UNDP Jobs - 64277- Communications Officer

Communications Officer

Location :

Colombo, SRI LANKA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

11-Mar-16 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

One year

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

The UN Communications Unit is based in the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) and provides communications advocacy and media support for the United Nations in Sri Lanka. The team is looking to recruit a Communication’s Officer to support the development of a strategic communications plan to profile and position the work related to the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), to ensure the availability and access of relevant information to key audiences including the media, public, government counterparts, and the international community.

The United Nations Peacebuilding Fund was established by the UN Secretary General in October 2006, following a request from the General Assembly and the Security Council. With the primary aim of preventing a relapse into violent conflict, the PBF is currently providing fast, flexible and relevant funding to over 20 countries.

In June 2015 Sri Lanka began accessing the Immediate Response Facility (IRF) of the Peacebuilding Fund, and in November 2015 was further declared eligible to receive financial support from the Peacebuilding Fund’s longer term Peacebuilding and Recovery Facility. Before accessing the longer term financial support, Sri Lanka must first develop a Peacebuilding Priority Plan (PPP), against which future peacebuilding projects can be designed. This process is currently being initiated by the Government in partnership with the UN, and will include wide consultation with key stakeholders from amongst the development partners and civil society.

Under the IRF several projects will be implemented during 2016, and further projects are expected to come on stream later in the year once the PPP is finalized. The Communications Officer is expected to work in close coordination with PBF implementing agencies to ensure the successful implementation of the strategic communications plan and support the UN Country Team (UNCT) and UN Communications Group (UNCG) as required.

Duties and Responsibilities

The key functions of the Communications Officer, who will be part of the UN Communications Unit, include:

Development and successful implementation of a strategic communications plan;
Support to the consultation and outreach initiatives conducted as part of the PPP process;
Ensure PBF results and events are promoted amongst key stakeholders and in the media;
Ensure development and effective management of PBF related webpages, and knowledge products;
Support wider functions of the UN Communications Unit.

Development and successful implementation of a strategic communications plan:

Develop a strategic communications plan in consultation with the communications unit and in close coordination with the programme coordinator / relevant colleagues;
Collaborate with PBF implementing agencies to ensure a synergized approach for all communications related to the PBF;
Promote trilingual communications, which is sensitive and effective across different constituencies.

Support the consultation and outreach initiatives conducted as part of the PPP process:

Provide logistical support to the organization of stakeholder consultations and workshops conducted for the Peacebuilding Context Assessment and the design of the PPP;
Record discussions and key decisions taken during meetings, and ensure timely sharing of notes etc.;
Prepare updates for the Sri Lanka PBF website on key steps in the PPP process;
Work closely with the Communications colleagues and relevant government partners to prepare for PPP related media events/briefings.

Ensure PBF results and events are promoted amongst key stakeholders and in the media:

Establish a network of Communications officers amongst the Recipient UN Organisations with whom to liaise for the collection of stories on PBF results;
Work with UN agencies to ensure stories are regularly available for the Sri Lanka PBF website and PBSO on results i.e. human interest stories, interviews, case studies, project launches, donor visits etc;
Ensure that the PBF’s gender results are profiled, and key lessons and best-practices shared;
Liaise with PBSO and UN agencies to agree on common approaches to visibility items – i.e. PBSO/PBF logos etc;
Drawing on the information collected in PBSO annual/semi-annual reports etc, design and produce updates that can be shared with PBF donors in country (i.e. a brochure on PBF results in Sri Lanka etc.);
Monitor media for PBF related coverage and provide necessary analysis;
Support all PBF related media events.

Ensure development and effective management of PBF related webpages, and knowledge products:

In collaboration with the Communications Unit, take responsibility for ensuring the PBF webpages carry up to date/current news on the PBF in Sri Lanka;
Ensure all PBF key events/launches/activities are profiled on the website;
Maintain a library of photographs/videos etc. from PBF projects/events;
Support the development and management of relevant knowledge products.

Support wider functions of the UN Communications Unit:

Support the organization of smooth conduct of major UN events such as ‘UN Day’, launches of reports and joint programmes and international UN missions;
Provide support for the drafting of media releases, press statements and speeches – in particular those related to peacebuilding;
Support the Communications Unit with as a required.

Impact of Results

The achievement of the key results will positively impact the UN’s ability to support and influence the development agenda in Sri Lanka, promote progress and key messages to partners, the public and media through effective communications and dissemination of information on the UN’s mandate, programmes and priorities. This will help to build and strengthen strategic partnerships in the region, promote greater transparency and accountability, and support resource mobilization.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates commitment to the UN’s Mission, Vision and values;
Understands the UN system reforms and UN agency reforms;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning:

Excellent communication skills in English (both Written and Oral);
Knowledge of Marketing and Communication principles and strategies;
Creativity to communicate in different ways;
Strong Organization skills and ability to work with little supervision;
Enthusiastic, professional, cooperative as well as demonstrate initiative and commitment to achieving professional information management standards;
Actively works towards continuing personal learning.

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

Ability to implement communications and publications strategies;
Advocates effectively;
Communicates sensitively and effectively across different constituencies;
Excellent communication skills, excellent writing skills;
Ability to conceptualize issues and analyze data;
Demonstrates strong IT skills.

Leadership and Self-Management:

Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Remains calm and in control under pressure;
Builds relationships with internal and external partners;
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master degree or equivalent in communications, international development, social sciences, public administration or other relevant field with relevant experience in communications, ideally in the development sector;
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in communications, international development, social sciences, public administration or other relevant field with 3 years’ experience in communications, ideally in the development sector.

Experience:

3 years’ experience in communications, ideally in the development sector;
Relevant experience at the national or international level in public relations, communications or advocacy;
Excellent English language drafting and communications skills;
Experience with website design and maintenance;
Creative thinking;
Experience coordinating multi-stakeholder events;
Proven experience working with Government, civil society, international organizations and donors;
Knowledge and sound understanding of peacebuilding and gender related issues is an asset;
Excellent understanding of the local context.

Language:

Fluency in English, and Sinhala and/or Tamil.