Jobs - 55061- National Communication Officer

National Communication Officer

Location :

Dakar, SENEGAL

Type of Contract :

FTA Local

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

22-Apr-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

NO-B

Duration of Initial Contract :

Initial duration of one year, to be renewed based on performance and availability of funds

Languages Required :

English French

Expected Duration of Assignment :

Initial duration of one year, to be renewed based on performance and 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

This position is located in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Office for West and Central Africa in Dakar (ROSEN). The National Project Officer Communication will be contribute to communication and outreach activities that will be undertaken by the project “Support to ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on illicit drug trafficking, organized crime related to it and drug abuse in West Africa”. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Coordinator and overall guidance of the UNODC Representative.

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; 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

Functional competencies:

Advocacy/Advancing a policy-oriented agenda

Preparing information for advocacy

Identifies and communicates relevant information for a variety of audiences for advo-cating Project’s mandate;
Maintains a functioning network of contacts with a variety of stakeholders to promote a better understanding of Project’s mandate and to support advocacy efforts.

Building strategic partnerships

Maintaining a network of contacts

Maintains an established network of contacts for general information sharing and to re-main up-to-date on partnership related issues;
Analyzes and selects materials for strengthening strategic alliances with partners and stakeholders;
Establishes and nurtures positive communication with partners.

Promoting organizational learning and knowledge sharing

Basic research and analysis

Generates new ideas and approaches, researches best practices and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things;
Documents and analyses innovative strategies and new approaches.

Job knowledge/technical expertise

Fundamental knowledge of own discipline

Understands and applies fundamental concepts and principles of a professional disci-pline or technical specialty relating to the position;
Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the posi-tion and applies them consistently in work tasks;
Analyzes the requirements and synthesizes proposals;
Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning;
Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assign-ments.

Creating visibility for project/supporting project's capacity to advocate

Research and data analysis

Promotes awareness of Project’s centrally to development through dissemination of in-formation and materials;
Maintains networks and knowledge assets for use in visibility and image activities.

Global leadership and advocacy for project's goals

Preparing information for global advocacy

Identifies and communicates relevant information for advocacy for Project’s goals for a variety of audiences;
Maintains a functioning network of contacts in the media and civil society, to promote a better understanding of Project’s mandate and to support advocacy efforts.

Conceptual innovation in the provisionof technical expertise

Research and analysis

Keeps updated in his/her area of substantive expertise;
Identifies opportunities for conceptual innovation.

Client orientation

Establishing effective client relationships

Researches potential solutions to internal and external client needs and reports back in a timely, succinct and appropriate fashion;
Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines;
Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with in-ternal and external clients.

Core 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.

Communication

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.

Teamwork

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

Education:

University Degree (Master) in Communications, Media relations, Journalism, Development Studies, Law or related fields.

Experience:

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.

Languages:

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.