UNDP Jobs - 50459- Speechwriter

Speechwriter

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

09-Nov-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year (with possible extension)

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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

Please Note that Written Test and/or Writing Samples will be Required

UNDP’s Speechwriter is responsible for developing high-impact communications for the organization’s Administrator and Associate Administrator. This position requires strategic thinking with the ability to deliver consistently high quality, well written, thought-provoking materials under pressure and tight deadlines. The Speechwriter will be part of a small executive communications team in the Executive Office. He/she will have dual reporting to the Executive Office and to the Communications Group in the Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy.

Duties and Responsibilities

Lead on the drafting of English-language lectures and speeches for the Administrator and Associate Administrator, consistently ensuring a high level of accuracy and flexibility in creating, writing, and adapting content and presentation for a wide variety of audiences.

This includes:

Undertaking original research on a range of development topics as needed to inform the speech/lecture and soliciting inputs from across the organization as needed;
Analyzing complex information, including statistics, financial information and other numerical, qualitative and quantitative data, to extract key messages for integration into speeches/lectures and other communications material as required;
Researching audience expectations, event agenda and topics, and assist in focusing the purpose of each speech or lecture to tailor messages for audience appeal and impact.

Draft/review/edit other substantive written material for the Executive Office as requested including statements, briefings, op-eds, opinions, articles, talking points, key messages and other written communications. This may include targeted messages for internal communications within UNDP or for specific stakeholders and partners, as needed by the Executive Office.

Work with senior managers and communications colleagues in various Bureaux to incorporate Executive Office messaging into their speeches and other communications materials.

Coordinate with the Executive Office and the Communications Group on publishing speeches and presentation content on UNDP’s corporate website including maintaining an up-to-date archive of speeches.

Extract key messages from speeches/presentations/articles for dissemination through social media channels, in close collaboration with the Communications Group.

Competencies

Core competencies:

Innovation:

Ability to make new and useful ideas work.

Leadership:

Ability to persuade others to follow.

People Management:

Ability to improve performance and satisfaction.

Communication:

Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform.

Delivery:

Ability to get things done.

Technical/Functional competencies:

Primary:

Multimedia writing/editing:

Ability to originate or edit written content for media and the general public to be disseminated through press or other online outlets.

Brand and Quality Management:

Ability to position the UNDP brand and uphold it to a high level of quality.

Research:

Knowledge of analytical tools and methods for undertaking substantive research on various policy related issues.

Marketing:

Ability to communicate the value of a product or service.

Secondary:

Knowledge Management:

Ability to efficiently handle and share information and knowledge.

Relationship Management:

Ability to engage with other parties and forge productive working relationships.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

An advanced university degree (Master) in journalism, communications, social science, international relations or development-related field.

Experience:

At least seven years of experience writing English-language speeches and/or articles at least three of which should be on behalf of senior executives, government leaders or leaders in other fields, and demonstrated ability to translate complex and technical messages into plain language for audience appeal and impact;
Demonstrated track record of performing excellently under pressure and adhering to strict deadlines while maintaining a sophisticated understanding of organizational and external contexts;
Excellent general understanding of international human development, poverty, human rights and other related issues;
Familiarity with the UN system in general and/or with UNDP’s mission in particular are an asset.

Language:

Fluency in written and spoken English;
Working knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.

Other:

Familiarity with Microsoft Office package;
A written test will be administered to short listed candidates before determination and selection is made.

Note:

Candidates will be asked to provide writing samples.