Background

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the coordination specialist, the Communications Analyst develops and implements a UN strategy, which is geared to influence the development agenda, promote public and media outreach and mobilize political and financial support for UN system.   

The Communications Analyst may supervise and lead the communications staff of the UNCT and maintains a regular working relationship with the other Communications officers within the UN agencies. The Communications Analyst works in close collaboration with staff of other UN Agencies, Government officials, international and local media, subject matter experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful UNCT communication strategy implementation and communication for results.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

  • Planning and design of internal and external strategies for communications and outreach;
  • Implementation of the publications strategy and plan;
  • Supervision of the design and maintenance of the UNCT web site, intranet, CO web-based knowledge management system;
  • Support to business development;
  • Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing;
  • Effective management of the Communications Resources and Network.

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 UNCT (UNDAF, fact   sheets, projects, Results of UN initiatives,  corporate change initiatives, etc.);
  • Drafting/editing of UNCT communications and outreach strategy based on the corporate communications strategy;
  • Analysis of requirements and synthesis of proposals on ways to integrate advocacy and communication strategies into all aspects of the UNDAF document for 2015-2019.

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

  • Implementation of the UNCT publications strategy and plan, based on the corporate publications policy;
  • Identification of storylines for publications and drafting of substantive articles contributing to debates on key development issues;
  • Coordination and management of UNCT 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 UNCT web site, intranet, social media focusing on achievement of the following results:

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

Supports the business development focusing on achievement of the following results:

Launches and campaign:
  • Promotion and maintenance of public information campaigns on UNCT activities, UN Reform, results of MDGs and SDGs, in association with other actors;
  • 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.
Outreach:
  • Maintenance of increased coverage and understanding of the UNCT’s work in the country or practice area 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.);
  • Ensured 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.
Public information:
  •  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.

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 UNCT’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 UNCT/Supporting UNCT’s Capacity to Advocate:
Research and data analysis
  • Promotes awareness of UNCT’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 UNCT’s Goals:
Preparing information for global advocacy
  • Identifies and communicates relevant information for advocacy for UNCT’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 UNCT’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 or any other related fields.
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 is helpful but not mandatory;
  • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based management systems.
Language:
  • Fluency in French and Arabic;
  • Working knowledge of English.