Background

UNDP’s Communications Cluster is part of the Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy (BERA). It is the lead office for communications. It provides policy guidance develops and implements global communications strategies to reach the media and other key constituencies with UNDP’s core messages.
 
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Team Manager, Online Communications, the Digital Production Specialist is part of the online team in the Communications Cluster. He/she will contribute to the implementation of UNDP’s corporate online strategy, maintaining the UNDP global website on a daily basis but also ensuring that UNDP’s web presence can significantly be enhanced over time. As part of a small team, he/she maintains and/or improves the global website www.undp.org
and supports country offices and other units with their online communications efforts.

The UNDP is undergoing an important overhaul as part of our online strategy that includes: improved presentation of results; expanded support for country offices and other units; enhanced use of social media; and improved positioning of UNDP as a thought leader in development.

 
Impact of Results:
The key results have an impact on creation of effective communications and dissemination of information about UNDP as UN’s global development network. In particular, the key results have an impact on the implementation of UNDP’s online communications strategies.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions: 
  • Maintenance and improvement of www.undp.org , using best practices in an analytics-driven approach;
  • Contribution to the implementation of UNDP’s online strategy, including building a culture of storytelling, enhancing the user experience and increasing engagement;
  • On-going support for HQ units, regional centres and Country Offices, including evaluation and guidance around the operation of country office sites;
  • Ensure transparency and consistency around UNDP’s global and country operations; and
  • Improved social media with particular attention to blogs with the goal of increasing engagement.

Maintains and improves the corporate website focusing on achievement of the following results: 

  • Maintain www.undp.org with stories, data and multimedia from HQ, regional centres and country offices. Liaise with the rest of the team on whether and how material should be presented on the other language sections of the UNDP corporate website;
  • Edit and publish online content in plain English and/or Spanish that is clear, concise, vivid, and conveys key messages to target audiences on the web. Ensure that all content is timely, accurate and compelling;
  • Enhance navigation, structure and content across www.undp.org, liaising with the rest of the team to ensure consistency across languages;
  • Contribute to the publication of a wide series of data modules and multimedia products including photo galleries, videos and audio materials; and
  • Liaise with the rest of the Communications Cluster to determine how specific events should be covered and marketed on the Web in all three languages.
 Contributes to implementation of the on-line strategy focusing on the achievement of the following results: 
  • Contribute to the design and implementation of UNDP’s online strategy, making sure that the organization complies with the strictest standards of design, content, usability and security; and
  • Support the entire communications team to ensure the best standards for search engine optimization, usability and online analytics.
 Provides support for HQ units; regional centres and country offices, focusing on achievement of the following results: 
  • Provide guidance and feedback for UNDP’s communications staff in English and Spanish-speaking Country Offices, helping them to comply with UNDP’s requirements for Country Office websites;
  • Encourage all Country Offices to comply with the requirements for online transparency; report to donors by organizing presentations;
  • Assist all HQ units and regional bureaus to enhance their online presence while staying in tune with the organization’s branding and identity; and
  • Review and edit content submitted by other HQ units.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies
  • Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
  • Advocates and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; and
  • Treats all people fairly without favouritism.
Functional Competencies
 
Knowledge Management and Learning:
  • Shares knowledge and experience and contributes to UNDP Practice Areas;
  • Encourages office staff to share knowledge and contribute to UNDP Practice Areas;
  • Develops deep knowledge in Practice Areas;
  • Demonstrates strong coaching/mentoring skills, regularly providing helpful feedback and advice to others in the office; and
  • Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.
 Development and Operational Effectiveness:
  • Ability to elaborate and implement communications and publications strategies;
  • Outstanding copywriting and editing skills in English, with an ability to clear and edit a high volume of quality content;
  • Very good writing and editing skills in Spanish;
  • Solid understanding of digital outreach and marketing;
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines;
  • Demonstrated willingness to work as part of a team in a multicultural environment;
  • Demonstrates excellent ability to write and communicate orally with accuracy and professionalism; and
  • Communicates sensitively and effectively across different constituencies.
  Management and Leadership:
  • Focuses on impact and result for the client;
  • Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
  • Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities; and
  • Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:
  •  Master's degree in Liberal Arts, communications, journalism, international relations or related fields.

Experience:

  • Minimum five (5) years of relevant experience in communications, journalism or multimedia; significant experience with online publishing, including analytics and social media, particularly blogs; deep experience with using and supporting others in the use of content management systems;
  • Web development experience, particularly with CSS and scripting is desirable.

Language Requirements:

  • Fluency in English and Spanish required.