Background

UNODC’s Regional Office for South Asia is implementing focused communications and advocacy activities in the framework of its Regional Programme and the region it covers, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. The communication strategy is focused on the following activities: (a) updating of content and maintenance of UNODC South Asia website; (b) organization of and support to office events; (c) production and dissemination of UNODC publications and (d) interaction with media on UNODC issues in a structured and focused way.

For the purpose, UNODC intends to recruit a Communications Officer with excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively accomplish the above mentioned tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Representative, the Communications Officer will be responsible for the following activities:

• Updating of the content and maintenance of the UNODC ROSA website, including the production of web-stories, news, announcements and other relevant information;
• Producing and disseminating regularly a newsletter on UNODC South Asia;
• Producing, disseminating and keeping stock of UNODC publications;
• Leading and supporting in the organization of events as required;
• Maintaining the database of UNODC contacts in the region;
• Handling media interaction in consultation with the Representative;
• Maintaining a repository of all communications-related activities on UNODC ROSA.     

Competencies

Professionalism:

• Shows pride in work and in achievements;
• Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter;
• Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
• Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
• Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges;
• Remains calm in stressful situations;
• Excellent inter-personal skills;
• Creative and innovative with the ability to think outside the box.  

Communication:

• Excellent communications skills;
• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively;
• Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately.;
• Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
• Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience;
• Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork:

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;
• Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise;
• Willing to learn from others;
• Places team agenda before personal agenda;
• Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position;
• Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning & Organizing:

• Excellent organizational skills;
• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies;
• Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required;
• Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work;
• Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning.  

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• An advanced degree in communications or related field with relevant professional experience.     

Experience:

• Three to five years of experience as a Communications Officer in areas related to international cooperation and universal goals;
• Experience in producing written outputs for a variety of purposes and audiences;
• Ability to translate complex ideas into easily understandable, attractive and clear language;
• Skilled in website designing and online editing tools viz. flash, multimedia etc.

Language:   

• Excellent spoken and written English is required
• Verbal and written knowledge of a major local language is an asset.