Background
The project “Youth Social Inclusion for Civic Engagement in Ukraine” aims to support youth inclusion in Ukraine and to foster democratic reforms and youth civic engagement. The project will build the capacities of youth centers, youth community organizations as well as universities and schools. Via an inclusive approach, young women and men will gain competencies necessary for their pro-active involvement in social and decision-making processes. Volunteerism will be promoted and practiced as a tool for achieving local development goals, particularly those identified by youth. Capacities of volunteers and volunteer-involving organizations will be strengthened.The project will address the issue of youth inclusion, a new concept for Ukraine, with the introduction of innovative approaches such as: using volunteerism as a tool for achieving local development goals; bridging the gap between young people from rural and urban areas; introducing ICT as a tool for youth social activism; creating an environment for social community projects; and fostering inter-generational dialogue. A particular emphasis will be placed on working with marginalized, socially-excluded young women and men who, due to geographic, economic, gender and/or cultural barriers, are disadvantaged in today’s Ukrainian society. The project will empower young women and men and increase both the number of volunteers as well as the number of meaningful volunteerism opportunities in rural and urban communities throughout Ukraine.
The Project works with the following Partner organizations: Intel Education, under the Intel Microelectronics Corporation, United Nations Volunteers, Ministry of Family, Youth and Sports (Department of Youth), Ministry of Education and Sciences, Alternative V youth organization and Ukraine 3000 charitable fund.
Objectives of the assignment
The Communications/Reporting Associate will work under the direct supervision of the National Project Manager. In the absence of the National Project Manager, the Associate will report to the International Project Manager. The incumbent will work in close collaboration with the Project Managers and field staff to ensure effective and relevant communication to the general public as well as providing internal reporting to project partners and the UNDP Programme management. His/her main responsibility will be to plan, contribute to and coordinate the communication activities of the Project, ensure that all communication products/outputs are produced in a timely manner and are of high quality, and that they are disseminated to all relevant target groups.
Other information
As required and relevant, the Communications/Reporting Associate will work with relevant national organizations, representatives of mass media, as well as with selected governmental structures at a variety of levels.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the National Project Manger the incumbent will perform the following:- Review of communication strategy and plans for the Project, ensuring coherence of communication messages and planned materials by the middle of February 2011;
- Plan communication activities on monthly basis;
- Review the communications strategy for national dissemination of Project findings and publicizing of the National Youth Portal by the middle of February 2011;
- Plan and ensure timely production and distribution of information on Project activities through 31 May to at least 20 print media, 50 internet sites with an emphasis on social networks for youth, 5 TV channels and 5 radio stations, over 50 published materials), controlling quality and a consistent message Daily updates to the Project website;
- Assist Project management in providing monthly, quarterly and final reports on Project activities for Project partners and UNDP Programme management;
- Organize and provide inputs for Project partner’s specific visibility requests;
- Prepare and facilitate press conferences on Project activities up to once per month;
- Organize 2 press visits to project sites, 3 TV and/or radio broadcasts to describe the benefits of volunteering and of self-initiative for youth, and control quality;
- Plan and control the final editing of YSI Public Social Advertisement, it’s quality and dissemination on the national level by the end of March 2011;
- Plan and control the timely production and quality of communication publications (leaflets, brochures, , posters, CDs, etc.);
- Advise project managers on all communications and public relations matters;
- Disseminate in timely fashion relevant news to relevant partners;
- Liaise and communicate with the UNDP country office, in particular the communications team, on all communication matters;
- Carry out other tasks at the request of the Project management.
Detailed provision for monitoring and progress controls:
a) Planning and coordinating skills;
b) Communication (verbal and written) and listening skills;
c) Quality of work and timeliness of outputs;
d) Initiative and creativity;
e) Relations with colleagues and ability to be an effective team player;
f) Partnering and networking.
The key results expected by the Communications/Reporting Associate are:
- Timely, consistent and clear communication strategy,
- timely and quality communication products in line with communication strategy,
- clear communication messages to Ukrainian youth, youth organizations and authorities,
- timely and well written project reports;
- regular updates of the Project website;
- awareness and use of the national Youth Portal created by the Project.
Competencies
- Knowledge and understanding of development issues.
- Advanced computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheet and desktop publishing programs. Experience with web-page design and social networks would be an asset.
- Affinity with United Nations’ mandate and principles.
Required Skills and Experience
- Specialist/Masters Degree in communications, journalism, public relations or related field; specialized training on communications/ public relations would be an asset.
- Excellent English and Ukrainian language skills (written and oral).
- At least two years of practical experience coordinating communications activities within a public or private organization.
The award will be given to the highest qualified candidate.
The technical proposal is evaluated on the basis of its responsiveness to the Terms of Reference (TOR). Namely:
- Specialist/Masters Degree in communications, journalism, public relations or related field; (10 – appropriate University Degree; 0 – n/a) – 10 points;
- Knowledge and understanding of development issues (developing and providing the visibility support for social projects; promotion of volunteerism; understanding of the youth issues in Ukraine) (15– high knowledge level; 0 – not knowledgeable) – 15 points;
- Advanced knowledge of MS Office products, notably MS Word, Excel, MS PowerPoint, Paint, Draw, Photoshop, Adobe highly experienced in Internet, e-mail, Web 2.0, WiKi – 15 points;
- Minimum of 2 years working experience coordinating communications activities within a public or private organization (20 points – 2+ years; 15-2 years; 0 – no experience) – 20 points;
- Experience in providing media support for social projects / social activities – 10 points (10 – high level of experience, 0 – n/a); 10 points
- Good interpersonal skills – 10 points;
- Good written and spoken English and Ukrainian– 20 points.
The UNDP will use a transparent and competitive screening process, though will only contact those applicants in whom there is further interest. Applications may only be submitted for specific vacancy. We regret that we will not be able to acknowledge all unsolicited general applications for employment.
All interested candidates must complete a PERSONAL HISTORY FORM (P-11). Failure to disclose prior employment or making false representations on this form will be grounds for withdrawal of further consideration of his/her application or termination, where the appointment or contract has been issued.