UNDP Jobs - 50542- Communication Specialist

Communication Specialist

Location :

Kigali, RWANDA

Type of Contract :

FTA Local

Starting Date :

01-Jan-2015

Application Deadline :

27-Oct-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

NO-C

Duration of Initial Contract :

One year

Languages Required :

English

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

Rwanda is one of the 8 pilot countries of the Delivering as One (DaO) process. This was a response to the UN Secretary General’s High Level Panel on System-Wide Coherence that recommended UN reform to improve coherence and effectiveness of the UN system at country level. The reform is strengthening the coherence at the country level through the application of the following principles: One Programme, One Budget, One Leader, One Voice, and One House.

In March 2013, the UN Develop Group issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for DaO countries. The SOPs reinforce the role and importance of communications in the overall architecture of DaO. The principle of One Voice is redefined as Communicating as One. The SOPs recommend to strengthen the accountability framework for the UN Communication Group which should be lead by a UN head of Agency. The accountability framework is comprised of a strategy, coordination structure reporting to the UNCT, an Annual Work Plan, budget, and a M&E framework.

The main objective of Delivering as One is increase the impact of UN operational activities in support of national priorities and help countries to attain the Millennium Development Goals and other development objectives. The One UN in Rwanda believes that by working and planning together in a coordinated way to reduce duplication, increase efficiency, and encourage donors to pool their funds it can be more strategic and deliver better results.

The success and impact of the UN’s programmes is dependent on its ability to engage actively, involve all stakeholders more strategically and build stronger synergies to deliver, increase impact and sustain the development efforts.

The One UN realises that communication is a core feature of its work in Rwanda:

It has a fundamental role to play in communicating the UN’s strategic direction to both our staff and our stakeholders.
It is critical to give meaning to the principal of Communicating as One.
It will allow to demonstrate the results and impact the of the UN’s work in Rwanda
It is an important tool in raising awareness and advocating for global development objectives and campaigns
It is a critical component of the One UN Resource Mobilization strategy

The 2013-2018 Communication Strategy focuses on enhancing internal and external communication to create a better understanding of and support for ‘Delivering as One’ and the work of the One UN among staff and our stake holders. It also ensures that there is adequate information being shared within the UN system in Rwanda as well as among all partners so that they better understand and support the Delivering as One process.

The communications strategy is managed by the UN Communications Group and is based on the principles of a shared vision, common objective, coordinated effort and an empowered team. The areas of focus are internal communication, external communication (with government, development partners, implementing partners, development stakeholders and the media) and advocacy for development.

Duties and Responsibilities

The main responsibility of the Communications Specialist is to support in ensuring effective advocacy of the ONE UN activities in close consultation with the UN Communication Group, which brings together all communications officers of the UN system.

Under the overall guidance of the UN Resident Coordinator, the Communications Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Policy Specialist at the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) to carry out the following tasks.

Summary of Key Functions:

Planning and design of internal and external strategies for communications and outreach
Elaboration and implementation of the publications strategy and plan
Supervision of the content management of the One UN web site and social media
Advocating and campaigning for global development issues
Effective management of the RCO Communications Office and supervision of RCO Communications staff and interns.

Lead the implementation of the One UN internal and external communications strategy and ensure yearly work plans are timely elaborated and implemented. focusing on achievement of the following results:

Planning and elaboration of communications needs assessments for One UN (projects, country programme and corporate change initiatives, etc);
Coordinate the UN Communication Group (UNCG) supporting the work of communication officers in the different UN agencies, including ensuring coherence and coordination of communication activities and events organized by the UN System in Rwanda;
Elaboration of the One UN communications and outreach strategy based on the corporate communications strategy;
Constructive and timely advice on inclusion of communications components in programme formulation processes to integrate advocacy and communication strategies into all aspects of One UN’s flagship development programmes.

Ensures elaboration and implementation of the One UN publications strategy and plan focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Elaboration and implementation of the One UN publications strategy and plan based on the One Un Communications Strategy and the One UN branding guidelines;
Identification and development of storylines for publications and substantive articles contributing to debates on key development issues;
Coordination and management of all One UN publication activities, including content management, norms for publishing, design, liaison with printers and other suppliers to oversee production and supervision of publications dissemination;
Support the management of system wide media relations including writing speeches for the Resident Coordinator (RC), producing press releases, media alerts, organizing press conferences and arranging media coverage of events, in coordination with all members of UNCG.

