherever relevant.

Competencies

Strong understanding of communications and outreach at the international level;
Proven ability to develop and implement effective communications strategies;
Proven ability to develop user-friendly, high quality communications materials;
Outstanding writing and editing skills, with proven ability to meet tight deadlines;
Proven ability to communicate issues effectively, both orally and in writing;
Proven ability to communicate effectively, creatively and with cultural sensitivity;
Outstanding strong organizational and planning skills;
Proven networking skills and ability to generate interest in UNDP;
Proven ability to multi-task effectively;
Respect for diversity and ability to work in a multicultural team.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree in international relations, economics, social science, communications, journalism or development-related field.

Experience:

At least 3 years of professional experience in international development or communications;
Strong familiarity with international development issues, including poverty reduction, economic empowerment and South-South cooperation;
Good knowledge of office software packages and social media;
Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization an asset.

Language skills:

Excellent written and oral communication skills in English;
Competency in French or Spanish an asset.