UNDP Jobs - 55694- Communication Associate

Communication Associate - (Open to Citizens of Turkmenistan)

Location :

Ashgabat, TURKMENISTAN

Type of Contract :

FTA Local

Starting Date :

25-May-2015

Application Deadline :

30-Apr-15 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

GS-6

Duration of Initial Contract :

1 year with possible extension

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

Under the guidance and direct supervision of UN Resident Coordinator/ UNDP Resident Representative and DRR, the Communications Associate will assist in formulation and implementation of the UN and UNDP communications and advocacy strategies to increase the standing and awareness of UNDP with partners, the media and the public. The Communications Associate will promote a client-oriented approach and external relations with partners.

The Communication Associate will work in close collaboration with the UN Country Team (UNCT), Management Support, Programme and Operations teams in the CO, staff of other UN Agencies, UNDP HQs staff (Communications Office) and the Regional Communications Advisor, Government officials, media, multilateral and bilateral donors and civil society. The Communications Associate may supervise support staff of the Communications Unit.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

Support to formulation and implementation of communications and advocacy strategies, support to UN coordination and business development;
Support to implementation of the CO publications policy;
Maintenance of websites, databases and knowledge management systems;
Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing.

Supports the formulation and implementation of communications and advocacy strategies, support to UN coordination and business development focusing on achievement of the following results:

Provision of inputs and information for elaboration of UN and UNDP communication strategies based on the corporate communications strategy;
Support to increased awareness of UN and UNDP mandates and goals through dissemination of information, organization of public events and campaigns;
In coordination with supervisors development and preparation of materials for marketing and awareness-raising including briefing materials and press releases;
Organization of publicity, advocacy, knowledge-sharing events and promotional opportunities (e.g. roundtable discussions, press conferences, briefing sessions and interviews) and provision of logistics support to the events;
Provision of inputs and researched information in programme formulations to integrate advocacy and communication strategies into all aspects of UNDP’s development programme;
Review of reference materials, identification of reference materials for retention. Maintenance of information database and photo library;
Research and retrieval of data from internal and external sources;
Assisting in preparation of information for CCA, UNDAF, CPD, and other documents as well as assisting in ensuring adequate media coverage of issues related to UNDAF development and implementation;
Organization and implementation of joint UN information campaigns (UN Day, World AIDS Day, etc.);
Providing assistance to the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator as required and instructed by the UN Resident Coordinator.

Provides support to implementation of the CO publications policy focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Provision of inputs and information for elaboration of CO publications strategy and plan based on the corporate publications policy;
Identification of storylines for publications and articles contributing to debates on key development issues;
Technical supervision of translation/adaptation/rewriting of information received, printing and dissemination of publications and audio-visual materials. Contact with printing companies and other suppliers to ensure production;
Supervision of publications dissemination.

Ensures maintenance of websites, data bases and knowledge management systems focusing on achievement of the following results:

In close collaboration with UNDP’s ICT and programme staff and with UN Communication Group, regularly update and maintain high quality UN and UNDP websites in line with corporate branding requirements;
Management of the content of the websites ensuring consistency of the materials;
Maintenance of other websites and databases as assigned.

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing focusing on achievement of the following results:

Support to CO staff in identification, documenting and drafting of best practices and lessons learned;
Organization of training for the CO staff on effective communications and advocacy.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

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

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning:

Shares knowledge and experience;
In-depth knowledge of development issues;
Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside UNDP;
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:

Demonstrates excellent written and oral communication skills;
Ability to extract, interpret, analyze data and resolve problems;
Ability to supervise and train support staff;
Demonstrates excellent presentation skill;
Uses Information Technology effectively as a tool and resource.

Leadership and Self-Management:

Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Secondary Education;
University degree in public relations, journalism, international affairs, public policy or any other related field would be desirable, but it is not a requirement.

Experience:

6 years of relevant experience in communications and/or public relations and/or journalism at the national level. Previous work experience in the international development organization would be an asset;
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.);
Experience in handling of web-based management systems.

Language:

Fluency in English, Russian and Turkmen.