UNV Jobs - 63756- UNV Communication Officer

UNV Communication Officer – Nauru R2R

Advertised on behalf of

UNV

Location :

Yaren, NAURU

Type of Contract :

UNV

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

25-Feb-16 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

UNV

Duration of Initial Contract :

6 Months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

6 Months

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

The Nauru Ridge to Reef (R2R) is a GEF Funded Project that is designed to develop, establish and implement a government and community partnership approach that will increase knowledge for better management of natural resources and ecosystem services for the entire Island of Nauru (South Pacific) through innovative integrated land, water, biodiversity, coastal and marine management approaches thereby protecting and increasing livelihoods opportunities, food security, and enhancing climate resilience. It is a 4 years funded project that is aimed at building Nauru’s capacity to implement a comprehensive cross sectorial regime for sustainable land, freshwater water, solid waste, coastal and marine area management and ensuring the initiatives are mainstreamed and established into all levels of decision making including government policy, laws and regulations and community plans.

The project is part of the broader Pacific Regional Program on “Pacific Islands Ridge-to-Reef National Priorities – Integrated Water, Land, and Coastal Management to Preserve Biodiversity, Ecosystem Services, Store Carbon, Improve Climate Resilience and Sustain Livelihoods”. This program is designed to build stronger linkages between sustainable development and management of freshwater ecosystems (e.g. ground water systems for Nauru) and coastal/marine areas and promotes the implementation of holistic, integrated management of natural resources.

The goals of this Nauru R2R Project will be achieved through four specific project level outcomes interventions that are directly interconnected at national and site based community (district) levels. These include (i) Improved management effectiveness of new marine conservation areas, (ii) Integrated landscape management practices adopted by local communities living within the ‘bottom-side’ and applicable ‘ridge’, and ‘topside’ areas not covered by mining, (iii) Biodiversity conservation and Sustainable Land Management (SLM) mainstreamed in policy and regulatory frameworks, and (iv) Knowledge Management.

To achieve integrated management of terrestrial and marine systems in Nauru the project will build upon the participatory process facilitated in the development of the R2R Program Framework Document (PFD) which included extensive stakeholder dialogues in the development, and will implement innovative and creative project activities to address critical knowledge gaps in environmental and ecosystem services. This project proposes a long-term solution by implementing a ridge-to-reef approach that combines functional, representative and sustainable national system of coastal and marine managed areas that are integrated with the adoption of appropriate SLM practices in adjoining / upstream watersheds. By also improving government capacity, the proposed project will effectively reduce land degradation and enhance protection for marine and coastal biodiversity and habitats, whilst improving coastal livelihoods and creating lasting management of Nauru’s natural resources.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator, the UNV Communication Officer will provide communication support to the Project Management Unit:

Facilitate the development of the an information portal for easily accessible data and informationsharing on biodiversity, forests and climate change and sustainable land and water management practices;
Development and implementation of R2R communication strategy / plan in consultation with PMU;
Lead the development and production of awareness, education and advocacy materials under the different components of the project that will contribute to effective delivery of project activities in the project target sites;
Ensure effective use of the project results to secure long-term project support and strengthened partnership. Similarly to ensure sustainable management decisions over time;
Facilitate the mechanisms to improve data and information systems on biodiversity, land forests, coastal and marine management, climate change and best practices;
Develop a communication and visibility strategy for the project in consultation with IP and PIU;
Prepare publicity and publications (brochures, flyers, videos) on R2R thematic/focal areas and best practices and disseminate to specific target audiences;
Identify opportunities to promote R2R concepts and conservation practices to different target audiences and develop materials accordingly;
Facilitate media statements/briefs, news briefs/articles and monthly newsletters;
Contribute to quarterly and annual reporting to UNDP, and any other required reporting;
Provide support to write, edit, publish and translate Nauru R2R communication products;
Assist to develop and produce relevant campaign materials and products;
Assist to update/enhance the Nauru R2R information materials;
Assist to produce relevant communication materials, electronic and printed;
Assist to plan and implement key events hosted or supported by Nauru R2R meetings etc.;
Report on communication and knowledge management activities undertaken within the annual Project Implementation Review;
Develop materials to showcase good practices and success stories from Nauru R2R to Regional R2R Program stakeholders, UNDP, and GEF and other relevant external audiences.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required 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;
Transfer and upscale work output of staff concerned through training initiatives and transference of knowledge.

