Background

Please read carefully the below information!
Before you apply on-line, please download and fill in the P11 form (UNDP personal history form), that should be attached to your on-line application.
UNDP will use a transparent and competitive screening process, though will only contact those applicants in whom there is further interest. No telephone inquires will be entertained. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

The UNDP PERSONAL HISTORY FORM (P11) will be considered for screening of applications.  It can be downloaded at the following link:UNDP Personal History Form 
Basic information about the projects

Background:

The aim of the project “Developing an Integrated Approach to a Stepped-Up Energy Saving Programme” No. 00083259, planned for 3 years, is to enhance efficient use of energy resources at the local level in Belarus through application of energy-saving technologies and measures in educational buildings. The objective will be reached through establishing pilot sites demonstrating application of innovative energy efficiency technologies in school buildings, raising awareness and capacity building of local authorities, specialists and local population to carry out energy saving measures at the local level. The project also aims at increasing involvement of local governments and population in implementation of pilot initiatives in the EE area and further replication of best practices.

In particular, the project will help achieve the following objectives:

·         To raise awareness and build capacity within communities to carry out energy saving measures at local level that improve energy efficiency and utilize renewable energy sources.

·         To establish pilot sites in local communities demonstrating application of innovative energy efficiency technologies in school buildings.

·         To ensure active participation of local governments, educational institutions and local population in energy-saving pilot initiatives implementation as well as increase demonstration of best practices, and their replication at the local level.

Objectives of the assignment and organizational context:

This assignment has an objective to advise and provide a proper project communication strategy, organize key project PR initiatives and awareness raising actions and ensure a comprehensive and systematic informational support to the Project Team, national experts and other stakeholders including general public about interventions and results of the projects activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

·      Design and ensure successful implementation of information and communication strategies to publicize and visualize messages, findings and events resulting from project activities at the local, national, and international levels.

·      Plan, organize, manage and evaluate public communication campaigns at the local, national and international levels that promote public understanding of the project activities, events and views.

·      Provide respective logistics and procurement and organize result dissemination, capacity building and public activities, such as workshops, round-tables, seminars, conferences, festivals, exhibitions, contests, trainings and other relevant events carried out in the framework of the project.

·      Provide screening of forthcoming international, regional and local events relevant to the project thematic fields worth being attended by the project personnel, local experts and project national partners and brief the Project Team accordingly.

·      Contribute to the narrative reports to the UNDP and EU, as well as participate in reporting on the project achievements and findings to the National Implementing Agency and other stakeholders.

·      Act as a focal point on the project communication issues to ensure timely and accurate monitoring and reporting on major developments.

·      Provide support for the project staff and experts in their interaction with media, as well as inform and consult them on communication and media issues related to the project promotion and public visibility.

·      Ensure that the project information and communication activities and products fully comply with the UNDP and EU communication policies and procedures.

2.   Communication with mass media:

·      Prepare information materials (brochures, booklets, reports, backgrounders, various audio-visual advertising and promotion materials, press releases, briefs, media alerts, leaflets, articles, interviews, reviews, etc., as necessary) about the project implementation progress and disseminate them through printed and online media at the local, national and international levels.

·      Prepare, organize and manage informational and media coverage on projects priority areas and major project activities, such as workshops, round-tables, seminars, conferences, festivals, exhibitions, contests, trainings, media tours and other relevant activities carried out in the framework of the project.

·      Identify, collect and file project "good stories" and pictures for internal and external use.

·      Organize field trips on project activities, as required, with respective notification of local and national mass-media.

·      Keep up to date media contacts, monitor media requests and draft responses, follow up relevant media coverage and report to the Project Team on the impact of coverage.

3.   Development of communication products and publications:

·      Help develop content and design for brochures and leaflets and other materials, which are to be printed as per the project detailed work plan, and provide financial assessments, procurement plans, manage and oversee their production.

·      Conduct maintenance and ensure regular update of the project web site in the Russian and English languages.

·      Provide translation of project materials intended to be disseminated from/to English when necessary.

4.   Perform any other duties and actions related to the project implementation as may be assigned by Project Manager.

·      It has been ensured that the UNDP/EU project has a clear communication strategy and associated work plan to support the project objectives.

·      The project has delivered the issues on energy efficiency in schools into the public domain enhancing thereby UNDP and EU credibility and brand in the focus areas.

·      Implementation of information and communications strategies has been successfully conducted that should positively highlight the project activities and increase knowledge and understanding of the issues of energy efficiency in schools among experts, general public and media.

·      It has been ensured that the project maintains and continually develops a contact list of journalists and media outlets covering all media formats (print, TV, radio, online, etc.) in order to communicate the project progress and achievements to a wider audience.

·      The project key achievement and findings have been widely covered by local, national and global mass media (printed, radio, TV web-based), increasing public awareness in Belarus and abroad on the major issues the project are focused on.

·      Refined process has been established with regard to communicating with governmental and public sector, media contacts, including public and media events as well as issuing of a wide range of information and advocacy materials and products.

·      Rapid and accurate information dissemination on the project activities to the participating UN agencies, National governmental bodies, media, public sector and other appropriate agencies have been ensured.

Competencies

-           Proven ability to perform tasks involving multiple and diverse clients.

-           Excellent organizational and inter-personal skills.

-           Ability to work under pressure and to keep tight deadlines, and respond to changes in a rapidly evolving work environment.

-           Ability to communicate clearly and precisely at all levels both orally and in writing.

Required Skills and Experience

-           Advanced university degree (Master degree or equivalent) at least in one of the following fields: international relations, communication, journalism, PR, sociology, art, pedagogy or related area;

-           At least five years of progressively responsible experience in communication, PR or related field;

-           Experience in managing communication products, planning, organizing and conducting PR and media actions and public events with close collaboration with media, government officials, NGOs and civil society in Belarus;

-           Working experience and familiarity with the issues of energy efficiency in Belarus is desirable;

-           Previous work in at least one international technical assistance project is an asset;

-           Excellent command of the Russian language and fluency in oral and written English and Belarussian is required;

-           Advanced PC user (profound knowledge of MS Office software package, Photoshop, CorelDraw applications, web tools); excellent knowledge of office equipment;