Antecedentes

UNDP Georgia is actively involved in supporting the systems and processes that promote the development of Democratic Governance in the country. Currently, there is a number of ongoing initiatives that require effective communication with various stakeholders including public in general, specific project target groups, national authorities and other public agencies as well as non-government actors for their effective support and engagement.

In particular UNDP is supporting gender equality, which concentrates on the design and implementation of relevant strategies and action plans with relevant national institutions. While UNDP has contributed to ensuring equal rights for men and women by helping develop legislation and legal infrastructure, statistics and other types of institutional support, there is a continued critical need for raising public awareness within society generally, including identification of  some obsolete gender stereotypes and how these can be overcome.

UNDP is also involved in supporting the decentralization and empowerment of local authorities through continued advocacy and capacity development of national counterparts, establishing proper conceptual and legislative frameworks for local self-government and local authorities, enhancing competencies and financial resources, promoting their systemic capacity development, as well as creating effective tools for citizens’ participation in local decision-making. 

Improving integrated border management (IBM) systems is another field of operations for UNDP, which has been gaining further momentum within the frameworks of the Association Agreement, and visa liberalization action plan with the EU. The entrenchment of IBM principles into national systems provides a strong impetus to interagency cooperation which in its turn capitalizes on clear and participatory decision-making process. While the border infrastructure and products created within the initiative are impressive, public and specific regional stakeholders need to be more actively informed about and encouraged to support this ongoing and future work.

Deberes y responsabilidades

Under the overall supervision of the Democratic Governance Team Leader and with the direct supervision of respective Project Managers, the Communication Specialist will perform the following tasks and activities:  

• Analyze information on existing practices of communications and public outreach within the respective projects;
• Propose ways for improved communication;
• In coordination with the UNDP Communication Analyst, inform media outlets of significant developments, events, press conferences;
• In coordination with the UNDP Communication Analyst, prepare draft information kits and press releases for the events, share and distribute to the interested parties when necessary and ensure the availability of copies of information products;
• Support the process of designing and printing of visibility and program materials;
• Assist in design, creation and delivery of new and effective communications products and services using print, broadcasting and different forms and advances of e-media and networking;
• Organize and facilitate the review of advocacy, promotional and program materials;
• Support the development and update of visibility and program materials both for ‘soft’ UNDP deliverables as well as physical infrastructure and similar deliverables;
• Organize and support public awareness events and PR campaigns;
• Assist in developing project Reports/bulletins and other communication materials for key stakeholders;
• Work collaboratively with Communication Consultants of other UN agencies (where relevant) to ensure delivering as one organization;
• Establish good working relationships and collaboration with media representatives and related Government officials, parliamentarians, NGO representatives, and other project target groups;
• To the extent allowed by other tasks, provide ad hoc on-the-job guidance and skills transfers where needed while working with counterpart PR staff in government institutions to undertake joint PR activities and analyses/recommendations concerning training needs; 
• Carry out other duties and tasks as deemed necessary by UNDP Country Office.

Competencias

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

• Excellent intercultural, moderation, facilitation and negotiation skills;
• Builds strong relationships with stakeholders, focuses on impact and result and responds positively to feedback;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
• Ability to lead effectively, mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills;
• Demonstrates strong oral communication skills;
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
• Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills.

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

Education:

• Master’s degree in public relations/communications, journalism, public or business administration or equivalent field.

Experience: 

• At least 5 years of working experience in public relations/communications field;
• Experience in drafting at least 2 communications strategies/action plans making use of e-media and traditional media;
• Strong academic writing and communication skills;
• Experience of working on similar projects at/for international organizations will be an asset.

Language:

• Fluency in Georgian and English.