Results/Expected Output: Specific results for the 6 months:

An FB account and a Twitter account for the Nauru R2R linking it to UNDP Environment FB account are created and utilised effectively;
Develop a monthly newsletter after every 2 months and upload into FB account and twitter to share the information to a wider audiences;
A communication strategy plan for the project is developed with PMU Advisor, LMMA Officer, Coordinator, and Land Use Officer for the project outlining activities, products, budget and timeframe as per project document to achieve outcomes and outputs;
Conduct at least 1 communication training with PMU staff as part of capacity building on how to effectively communicate the project to outsiders;
Conduct at least 5 community awareness workshops to raise awareness of the concept of Nauru Ridge to Reef workshop working very closely with the rest of the PMU technical officers;
Conduct at least 5 community planning workshop aligning to activities of the project document;
Develop at least 3 key different communication products (factsheets, pull up banner, t-shirt) for dissemination to key target audiences;
Assist in the development of the inception workshop report with project coordinator;
Develop a quarterly reporting template to UNDP on project deliverables as per indicator, baseline and outcomes and assist project coordinator in filling in the details required;
Identify potential national candidate in consultation with DCIE and UNDP and mentor him/her over the 6 months period;
Final Report on the contribution to volunteer activities in the duty station, activities participated in and capacities developed.

Competencies

Professionalism:

Ability to perform a broad range of management functions, e.g., planning and budgeting, monitoring, human resources, database management, etc.;
Ability to work effectively and can remain calm under a stressful environment;
Ability to meet commitments, observe deadlines and achieve results;
Is motivated by professionalism rather than personal;
Treats all people without favoritism.

Communication:

Speaks and writes clearly and effectively;
Correctly interprets messages and responds appropriately;
Shares information and keeping people informed;
Ability to communicate openly with colleagues.

Teamwork:

Good interpersonal skills, ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
Solicits inputs valuing others’ ideas and expertise;
Willing to learn from others;
Supports colleagues, contributes to the learning of colleagues and provides oversight.

Planning & Organizing:

Demonstrated effective organizational skills and ability to handle work in efficient and timely manner.

Building Trust:

Ability to work transparently, follows through agreed-upon actions, and can provide an environment to interact actively without fear of repercussion.

Technological Awareness:

Fully proficiently in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access;
Keeps abreast of available technology;
Seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks.

Accountability:

Ability to take ownership for all responsibility and honors commitments;
Delivery of outputs responsible for with quality standards;
Provides support to colleagues and takes responsibility of delegated assignments.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

University degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or relevant discipline is desirable. Certificate level with demonstrated work experience is also encouraged to apply;
Must hold at least secondary education with a good pass in English.

Experiences

Minimum of 5 years relevant work experience in Environmental Communications (environment field in NGOs is an advantage);
Familiar with development issues at the global, regional and national level (knowledge of climate change, environmental conservation etc and key partners will be an advantage);
Excellent inter/intra personal and communication skills;
Demonstrated ability to work with minimum supervision;
Excellent computer knowledge (MS Office) and experience in preparing and maintaining website materials;
Demonstrated skills of excellent English writing;
Working in any part of the Pacific is a requirement;

Language:

Excellent English writing with very good diplomacy and communication skills.

Living Conditions

The Republic of Nauru is an island nation in the Micronesian South Pacific 42 km (26 mi.), south of the Equator. The nearest neighbour is Banaba Island in the Republic of Kiribati, 300 km due east. It is the smallest island nation in Oceania with an estimated population of 11.000. ² It is the smallest independent republic with a parliamentary system in place in the district Yaren.

