Jobs - 57810- UNFPA Communication Specialist

UNFPA Communication Specialist

Location :

Minsk, BELARUS

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

15-Jul-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

6 months with possible extension based on performance results

Languages Required :

English Russian

Expected Duration of Assignment :

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

To apply for the vacancy kindly upload your CV or a filled in UNDP PERSONAL HISTORY FORM ;
This is a local position, therefore only citizens of the Republic of Belarus, Common Economic Space and others legally authorized to work in the country are eligible to apply;
The information about the Service Contract modality and the salary scale can be found at: TYPES OF UNDP CONTRACTS AND THEIR CONDITIONS, OFFERED BY THE UNDP OFFICE IN BELARUS

The Communication Specialist is located in Country Office (CO) in Minsk and reports to the Assistant Representative.

Under the supervision and guidance of the UNFPA Assistant Representative, the Communication Specialist will implement the Country Office communication strategy based on UNFPA’s Global Communication Strategy and priority themes of Country Programme, priorities of the UN country team, and the political context in the country. The Specialist will promote UNFPA Country Office’s (CO) work and policies among partners, international and local media.

The Communication Specialist will assist in ensuring and increasing UNFPA and its programme/projects visibility among national partners, UN agencies, donors and media. On a regular basis, the CO collaborates with the Regional Communication Advisor (RCA) on all strategic information in the context of country programmes, major events, political and social trends, breaking news, newly established policies, etc. The Communication Specialist will be part of UNFPA’s global communications network, working closely with the RCA, to promote UNFPA at the regional and global levels.

Duties and Responsibilities

Within the delegated authority and under the given organizational set-up, the incumbent may be assigned the primarily, shared, or contributory accountabilities for all or part of the following areas of major duties and key end-results:

1. Communication strategy: The UNFPA Regional/Country Office have clear communication strategies and associated work plans to get UNFPA-related issues into the public domain, strengthen political will in support of UNFPA`s mission and objectives, and enhance the organization’s credibility and brand. The Communication specialist implements the communication strategy and the associated work plans.

2. Communication for development: Provides support and assistance in the design, formulation, execution, monitoring and evaluation of a behavioral change and social mobilization activities, plan of action and programme activities in support of a country programme. Identifies possible feature and news stories on UNFPA projects, policies and achievements in the country; document, develop and write the stories. Produces and disseminates press and information materials as needed, including press releases, fact sheets, summaries and background documentation, talking points and power-point presentations, etc. Assists the CO in organizing visibility events, including media events, such as press conferences, report launches, media breakfasts and media tours to project sites, and events for partners and donors.

3. Media relations and monitoring: The Country Office has a well maintained and continually developed contact list of journalists and media outlets covering all media – print, TV, radio, web, photo etc. – and a successful process of communicating and maintaining regular contact and close collaboration with the media to communicate the story of UNFPA`s cooperation. Organizes field trips for journalists, country office staff and partners. Coordinates the monitors and media coverage on UNFPA and related issues in the country.

4. Global priorities and campaigns: The Regional/Country Offices have an effective process in place for integrating and taking action on UNFPA`s global communications priorities, campaigns and partnerships, disseminating these elements in a locally-appropriate way. Communication specialist ensures an optimal communication flow and coordination between the CO, partners, Regional Office and HQ.

5. Capacity building and support: The Communication specialist provides the Assistant Representative/Regional Communication Specialist and the country programme team with professional expertise and advice on all aspects of external relations communication as required.

Carry out any other duties as may be required by the Assistant Representative.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

Values/guiding principles;
developing people;
Building and managing relationships;
Personal leadership.

Functional Competencies:

Results-based programme development and management – Contributes to achievement of results through primary research and analysis and effective monitoring of programme/ project implementation. Uses analytical skills to identify opportunities for project development and participates in formulation of proposals ensuring substantive rigour in the design and application of proven successful approaches.

Innovation and marketing of new approaches – enhances existing processes and products. Documents and analyzes innovative strategies, best practices and new approaches. Adapts quickly to change.

Leveraging the resources of partners/ Building strategic alliances and partnerships – Establishes, maintains and utilizes a broad network of contacts to keep abreast of developments and to share information. Analyzes selected materials for strengthening strategic alliances with partners and stakeholders.

Resource mobilization – Provides inputs to resource mobilization strategies analyzing and maintaining information and databases on donors and developing database of project profiles for presentation to donors.

Languages:

Excellent command of English, Russian and /or Belarusian.

Other Desirable Skills:

Work experience in the UN or other international development organization, understanding of the UN policies and operations is an asset.
Ability to perform well under pressure, adapt to change, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment;
Ability to network with external professional organizations to research and improve service delivery.

Ability to work in an international and multicultural environment.

Required Skills and Experience

University degree in one or more of the following disciplines: Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, social sciences and other relevant subjects.
Minimum 3 years professional experience in communication, media, broadcast, media relations or public relations, including building and maintaining relationships with journalists; researching stories; organizing press conferences; writing press releases and news for web site and social media.
Experience of internal communications including communication of key corporate messages.
Experience of managing the production of printed material, including brochures, leaflets, briefing third party designers/printers to ensure corporate brand and style is met.
Experience in planning and managing public events.
Good facilitation and coordination skills, demonstrated ability to work in an independent manner;
High sense of responsibility. Tact, discretion, initiative and good judgment in dealing with staff members, partners and other stakeholders.
Excellent computer/information systems skills.