Supervises the content management of the One UN web site and social media focusing on achievement of the following results:

Supervision and preparation of the content for the One UN web site ensuring consistency of the materials;
Monitors the effectiveness the One UN social media;
Supervision of the RCO communication analyst - social media

Advocacy and global campaigns focusing on achievement of the following results:

Launches and campaigns

Creation and promotion of campaigns to local and regional media that position the One Rwanda and influences the development agenda based on current programme and new initiatives;
Management, promotion and dissemination of corporate advocacy materials for launching flagship initiatives and publications;
Creation, promotion and maintenance of public information campaigns on the One UN activities, results of MDGs, UN Reform, etc.

Outreach

Promotional activities to position One UN as a leader within the development space;
Increased coverage and understanding of the One UN’s work in the country or practice area through development and maintenance of media contacts and providing newsworthy information to national public and donors;
Development and maintenance of close contacts with government officials, multilateral and bilateral donors, civil society and private sector for implementation of the communications strategy, organization of roundtable discussions, press conferences, briefing sessions, interviews, launches, etc;
Organization and implementation of joint UN information campaigns (UN Day, World AIDS Day, etc.);
Ensured access for journalists to subject matter experts.

Ensures effective management of the One UN Communication Office and supervision of the Communications team focusing on achieving the following results:

Effective management of the Communications Office, including preparation of the workplan, and contractual matters;
Ensure coordination with the RCO Online Communication Analyst in terms of content management of website and social media related to the One UN;
Recruit and supervise communication interns for the UNCG.

Impact of results

The key results have an impact on creation of effective communications and dissemination of information on the One UN in Rwanda. In particular, the key results have an impact on implementation of One UN communications and publication strategies, as well as reaching resource mobilization targets. Overall, the key results have an impact on the success of the UN Country Team activities and implementation of the ONE UN Communication Strategy as support to the UNDAP 2013/2018.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Advocacy/Advancing a Policy-Oriented Agenda

Analysis and creation of messages and strategies

Creates effective advocacy strategies;
Contributes to the elaboration of advocacy strategies by identifying and prioritizing audiences and communication means;
Uses the opportunity to bring forward and disseminate materials for advocacy work.

Building Strategic Partnerships

Identifying and building partnerships

Sensitizes UN Partners, donors and other international organizations to the One UN’s strategic agenda, identifying areas for joint efforts;
Promotes One UN’s agenda in inter-agency meetings

Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing

Developing tools and mechanisms

Makes the case for innovative ideas documenting successes and building them into the design of new approaches;
Identifies new approaches and strategies that promote the use of tools and mechanisms

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise

In-depth knowledge of the subject-matter

Understands more advanced aspects of primary area of specialization as well as the fundamental concepts of related disciplines

Continues to seeks new and improved methods and systems for accomplishing the work of the unit;
Keeps abreast of new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally;
Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments

Creating Visibility for the One UN/Supporting One UN’s Capacity to Advocate

Developing promotional projects and organizational messages

Develops promotional activities based on monitoring/evaluation information identifying areas requiring higher visibility;
Develops messages for use by UN staff when working with partners, internationally and nationally;
Reviews documents and materials intended for use within and outside the organization in order to ensure consistency and validity of messages.

Global Leadership and Advocacy for the ON UN’s Goals

Analysis and creation of messages and strategies

Creates effective global advocacy messages/strategies;
Contributes to the elaboration of a global advocacy strategy by identifying and prioritizing audiences and messages

Conceptual Innovation in the Provision of Technical Expertise

Developing innovative and creative approaches

Leverages different experiences and expertise of team members to achieve better and more innovative outcomes

Client Orientation

Contributing to positive outcomes for the client

Anticipates client needs;
Works towards creating an enabling environment for a smooth relationship between the clients and service provider;
Demonstrates understanding of client’s perspective.

Core Competencies:

Promoting ethics and integrity, creating organizational precedents;
Building support and political acumen;
Building staff competence, creating an environment of creativity and innovation;
Building and promoting effective teams;
Creating and promoting enabling environment for open communication;
Creating an emotionally intelligent organization;
Leveraging conflict in the interests of the One UN & setting standards;
Sharing knowledge across the organization and building a culture of knowledge sharing and learning;
Fair and transparent decision making; calculated risk-taking.

Required Skills and Experience

Qualification

Master's degree in media relations, journalism, publishing

Experience

5 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in public relations, communications or advocacy
Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization is helpful but not mandatory.
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based management systems

Language requirement

Fluency in English. French an asset.