UNDP Jobs - 60151- Communications Specialist (Outreach and Event Coor

Communications Specialist (Outreach and Event Coordination)

Location :

New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Type of Contract :

TA International

Starting Date :

16-Oct-2015

Application Deadline :

24-Sep-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

Six 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

Human Development Report Office (HDRO) produces annually the editorially independent Human Development Report for UNDP. Since inception in 1990 the report has acted as a highly visible and influential people-centered contribution to development thinking. Each edition is launched around the world by UNDP offices as contributions to public debate and policy making at national and global levels; picked up by global and national media, and the analysis – and annually updated human development indices and data sets are used by governments, civil society and development partners in their policy formulation and advocacy. HDRO also seeks to promote the human development concept and approach to analysis and policy making through outreach, including via the web and social media, to influential stakeholders, through engagement with academic networks and by convening and participating in expert and high-visibility events, e.g. global human development forum.

HDRO includes a unit devoted to outreach, which includes specialists in communication, including on-line, and publication. Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Deputy Director of HDRO, Outreach writer and event coordinator in the Human Development Report Office prepares material to implement communication on the human development report for audiences around the world, and work with partners to convene global/ regional events to promote fresh and innovative thinking on human development ahead (the next quarter century).

The outreach writer and event coordinator will work in close collaboration with UNDP’s Office of Communication, Bureau of External Relations, Executive Office, partner institutions, international media, to enable successful communication in support of the launch of human development report and in successful conduct of a global human development forum. The coordinator also works with communications staff at UNDP’s regional bureaus and country offices to facilitate regional launches of the Human Development Report (HDR) and provide support.

Duties and Responsibilities

Key Functions

Editorial lead for distilling key messages of the HDR2015 for use in material directed at external audiences, including press material, speeches, op-eds etc. – drafts such materials in close consultation with the HDRO Director/Lead author, the report research team, UNDP’s Office of Communication and Regional bureaus:

Drafts and finalizes key messages as input to press package materials related the 2015 Human Development Report (HDR), including global and regional press releases;
Drafts speeches, speaking point and power point presentations for use by colleagues launching the 2015 HDR around the world.

Planning and execution of pre-launch substantive briefings for relevant UNDP staff including Country Offices:

Drafts other product and services such as FAQ, Q/A and other materials for press packages;
Assists in the coordination with UNDP Regional Offices for the preparation of the regional press releases and kits;
Develops supporting materials for these meetings and ensure timely dissemination;
Supports joint work with the Bureaus of External Relations and Advocacy and their representative offices on high profile launches in countries without UNDP country offices;
Liaises with external partners for their participation on launch events.

HDRO input to the launch of the 2015 Human Development Report; drafting programme, securing collaterals, etc.:

Provides HDRO input to the scripting of the global launch of the HDR2015, tentatively scheduled for mid-November 2015;
Input to statement by host country PM, UNDP Administrator,
Support media outreach, including the organization of media briefings in the host country;
Direct support to the UNDP office in host country for the planning (country visit);
Live communications support during event (social media and media enquiries).

Planning and design of internal and external strategies for HDRO communications and outreach including knowledge building and knowledge sharing:

Acts as focal point in the organization of HDRO Human Development Global Forum to take place in early 2016;
Ensure proper coordination and frequent flows of information with organizational partners of the event;
Substantive input to shape concept note for panels reflecting priorities of host country, Director and Deputy Director;
Identifies and maintains a data base of relevant international stakeholders among policy makers, experts and opinion leaders (public/private) to be invited to the event and follow –up with them to ensure an adequate forum;
Leads in follow up with invited panelist and secure appropriate briefing;
Develops supporting materials including invitations, agenda, programme for the event, preparation of panelist kit and invitees folders;
Support and executive liaison for speakers and VIPs during the conference;
Live communications support during event (social media and media enquiries).

Competencies

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.

Functional Competencies:

Advocacy/Advancing a Policy-Oriented Agenda:

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

Building Strategic Partnerships:

Maintaining a network of contacts

Builds and supports a network of contacts for general information sharing on the human development report and more broadly for identifying speakers and audiences for dialogue on human development more broadly;
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, and seeks buy-in from internal and external partners;
Aanalyses and applies innovative means of reaching relevant but different audiences.

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;
Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments.

Creating Visibility to support HDRO’s Capacity to Advocate:
Research and data analysis

Promotes awareness of HD 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 the Human Development Report:
Preparing information for global advocacy

Identifies and communicates relevant information for advocacy to a for a variety of audiences on the Human Development Report, concept and measurement;
Maintains a functioning network of contacts in the media and civil society, to promote a better understanding of Human Development mandate and to support advocacy efforts.

Client Orientation:
Establishing effective client relationships

Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external clients

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master's degree in media relations, journalism, publishing or other relevant degree.

Experience:

Minimum five years of relevant work experience in the field of public relations, media and/or communications at the national or international level;
Professional experience as a deadline news writer and/or editor for English-language media highly desirable;
Prior experience in the UNDP will be an asset.

Language:

Fluency in English;
Knowledge of other UN languages (French, Spanish, Arabic) an asset.