Background
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Country Director, the Communications Associate supports the formulation and implementation of the communications and advocacy strategies to increase the standing and awareness of UNDP with partners, the media and the public. The Communications Associate promotes a client-oriented approach in UNDP.The Communications Associate works in close collaboration with the Programme and Operations teams in the CO, staff of other UN Agencies, UNDP HQs staff (Communications Office) and Regional Communications Advisor, Government officials, media, multilateral and bilateral donors and civil society. The Communications Associate may supervise support staff of the Communications Unit.
A communications strategy tightly linked to program priorities helps position the Country Office in key development markets as a? leader in ways that boost demand for various service lines and increase overall business opportunities.
Duties and Responsibilities
Supports the formulation and implementation of internal and external communications and advocacy strategies, supports business development focusing on achievement of the following results:- Preparation and conduct of communications needs assessments for CO (projects, country programme and corporate change initiatives, etc)
- Provision of information for elaboration of CO communications and outreach strategy based on the corporate communications strategy.
- Development of communication materials for marketing and awareness-raising campaigns, including briefing materials and press releases in coordination with the supervisor.
- Organization of roundtable discussions, press conferences, briefing sessions, interviews.
- Provision of inputs and researched information in programme formulations to integrate advocacy and communication strategies into all aspects of UNDP?s development programme.
- Review of reference materials, identification of reference materials for retention. Maintenance of information database and photo library.
- Organization and implementation of joint UN information campaigns (UN Day, World AIDS Day, etc.)
- Preparation of inputs for CCA, UNDAF, CPD and other documents.
- Provision of inputs and information for elaboration of CO publications strategy and plan based on the corporate publications policy.
- Identification of storylines for publications and articles contributing to debates on key development issues.
- Technical supervision of translation/adaptation/rewriting of information received, printing and dissemination of publications and audio-visual materials.? Contact with printers and other suppliers to ensure production.
- Supervision of publications dissemination.
- Assistance in the design and maintenance of the office web sites based on corporate requirements in cooperation with the ICT staff.
- Preparation/checking the content for the web sites to ensure consistency of the materials.
- Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme country goals and activities.
- Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice including corporate communications repositories.
- Organization and conduct of training and workshops on communications for development as appropriate.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:- Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN?s values and ethical standards
- Advocates and 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
Knowledge Management and Learning
- Shares knowledge and experience and contributes to UNDP Practice Areas
- Develops knowledge? in Practice Areas
- Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills
- Ability to implement communications and publications strategies
- Ability to perform a vide range of varied, inter-related complex services
- Ability to extract, interpret and analyze data and resolve operational problems
- Ability to work with minimum supervision
- Ability to supervise and train support staff
- Ability to plan and organize work
- Communicates sensitively and effectively across different constituencies
- Demonstrates strong IT skills
- Management and Leadership:
- Focuses on impact and result for the client
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
- Ability to write and communicate orally with accuracy and professionalism
- Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
- Ability to remain calm, in control and good humored even under pressure and tight deadlines
- Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Secondary education. University degree or equivalent desirable, but it is not a requirement
Experience:
- 7 years of relevant experience at the national level in providing communication packages to promote the activities of international development organization.
- Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.). Experience in handling of web-based management systems.
Language Requirements:
- Fluency in the UN and national language of the duty station