Nauru is one of three great phosphate rock islands in the Pacific Ocean. Phosphate mining in the central plateau has left a barren terrain of jagged, prehistoric coral pinnacles, up to 15 meters (49 ft.) high. Primary reserves of phosphates were exhausted and mining ceased in 2006, but mining of a deeper layer of "secondary phosphate" in the interior of the island began the following year. The secondary phosphate deposits may last another 30 years, but the rehabilitation of mined land and the replacement of income from phosphates are much longer term problems. The island is surrounded by a coral reef, exposed at low tide and dotted with pinnacles. A 150–300 m (about 500 –1000 ft.) wide fertile coastal strip lies landward from the beach. The island's only fertile areas are within this narrow coastal belt and the land surrounding the inland Buada lagoon on the central plateau, where there are coco nut palms, pandanus trees, and indigenous hardwoods, bananas, pineapples and some vegetables crops. Some secondary vegetation has begun to cover the scarred central plateau and its coral pinnacles. Coral cliffs surround the central plateau. The highest point of the plateau is 65 m (213 ft.) above sea level.

Although Nauru has a nominal per capita GDP in excess of $2,700, its economy is in deep crisis, and the resumption of mining promises only a limited respite. The country seeks alternatives to find a sustainable economic future. Nauru imports over 90% of its food and other basic goods. The private sector is very small and employs less than 300 people. Women make up more than 50% of the population and close to 46.7% of the working population.

Of the island's 13,048 residents, 58% are Nauruan, 26% other Pacific Islanders, 8% Chinese and 8% Europeans. The main religion practiced on the island is Christianity (two -thirds Protestant, one -third Roman Catholic). Although English is widely spoken and is the language of government and commerce, the official language of Nauru is Nauruan, a distinct Pacific island language. Nauru's climate is hot - temperature ranges between 26 and 35 °C (79 and 95 °F) during the day and between 25 and 28 °C (77 and 82 °F) at night - and extremely humid all year-round. The island is affected by monsoonal rains between November and February, but annual rainfall is highly variable.

There are very limited basic services such as schools, hospitals (1), hotels (2) and a few grocery stores. There is a small expat community, mainly working in government strengthening projects. Although the position is officially declared as a family duty station, due the absence of suitable facilities this is strongly discouraged. The post is an excellent assignment to be able to contribute towards the countries’ development and collaboration with humanitarian development partners. The population is friendly and extremely welcoming foreigners to collaborate with them. Due to its great remoteness, limited facilities and seize of the country, candidates should be inventive, and physically and mentally be able to cope with sometimes extreme challenging situations of isolation, limited movement and a scarce diversity of lifestyles.

Conditions of Service (International CoS_2015)

The duration of your assignment is 6 months with possibility for extension. A volunteer receives a Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) which is composed of the Monthly Living Allowance (MLA) and a Family Allowance (FA) for those with dependents. The VLA is intended to cover housing, basic needs and utilities and is equivalent to US$2,594 for volunteers with no dependents, US$ 2,844 or volunteers with one recognized dependent, and US$ 3,044 for volunteers with two or more recognized dependents.

The above-mentioned amounts are calculated using the MLA rate applicable for the duty station to which the family allowance (if applicable) is added: $US250 for one dependent and $US 450 for two or more dependents.

The MLA for the duty station is obtained from the base rate of US $ 1,554 which is reviewed once a year, and is adjusted on a monthly basis according to the movement (upwards or downwards) of the Post Adjustment Multiplier (PAM) applicable for each duty station. The PAM is established by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) to ensure that international UN Volunteers have comparable purchasing power at all duty stations despite varying costs of living. The applicable MLA is calculated as follows: MLA = (MLA base rate x PAM) + MLA base rate. See ICSC website http://icsc.un.org for more information on the applicable PAM rates.

In addition, UN Volunteers are provided a one-time settling-in-grant (if applicable); Well-Being Differential (applicable only in hardship non-family duty stations) life, health, and permanent disability insurance; return airfares (if applicable); resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.

Application

If you are not a candidate in UNV’s database, please apply by registering your profile at https://ereta.unv.org/html/index.php?module=myprofile. Important: once you have created your UNV account by validating your email address, please complete all sections of your profile and select the following code: “16NRU_COM” from the drop down menu in the “Special Recruitment” tab of ‘MyProfile’. Your application can only be considered once you have submitted your complete UNV profile (green button). As a confirmation of your successful registration, you will receive an email with your UNV roster number.

If you are registered in the UNV database of candidates, please update your profile at: http://MyProfile.unv.org. In the “Special Recruitment” section on the left, click on the “Edit” button and select the advertisement code “16NRU_COM” from the drop-down list.

Closing date: 25 February 2016. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme which welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture