Background

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of the communication and outreach plan of the project;
• Oversee the development of appropriate communication and outreach materials, such as publications, newsletters, brochures, amongst others;
• Contribute to the organization of regular press briefings, press releases and interviews;
• Create appropriate links between the various communication means, including with project partners and national counterparts, as appropriate;
• Explore and identify opportunities available to strengthen the visibility of ECOWAS, the EC and UNODC’s role and profile in West Africa as executing agency of the project;
• Engage with electronic and print media (e.g. to explore the possibility of using radio/TV shows to enhance project visibility);
• Compile a database of various interlocutors and stakeholders, including from the media;
• Develop a list of worthy members of the press and maintain good relationship with them;
• Keep abreast of news reports about the project and related matters;
• Share and respond to requests for information and assistance on the project.

Competencies

Professionalism: 

• Ability to plan, execute and monitor public communication campaigns, e.g. campaign management, market research, message targeting, impact evaluation;
• Ability to research and analyze issues and topics related to current events;
• Ability to draft and compile a variety of written communication products in a clear, concise style;
• Ability to interact with the public to build and maintain effective business connections;
• Shows pride in work and in achievements;
• Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter, is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
• Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges, remains calm in stressful situations;
• Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively;
• Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
• Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
• Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience;
• Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals;
• Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise;
• Is willing to learn from others;
• Places team agenda before personal agenda;
• Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position;
• Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Required Skills and Experience

• University Degree in Communications/ Journalism/ Development Studies/law or related fields.

• A minimum of two years of professional experience in communications and/or public relations/journalism/law;
• Understanding of development issues, in particular in UNODC areas of focus, such as crime, drugs, anti money laundering, judicial reform and good governance in general;
  
• Experience of or familiarity with the United Nations a distinct asset.

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English and French (both oral and written) is required;
• knowledge of other UN official languages is an asset.