Background

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the UNDP Deputy Resident Representative (DRR), and in coordination with the UN Communications Specialist, the Communications Officer implements the corporate communications strategy, as well as provides inputs to the design, management and implementation of the Multi-Country Office (MCO) communications and publication strategies which are geared to influence the development agenda, promote public and media outreach and mobilize political and financial support for UNDP. The communications strategy, tightly linked to program priorities, shall help position the MCO in key development markets as a leader in ways that boost demand for various service lines and increase overall business opportunities.

The Communications Officer may supervise and lead the communications staff of the Multi-Country Office and maintains a regular working relationship with the Regional Communications Manager. The Communications Officer works in close collaboration with the Management, Programme and Operations teams, staff of other UN Agencies, UNDP HQs staff (Communications Office) and Government officials, international and local media, subject matter experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful UNDP communication strategy implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities

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 MCO (projects, country programme and corporate change initiatives, etc.);
• Drafting/editing of MCO 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 UNDP’s development programme during programme formulations.

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

• Implementation of the MCO 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 MCO 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 UNDP web site, intranet, MCO web-based knowledge management system focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Supervision of the design and maintenance of the office web sites based on corporate requirements in cooperation with the ICT staff;
• 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 campaigns:

• Promotion and maintenance of public information campaigns on UNDP activities, UN Reform, results of MDGs/SDGs, in association with other;
• Promotion and dissemination of corporate advocacy materials for launching flagship initiatives and publications such as the Human Development Report;
• 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 UNDP’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;
• Provision of training, consultancy and advice to UNDP staff on communications for development.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:       

Advocacy/Advancing a Policy-Oriented Agenda:

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

Building Strategic Partnerships:

• 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:

• 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:

• 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 UNDP/Supporting UNDP’s Capacity to Advocate:

• Promotes awareness of UNDP’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 UNDP’s Goals:

• Identifies and communicates relevant information for advocacy for UNDP’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 UNDP’s mandate and to support advocacy efforts.

Conceptual Innovation in the Provision of Technical Expertise:

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

Client Orientation:

• 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 degree in media relations, journalism and/or publishing;
• For Bachelor graduates, minimum 4 years of experience in those areas.

Experience:

• For Master graduates, minimum 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:

• Fluent in English and Samoan both verbal and written.

Note:

• Women candidates are encouraged to apply.