UNDP Jobs - 49686- Communication Officer- Social Protection Policy S

Communication Officer- Social Protection Policy Support (SPPS) Programme

Location :

Dhaka, BANGLADESH

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

15-Nov-2014

Application Deadline :

27-Sep-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

Initially 01 (One) year

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

One year initially, renewal on an annual basis upon satisfactory performance & availability of funds

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

The Social Protection Policy Support (SPPS) Programme responds to a need to reconfigure the existing social protection system. The programme will provide technical assistance, bring global expertise and meet major investment requirements to enable the GoB to roll out a fully functional system in line with the National Social Security Strategy (NSSS). It will draw on the NSSS, which provides a functional entry point for effecting changes in the wider social protection system via better governance and oversight of the system.

The first component of the programme is Governance of Social Protection, with the purpose of ensuring better governance of social protection by helping to build coordination, M&E and reporting functions. It will also strengthen research and analysis capacities in order to build a more effective evidence base for effective policy development. Component Two is Stronger Social Protection System, with the purpose of developing a modern social protection infrastructure capable of supporting a nationally integrated delivery system for reliable, transparent and developmental GoB social transfers and promote linkages to ensure effective coordination. The two SPPS components will function alongside a piloting delivery component that will enable testing and learning and inform social protection strategy and policy through field based evidence. In turn, these will support Bangladesh's national policy objectives in three ways: (1) by tackling poverty, vulnerability and exclusion; (2) by enhancing access to key public services; (3) by supporting an enabling environment for inclusive growth.

The programme will be implemented by General Economics Division (GED) of the Planning Commission, supervised by the Cabinet Division, in partnership with UNDP. It will focus on strengthening the capacities of GED. A core group of GED will work with the support of technical assistance staff. To strengthen the governance of social protection in the implementation of the NSSS, the institutional platform provided by the Inter-ministerial Committee on Social Safety Nets, led by the Cabinet Secretary, will be utilized.

The Communication Officer will work in a technical assistance team placed in a social protection secretariat at GED. The position is being supervised by a Project Manager, with technical guidance from an international Senior Social Protection Specialist. Other members of the technical assistance team are two Social Protection Specialists, a Research Officer, an M&E Officer and a Training Officer. In addition, national and international experts will be engaged as short-term consultants.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Communication Officer will work closely with assigned officials of GED, Cabinet Division and UNDP to design and execute activities mapped out in a communication and advocacy strategy, and will ensure that knowledge is properly transferred to Government officials throughout the project. Specific duties include:

Publishing a regular newsletter, maintaining a project website, engaging actively in the development of radio and television programmes, the use of new media, and regular press releases.
Developing and implementing a media strategy for the project.
Assistance in the development of communication products including policy papers, reports, brochures, bulletins and others.
Assistance in the development of advocacy materials for the project.
Assisting the Social Protection Secretariat in developing its own documentaries, which can be disseminated through national television channels, to build understanding on social protection.
Other support of the communication and advocacy needs of GED, Cabinet Division and UNDP

Impact of Results

Roll-out of the National Social Security Strategy is well documented and disseminated through communication and advocacy materials. Strong visibility of the Social Protection Policy Support (SPPS) Programme.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards (human rights, peace, understanding between peoples and nations, tolerance, integrity, respect, impartiality and other UNDP core ethics)
Promotes the vision, mission, results orientation and strategic goals of UNDP
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Functional Competencies:

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Proven track-record of communications and media management skills, and a solid record of managing complex and challenging partnerships with governments and international partners within a multilateral set-up
Excellent ability to deliver strategic insight and analysis on communications and media strategies relevant to security sector institutions
Experience with print and/or electronic and broadcast media, as well as developing communication initiatives
Flexibility, autonomy and reliability
Excellent team work, communication, writing and organizational skills

Leadership and Self-Management

Focuses on result for the client
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure

Knowledge Management and Learning

Shares knowledge and experience
Provides helpful feedback and advice to others in the office

Required Skills and Experience

Education

Master’s degree, preferably in Communication related field, from a recognized university.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in communication related support to social protection or poverty reduction projects through development partners, Government and/or NGOs;

• Very good knowledge of media and development communication;

• Proven ability to produce information materials;

• Adequate knowledge on social protection, rural development, gender mainstreaming, poverty alleviation, food security;

• Demonstrable proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other relevant software;

• Previous experience of working with Government or Development Partners will be an added advantage.

Language Requirements

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, in English and Bangla