UNDP Jobs - 19811- Communications Specialist (One UN Team)

Communications Specialist (One UN Team)

Location :

HANOI, VIET NAM

Type of Contract :

FTA International

Starting Date :

01-Jan-2011

Application Deadline :

09-Nov-10 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

P-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

Under the overall guidance of the UNDP Representative, and direct supervision of the Communications Manager, responsible for the conceptualization, planning, execution, monitoring and evaluation of UNDP’s communication and advocacy agenda within the larger UN Communications Team which serves the UN-wide, One UN and specific communications agenda’s for participating agencies.

The Communications Specialist will advise UNDP’s senior management on communication strategy and planning matters as a means of enhancing UNDP’s profile and image, advocacy agenda and to improve project and programme results through effective use of communications, in the context of the One Plan. The Communications Specialist will attend relevant management meetings to develop and maintain relationships with key staff members of UNDP in Viet Nam, regionally and globally.

The Communications Specialist (UNDP) will work in close cooperation with the Communications Manager and the other Liaison Officers by providing sectoral input to undertake work planning, work assignment and monitoring of progress for the team. Under the Communications Manager’s direct supervision, the Communications Specialist (UNDP) will provide guidance and oversight to the Online, new media & publications team to carry out communications tasks as assigned for UN-wide, One UN or other participating agencies’ communications agenda.

The Communications Specialist (UNDP) will directly supervise the Communications Officers (UNICEF NO-A, UNDP NO-A, IUNV) and complete performance assessments as first reporting officer.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of key functions:

Provides support to strategic communication planning and coordination for UN-wide, One UN and agency specific communication (15%)
Develops strategic communication plans for UNDP’s programme (20%)
Provides technical support to the UN-wide, One UN and agency specific communication and advocacy agenda’s (15%)
Coordinates and provides technical support to the UN-wide, One UN and agency specific communication and advocacy agenda’s (15%)
Maintains close working relationship with senior management UNDP Viet Nam, regional and headquarters communication colleagues (10%)
Develops partnerships with individuals, groups and organizations (10%)
Provides oversight and management to the work of the Online, new media and publications team (15%)

1. Provides support in close collaboration with the Communications Manager and the other liaison officers, to strategic communication planning and coordination for UN-wide, One UN and agency specific communication and support the identification of UN-wide priority issues and the development of Advocacy/Communication strategy and key messages. Participates in the development of an annual UN Communications work plan, with lead responsibility for UNDP’s media, advocacy and communication plan, and provide support to One UN Communications manager in the planning, coordination and monitoring of its implementation in coordination with the other Liaison Officers.

2. Develops strategic communication plans for UNDP’s programme and ensure timely implementation with high quality assurance. Advise UNDP on strategic approaches to communicating programme activities and assist in planning and implementing strategic communications activities and on the effective use of tools of mass communication with an attempt to strive for convergence with other agencies’ activities where appropriate, in the context of One Plan and relevant Programme Coordination Groups.

3. Provides technical support to the UN-wide, One UN and agency specific communication and advocacy agenda’s, with specific responsibility for UNDP – in the area of content creation:

Produce written stories, content and other publications for agencies and RC(O) to support them in the communication of their goals, strategies and programs to external and internal audiences;
Write and edit speeches for senior management of agencies and RC(O);
Provide stories and photographs for UN Vietnam, UNDP website and UN intranet and other communication channels;
Adapts and disseminates advocacy materials from NY, Geneva and the Regional Office to identified target audiences, arranging translation into local language(s) as necessary. Identifies the need for additional materials/activities, such as radio and television programmes, publications, photographs, websites, etc., to advocate and promote organizational goals within the country, and manages their production and distribution to the target audiences.

4. Coordinates and provides technical support to the UN-wide, One UN and agency specific communication and advocacy agenda’s, with specific responsibility for UNDP – in the area of communications channels:

Maintains a network of contacts with national and international journalists to assure effective coverage of UN and UNDP issues, activities and projects in country;
Organizes and coordinates press conferences, press launches, and other media activities for high level UN and UNDP publications and events;
Plans and conducts field trips for international and national journalists as well as goodwill ambassadors and other special guests;
Overall responsibility for UNDP website.

5. Maintains close working relationship with senior management UNDP Viet Nam, regional and headquarters communication colleagues; preempt and respond to information and communication needs, and facilitate advocacy and fund-raising activities, also in support of efforts to mobilize resources.

6. Develops partnerships with individuals, groups and organizations, in and external to the UN, whose support is essential to the achievement of advocacy and communication objectives, and strengthens their capacity through appropriate advocacy and communication training, access to updated information, supplies and equipment and through experience-sharing.

7. Provides oversight and management to the work of the Online, new media and publications team in close consultation with the other Liaison Officers and under the overall guidance of the team manager; identifies recruits and supervises technical resources and consultants as necessary for the above activities; manages communication budget allocated for UNDP advocacy and publication.

Impact and Consequence of Error

(a) Describe the type of decisions regularly made and the impact of those decisions.

Decisions on appropriate communication methodologies and approaches, technical resources required, quality and appropriateness of information materials produced, target audiences to be reached, allocation of financial resources, as well as time-frame for various activities, all of which will affect the achievement of UNDP country programme and the One UN Communications team goals.

(b) Describe the type of recommendations regularly made and why they are important.

Makes recommendations on appropriate communication strategies to achieve the organization's global goals, and to support the One UN Communication team and UNDP’s mission in the country.

(c) Describe the most damaging error(s) that could be made in the performance of the job, and their consequences.

Inadequate assessment of trends, social and political changes and public interest and omission of important allies. This will result in ineffective strategies and loss of credibility, which will damage UNDP’s and UN’s image and affect fulfilment of programme objectives and organizational goals.

Inappropriate materials will lead to waste of resources, and failure to reach target audience(s).

Competencies

Knowledge of current theories and practices in communication research, planning and strategy, and the role of mass media.
General ability to express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written and oral form; specific skills in writing press releases and articles/stories for traditional and electronic media.
Proven ability to conceptualize, plan and execute ideas, as well as impart knowledge and teach skills.
Supervisory and managerial skills.
Proven ability in project management and effectively leading a task team.
Proven ability to effectively manage relationships with media representatives, government officials and other partners.
Excellent knowledge of computer systems and Microsoft Applications. An excellent command of internet navigation, Word Processing, PowerPoint, database search and interactive digital media.
Proven ability to work as part of a team.
Excellent interpersonal, analytical, negotiating, communication and advocacy skills.
Excellent organizational skills.
Ability to plan, manage and work in high-pressure situations under tight deadlines.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree or equivalent in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations;

Experience:

Seven (7) years progressively responsible professional work experience in communication, print and broadcast media or interactive digital media, four years of which should be in developing countries, and two at the management level.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in both written and spoken English is required; knowledge of another UN language desirable and an asset.
Knowledge of the local working language of the duty station is an asset.