UNV Jobs - 50940- National UN Volunteer Communications Assistant

National UN Volunteer Communications Assistant

Advertised on behalf of

UNV

Location :

Freetown, SIERRA LEONE

Type of Contract :

UNV

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

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

Post Level :

UNV

Duration of Initial Contract :

6 months

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

Preamble:

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development and it benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally, encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers.

In most cultures volunteerism is deeply embedded in long-established, ancient traditions of sharing and support within the communities. In this context, UN Volunteers take part in various forms of volunteerism and play a role in development and peace together with co-workers, host agencies and local communities.

In all assignments, UN Volunteers promote volunteerism through their action and conduct. Engaging in volunteer activity can effectively and positively enrich their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between themselves and the people in their host community. This will make the time they spend as UN Volunteers even more rewarding and productive.

Organizational context: Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Communications Analyst the Communications Assistant supports the implementation of the communications and advocacy strategies of the office to increase the standing and awareness of UNDP with partners, the media and the public. The Communications Assistant promotes a client-oriented approach in UNDP.

The Communications Assistant works in close collaboration with the Management Support and Business Development, Programme, Operations and project staff in the Country Office and UNDP HQ, as required.

Host Agency/Host Institute: UNDP, Sierra Leone.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions

Support to implementation of communications and advocacy strategies;
Administrative support to communications team;
Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing;
Support multimedia and on-line communications efforts.
Supports the implementation of CO communications and advocacy strategies and CO publications policy focusing on achievement of the following results:
Logistical support to the organization of publicity/outreach for the CO programme, knowledge-sharing events and promotional opportunities, especially UN events;
Dissemination of information and publications; assistance at public events such as roundtable discussions, press conferences, briefing sessions, interviews;
Maintenance of information database and photo library;
Collection of information, preparation of content for the web sites;
Extraction of data from various sources;
Research and retrieval of statistical data from internal and external sources;
Logistical support to UN information campaigns (UN Day, World AIDS Day, etc.);
Administrative and logistical support to the communications team, including for initiatives such as media workshops, press briefings, report launches, etc.;
Budgetary support in Atlas as required, including creation of vendors.

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:

Identification, documenting and drafting of best practices and lessons learned;
Participation in training for the CO staff on effective communications and advocacy.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to:

Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark IVD);
Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/Expected Output:

The key results have an impact on the reputation and standing of UNDP in the country. High quality information material and well-organized public events enhance UNDP position as a strong development partner. A client-oriented, efficient approach to impact on the image of UNDP country image.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Advocacy/Advancing a Policy-Oriented Agenda

Support the preparation of information for advocacy

Supports in identifying opportunities for advocating UNDP’s mandate.

Building Strategic Partnerships

Maintaining information and databases

Analyses general information and selects materials in support of partnership building initiatives.

Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing

Basic research and analysis

Researches best practices and poses new, more effective ways of doing things

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise

Fundamental knowledge of processes, methods and procedures

Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding to the position;
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 UNDP/Supporting UNDP’s Capacity to Advocate

Research and information gathering

Collects, and disseminates information on UNDP focus areas

Global Leadership and Advocacy for UNDP’s Goals

Research and analysis

Identifies relevant information for advocacy for UNDP’s goals for a variety of audiences

Conceptual Innovation in the Provision of Technical Expertise

Research and provision of information

Responds positively to new approaches

Client Orientation

Maintains effective client relationships

Reports to internal and external clients in a timely 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;
Responds to client needs promptly.

Professionalism:

Good coordination and facilitation skills;
Analytical skills required.

Communication:

Strong communication, (spoken, written and presentational) skills, including the ability to produce a variety of written reports in a clear, concise style, to deliver presentations to external audiences, to build and maintain effective partnerships.

Planning and Organizing:

Ability to establish priorities and to plan work assignments, juggle competing demands and work under pressure of frequent and tight deadlines.

Teamwork:

Ability to work effectively in a team, including contributing to team cohesiveness, while supporting other team members towards effectiveness and successful implementation of activities.

Core Competencies:

Promote the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP Display cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
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 conflictLearning 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:

University Degree in communication, journalism or social sciences with experience in public relations or journalism

Work experience:

5 years of relevant experience in communications, public relations and administration. Experience with UN and handling of online communications an advantage;
Experience in template developing will be preferred;
Experience in legal and constitutional issues is an asset;
Working experience with local, regional or central government required;
Previous experience in report writing is an asset.

Language:

Fluency in English required.

Conditions of Service:

A six months contract with monthly volunteer living allowance (VLA) of SL 1,976.590 intended to cover housing basic needs and utilities, life, health and permanent disability insurance; return airfares (if applicable); resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.

Applications should be addressed to:

The UNV programme Officer,
United Nations Development Programme,
55 Wilkinson Road, Freetown-Sierra Leone

To reach him on or before 31 October 2014 by 3pm.

Kindly indicate the position applied for on the top right hand corner of the envelop.