Background

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) support developing countries to access the benefits of a globalized economy more fairly and effectively. UNCTAD helps them to use trade, investment, finance, and technology as vehicles for inclusive and sustainable development.

 

This position is part of the “Improving Pacific Islands Customs and Trade” (IMPACT) Project, managed and implemented by UNCTAD. The project is funded by the European Commission (EC) under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) for the ‘Pacific Regional Integration Support’ Programme (PRISE). https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/eu-trade-relationships-country-and-region/countries-and-regions/pacific_en The IMPACT Project closely collaborates and partners with two other PRISE Programme projects managed by the PIFS and SPC. Together all three projects contribute to the broader PRISE Programme Objective.

 

The overall objective of IMPACT is to boost and increase intra-regional and international trade. The project’s 10 million Euro funding envelop covers 15 countries in the Pacific and is operational till 2024. IMPACT’s specific objective (purpose) is to improve trade facilitation and border/customs procedures. To achieve the objectives, IMPACT will deliver the following Results:

  • Result 1: Improved Pacific ACP country ability to benefit from WTO priority measures;
  • Result 2: Harmonised Customs operations across all Pacific ACP;
  • Result 3. National Single Window systems requirements defined and guidelines prepared;
  • Result 4. Strengthened technical understanding, leadership and statistical capacity;

This position is part of the IMPACT Project Management Team, based in the UNCTAD office in Suva, Fiji.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the IMPACT Project Manager for UNCTAD, the officer will lead the IMPACT communications and visibility strategy and action plan in close collaboration with IMPACT Team Colleagues, UNCTAD HQ Communications team, the EU/EC Pacific Communications Team, EU PRISE Programme partners, UN Pacific Communications Group and National partners. This includes but is not limited to:

1. Develop a Communication Strategy for the IMPACT project, as per UNCTAD and EU Visibility Guidelines with the following key responsibilities:

  • Develop a detailed annual work plan, with timeline and budgets in line with the strategy;
  • Implement the communication strategy in a time sensitive manner
  • Develop visibility and outreach templates / material and ensure that endorsement by the EU.
  • Ensure IMPACT actions/ events/ workshops/ visibility material are appropriately managed, branded, and communicated with respective partners;
  • Write and disseminate press releases, pamphlets, web stories, talking points, speeches, editorials, branded materials, and other written communications materials.

2. Collaborate with PRISE Partners on the implementation of the Joint PRISE Communication strategy with the following responsibilities:

  • Incorporate PRISE joint communication actions allocated to IMPACT into the communication workplan and budget.
  • Lead the implementation of communications and outreach activities, allocated to IMPACT in coordination with PRISE partners.
  • Monitor progress against established work plans and outputs;

3. Manage media relations and platforms with the following key responsibilities:

  • Develop communication related networks/ partnerships at the regional and national levels, including media, reporters, publishers, tv/radio stations, vendors, etc.
  • Ensure activities have regional and country context-appropriate communication and visibility;
  • Maintain a digital presence, including robust social media footprint for the IMPACT project;

4. Support reporting and knowledge sharing:

  • Support team reporting and knowledge sharing among PRISE and national partners;
  • Provide other input and support as needed.

Competencies

Core

Achieve Results:

LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively:

LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements

Learn Continuously:

LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with Agility:

LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible

Act with Determination:

LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident

Engage and Partner:

LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion:

LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Thematic Area

Name

Definition

External Relations and Advocacy (Communications)

Campaign Management

  • Ability to produce and implement communications and advocacy campaigns which lead to impactful change

 

External Relations and Advocacy (Communications)

Media Relations

  • Ability to develop media relations across all aspects of media work including relationships with media and preparing media materials such as messages

 

External Relations and Advocacy (Communications)

Multimedia production

  • Ability to create and combine images, text and audio- visuals to produce multimedia content

 

Business Management

 

Communication

 

  • Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
  • Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels

 

Business Management

 

Partnerships Management

 

  • Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP/ UNCTAD strategy and policies

 

Business Management

 

Customer Satisfaction

 

  • Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs.
  • Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests.
  • Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns

 

Business Development

Knowledge Generation

 

  • Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need

 

Required Skills and Experience

Min. Education requirements

  • Masters in media studies, journalism, public relations, communications or related field
  • OR a Bachelors’/ first-level university degree in media studies, journalism, public relations, communications, or a related field with 2 additional years of relevant experience

Min. years of relevant work experience

  • Masters with 2 years experience in communication, journalism international relations, public information or related area, preferably at the national or regional level
  • OR Bachelors with 4 years experience in communication, journalism international relations, public information or related area, preferably at the national or regional level

Required skills

  • Experience in report writing, editing, drafting, photography and video materials production is required.
  • Experience in the usage of computers, office software packages, communication software, and experience in handling of web-based management systems is required;
  • Experience working collaboratively with different entities/partners.
  • Initiates and sustains professional relationships with key internal stakeholders, participates in building and maintaining information networks as appropriate

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

  • Proven experience in writing nationally or regionally (3 published articles) is desired;
  • Experience communicating on development sector matter is desirable;
  • Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization is an asset.
  • More than 5 years’ experience in communication, journalism international relations, public information or related area, preferably at the national or regional level

Required Language(s)

  • Proficiency in written and spoken English.

NOTE:

  • Applicants are to submit atleast three (3) of your own published articles.