Historique

The UN system in Zambia supports development operations in the country through the activities of UN system agencies represented on the ground. In addition, coordination between bilateral and multilateral development agencies is critical to ensure that Official Development Assistance (ODA) has the desired impact during the country’s transition.
 
The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) serves as catalyst and vehicle for taking forward the results agreed by the UN Country Team (UNCT) in Zambia. The RCO supports the overall coordination of the UN system’s contribution to national development objectives. This includes facilitation of UN reform efforts towards ‘Delivering as One’ (DaO), UN inter-agency coordination and performance management under the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and joint programmes, monitoring, policy analysis and advocacy on the Millennium Development Goals, joint communications, engagement on the national aid effectiveness agenda and promoting UN collaboration with relevant state and non state partners.
 

The UN Communications Officer works under the direct supervision of the UN Coordination Specialist and in close communication with the UN Resident Coordinator (RC) and UN Country Team. The UN Communications Specialist provides guidance to the UN Information Centre (UNIC) and supervises the UNIC National Information Officer. The UN Communications Officer collaborates with RCO staff members, the UN Communications Group, as well as with Media and other stakeholders.

Devoirs et responsabilités

Summary of Key Functions

Ensures leadership of joint UN communications efforts:

  • Acting as primary communications focal point for the UNCT, collaborating closely with the UN Information Centre and the UN Communications Group.
  • Supporting communication efforts which enhance coordination between agencies and providing guidance to individual UN agencies’ advocacy requirements.
  • Supporting the flow of information between UN global systems, the RC, the UNCT and UN staff in Zambia, ensuring that all relevant parties are kept informed of activities, initiatives and requests and facilitating any necessary follow-up action.

Ensures the institutionalization of inter-agency collaboration in the area of communication:

  • Coordinating the implementation of the UN Communications Strategy 2011-2015, in support of the implementation of the UNDAF 2011-2015
  • Coordinating the elaboration of annual joint communication plans and budgets
  • Chairing and providing substantive support to the functioning of the UNCG

Leads the implementation of internal communication initiatives fostering a joint UN identity and maximizing staff engagement:

  • Strengthening UN capacity and learning on strategic communications and enhancing staff engagement in advancing a coordinated and harmonized UN system.
  • Coordinating the development and maintenance of a UNCT wide intranet/team work space to enhance inter-agency communication.
  • Supporting joint staff events, including town hall meetings

Strengthens the UN’s advocacy work and external communication efforts:

  • Collaborating with UNIC and the UNCG to ensure effective advocacy of joint UN activities and public events.
  • Coordinating provision of contents for the UNCT website and UNCG supported advocacy materials, such as the UN newsletter, press releases, op-eds, articles and talking points.
  • Strengthening partnerships with key external stakeholders, including government, development partners, local and international media and CSOs, and ensuring coherence in the messages going out from the UN system.
  • Providing support on media liaison.

Coordinates the design and implementation of the MDGs campaign in Zambia:

  • Establishing and maintaining national and local MDG coalitions.
  • Organizing public dialogue forums on MDGs and supporting school and community awareness and mobilization.
  • Supporting media trainings and sensitization on MDGs and development reporting

Impact of Results:

The key results have an impact on effective joint UN internal and external communications and advocacy, in support of a coordinated and harmonized UN system at country level. By speaking with One Voice, the UN is better placed to raise awareness of the key development issues and support the achievement of its outcomes.

Compétences

Corporate Competencies:

  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
  • Advocates and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the UN
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
  • Treats all people fairly without favoritism

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge and Learning Management:L

  • Ability to advocate and provide policy advice
  • Ability to promote a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office
  • Knowledge on joint UN programmes and operational issues
  • Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development
  • Knowledge of UN policies and programmes
  • Knowledge of UN regulations, rules, policies, procedures and practices

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

  • Ability to advocate and communicate effectively across different constituencies.
  • Ability to lead and manage corporate strategic initiatives

Management and Leadership:

  • Focuses on impact and results for the client
  • Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills
  • Establishes effective working relations in a multicultural team environment
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
  • Demonstrates excellent oral and written communications skills
  • Demonstrates strong team management skills
  • Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
  • Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
  • Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view
     

Qualifications et expériences requises

Education:

  • Master’s Degree in communications studies, journalism, media relations or related field

Experience:

  • Minimum five years of professional experience in at the national or international level in public relations, communications or advocacy.
  • Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization is helpful. In-depth knowledge of the UN system and UN reform.
  • Experience in the development and implementation of complex communications campaigns and strategies involving coordination and partnership with a range of actors.Excellent, demonstrable computer and information system skills.

Language:

  • Fluency in written and spoken English.