Background

• Demonstrate to the Somali people, the Somali administrations, Somali civil society, the international media, national press, international community including donors, that UNDP is an active partner in Somalia and that UNDP activities are yielding concrete results.
• Advocate Somali issues of concern to the world media and international community – that UNDP may or may not be in a position to address.
• Convey the role of UNDP as the key agency in UN dealings with the people and authorities of Somalia.
• Deepen the culture of communications in UNDP Somalia and bolster the country office’s communications capacity and efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities

Establish and maintain excellent relationships with key local and international media and key strategic opinion makers:

• Identify key contacts and opportunities for strategic partnerships to facilitate communication efforts and maintain working relationships with the same;
• Identify best and most appropriate communication channels to reach the Somali population and diaspora
• Identify key messages for different audiences inside and outside Somalia
• Work with Head of Communications and Deputy Country Director to devise strategy for building capacity of Somali media
• Work with UN Country Team information group to develop database and profile of Somali media
• Maintain close contact with sub-offices within Somalia to develop regular and frequent media stories
• Establish and maintain relationships with key international media, particularly those in major donor countries.

Advise on media policy, position and response, prepare media strategy and materials, arrange media briefings and trips into Somalia and explore new means of outreach

• Draft/compile specific types of information communications products for target audiences including press releases, media reports, brochures, briefings, newsletters, websites, etc.; advice and assist project managers in the preparation of project visibility materials;
• Prepare briefing materials for senior officials prior to their participation in press briefings and other publicity events; prepare briefs on assignment topics for senior officials;
• Advise on media policy, actively participate in the preparation of media strategy and explore means of outreach to UNDP stakeholders;
• In consultation with others, identify and propose information opportunities, activities and approaches, taking into account the situation/topic and target audience; 

Establish and maintain media monitoring mechanisms

• Track, research and analyze information on assigned topics/issues; gather information from diverse sources and help to assess news value and/or potential impact, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of information campaigns;
• Distribute relevant information on media reporting and opportunities regularly to senior management, programme staff and sub offices as appropriate

Maintaining contact with UN Somalia Country Team information group

• Respond to a variety of inquiries and information requests internally and externally; respond, both orally and in writing, to a broad range of routine questions and information requests on mission activities from the press, constituents and other parties;
• Promote information sharing and coordination with UN agencies as well as internally among staff and projects.
• Support and coach sub-office staff in Somalia in media and information skills to ensure the sub-offices can play a full role in the country office communications strategy.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:-

• Demonstrate integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
• Good understanding UNDP policies;
• Teamwork - Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity
   
  Functional Competencies:-  
• Theoretical background and good understanding of approaches, tools and methodologies related to planning, executing and monitoring public communications campaigns, e.g. campaign management, message targeting, impact evaluation, etc.;
• Good communications research and analytical skills;
• Strong communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to draft/compile a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style and effectively disseminate information and build/maintain effective contacts;
• Planning and Organizing - Ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.
• Judgment/Decision-making - Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given.
• Technology Awareness - Fully proficient computer skills and use of relevant software and other applications, e.g. word processing, PowerPoint or equivalent, graphics software, internal databases, Internet, web design, etc.
• Communication - Strong communication (spoken and written) skills, including ability to draft/compile a variety of written communications products and to articulate ideas in a clear, concise style; ability to effectively communicate information to the public; ability to establish and maintain effective business connections.

Required Skills and Experience

• Master’s Degree in Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, International Relations or other related field
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, progressive experience in international development;
• Previous experience in post conflict or emergency settings preferred;
• Proven track record as a media professional and of tangible results in this capacity
• Strong written & spoken English skills is required
• Working knowledge of Somali is highly desirable.
• Somali candidates are preferred and strongly encouraged to apply for the position.