Background

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the UN Resident Coordinator, in close collaboration with the UN Coordination Analyst, the UN Communications Analyst will work with the technical/programme staff of UN agencies, including Communication Officers or Communication Focal Points;  the UN Communications, Information and Advocacy Group(UNCIAG) and the United Nations Country Team(UNCT), the representatives of the non-resident agencies, the programme and operations teams, local media practitioners and where relevant government officials, international and, subject matter experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society to ensure successful implementation of the UN communication strategy.

The UN Communications Analyst provides inputs to the design, management and implementation of the communications and publication strategies which are geared to influence the development agenda, promote public and media outreach and mobilize political and financial support for the UN in Guyana.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

• Revision of the UN communications strategy;
• Implementation of the UN communications strategy and action plan;
• Design and implementation of a publications strategy  and action plan for UN in Guyana;
• Supervision of the design and maintenance of the UN web site, intranet, agency web-based knowledge; management system and use of social networks to promote the work of the UN in and out of the country;
• Support to business development;
• Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing.

Ensures planning and design of internal and external strategies for communications and outreach focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Preparation and conduct of communications needs assessments for UN agencies (projects, country programme and corporate change initiatives, etc.);
• Drafting/editing of UN communications and outreach strategies based on the corporate communications strategy;
• Analysis of requirements and synthesis of proposals on ways to integrate advocacy and communications; strategies into all aspects of the UN programme formulations.

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

• Development of the UN publications strategy and action plan, based on the corporate publications policy;
• Implementation of the UN publications strategy and action plan;
• Identification of storylines for publications and drafting of substantive articles contributing to debates on key development issues;
• Coordination and management of UN publication activities, such as content management, norms for publishing, design, etc.;
• Contact with printers and other suppliers to ensure production and ensure publications dissemination.

Supervision of the design and maintenance of the UN web site, intranet, CO web-based knowledge management system focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Supervision of the design and maintenance of the UN web sites based on corporate requirements in cooperation with the ICT staff;
• Preparation and uploading of content for the web sites to ensure consistency of the materials.

Supports the business development focusing on achievement of the following results:
Launches and campaigns

• Promotion and maintenance of public information campaigns on UN activities, UN Reform, results of MDGs, in association with other;
• Promotion and dissemination of corporate advocacy materials for launching flagship initiatives and publications;
• Packaging and submission of programme initiatives for donor review in collaboration with programme staff and supervisor.

• Maintenance of increased coverage and promotion of understanding of the UN’s work in the country through regular media contacts and provision of newsworthy information to national public and, where possible, donors;
• 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.);
• Ensures access for journalists to subject matter experts;
• Drafting/production of regular newsletter to donors;
• Preparation of donor reports, civic education and community awareness where appropriate to support projects.

• Effective responses to inquiries for public information materials.

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;
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice including corporate communications repositories;
• Provision of training, consultancy and advice to UN staff on communications for development.

Supports the UN Resident Coordination Unit focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Coordination of the updating of the Communications Section of the UN Interagency Emergency  Response Plan
• Technical support with the preparation and dissemination of situation reports in the event of a disaster or emergency;
• Development of partnerships with IFIs, government institutions, bilateral and multilateral donors, private sector and civil society;
• Technical support the work of the UN Crisis Communication Working Group as needed.

Competencies

Functional Competencies: 
  
Advocacy/Advancing a Policy-Oriented Agenda:
Preparing information for advocacy

• Identifies and communicates relevant information for a variety of audiences for advocating UN’s mandate;
• Maintains a functioning network of contacts with a variety of stakeholders to promote a better understanding of UN’s mandate and to support advocacy efforts.

Building Strategic Partnerships:
Maintaining a network of contacts

• Maintains an established network of contacts for general information sharing and to remain up-to-date on partnership related issues;
• Analyzes and selects materials for strengthening strategic alliances with partners and stakeholders;
• Establishes and nurtures positive communication with partners

Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing:
Basic research and analysis

• Generates new ideas and approaches, researches best practices and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things;
• Documents and analyses innovative strategies and new approaches.

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise:
Fundamental knowledge of own discipline

• Understands and applies fundamental concepts and principles of a professional discipline or technical specialty  relating to the position;
• Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks;
• Analyzes the requirements and synthesizes proposals;
• Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning;
• Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments.

Creating Visibility for UN/Supporting UN’s Capacity to Advocate:
Research and data analysis

• Promotes awareness of UN’s centrally to development through dissemination of information and materials;
• Maintains networks and knowledge assets for use in visibility and image activities.

Global Leadership and Advocacy for UN’s Goals:
Preparing information for global advocacy

• Identifies and communicates relevant information for advocacy for UN’s goals for a variety of audiences;
• Maintains a functioning network of contacts in the media and civil society, to promote a better understanding of UN’s mandate and to support advocacy efforts.

Conceptual Innovation in the Provision of Technical Expertise:
Research and analysis

• Keeps updated in his/her area of substantive expertise;
• Identifies opportunities for conceptual innovation.

Client Orientation:
Establishing effective client relationships

• Researches potential solutions to internal and external client needs and reports back in a timely, succinct and appropriate fashion;
• Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines;
• Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external clients.

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity;
• Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment;
• Self-development, initiative-taking;
• Acting as a team player and facilitating team work;
• Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively;
• Creating synergies through self-control;
• Managing conflict;
• Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member;
• Informed and transparent decision making.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master's degree in media relations, journalism, publishing, strategic public relations, communication.
  

Experience:

• 2 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in public relations, communications or advocacy.
• Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization would be an asset;
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based management systems;
• Familiarity with the development and maintenance of web sites, the production and posting of content on the web is desirable.

Language:

• Fluency in English is essential;
• Knowledge of  Spanish is an asset.
  

Note:

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