UNDP Jobs - 65998- Communications Specialist in Public Policy

Communications Specialist in Public Policy

Location :

Kuwait, KUWAIT

Type of Contract :

Other

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

14-May-16 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Other

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

Arabic English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

12 months

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

UNDP and the State of Kuwait, represented by the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council of Planning and Development (GSSCPD), strive to enhance institutional capacities at various government agencies by providing them with necessary technical support to strengthen their capacities and skills to perform their expected duties.

Under the framework of the Institutional Capacity Development for Implementation of the Kuwait National Development Plan (ICDI/KNDP) project, UNDP and GSSCPD attempt to improve human capacity and organizational effectiveness of the GSSCPD for development planning. The aim is to support GSSCPD attain the ability to deliver effectively according to its mandates.

GSSCPD is responsible for elaborating, coordinating and overseeing the Kuwait National Development Plan (KNDP) which addresses the challenges of economic development, human and social development, the efficiency of the state institutions and administration and combating corruption, in accordance with H.H. the Amir’s State Vision “Kuwait 2035”.

Within this context, GSSCPD is seeking to recruit a specialist in public policy communications to support the Secretary General’s office in enhancing public awareness of the GSSCPD’s role and raise the presence of GSSPD’s policy related work, press releases and publications in the media.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Secretary General of GSSCPD and with close coordination with the GSSCPD Project Manager, the specialist in public policy communications will assume the following tasks:

Provide technical support to the development of policy briefs, talking points, and other corporate products as needed.
Promote GSSCPD policy support through producing policy briefs, policy papers, working papers and other publications of GSSCPD which relates to the policy framework;
Drafting press releases and preparing design of awareness-raising and advocacy materials e.g. leaflets, posters, brochures, website, other media products (for TV, radio, print press, Internet and other relevant media);
Prepare press releases and media advisories, speeches or talking points, articles and success stories, organize and coordinate press conferences, book media interviews, in close coordination with the SG;
Organize and facilitate media coverage of GSSCPD work (in various print and electronic media, inclusive of social media);
Advise on publication policy, provide editorial and branding support
Build capacity of staff at the GSSCPD on various elements of a successful communication outreach and media campaigns;
Conduct communications orientation and/or training workshop sessions as required;
Present monthly reports to the SG and GSSCPD Project Manager highlighting key deliverables, detailed summary of the capacity building activities (number of staff trained) and recommendations for the way forward.

Competencies

Functional competencies:

Identifies common interests and goals and carries out joint initiatives with partners
Creates networks and promotes initiatives with partner organizations
Creates networks and initiatives with civil society organizations and intergovernmental organizations in the region/globally
Formulates strategy for the implementation of promotional activities and materials
Develops strategies for improved and expanded coverage in the mass media
Designs and initiates assessments of activities to improve impact and effectiveness
Developed relationships and contacts with professional networks and high profile advocates
Creates effective advocacy strategies
Contributes to the elaboration of advocacy strategies by identifying and prioritizing audiences and communication means
Performs analysis of political situations and scenarios, and contributes to the formulation of institutional responses
Uses the opportunity to bring forward and disseminate materials for advocacy work
Brings visibility and sensitizes decision makers to relevant emerging issues
Demonstrates political/cultural acumen in proposing technically sound, fact based approaches/solutions
Develops internal organizational policies promoting strategic approaches.

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;
Fair and transparent decision making; calculated risk-taking.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

Minimum Bachelor in political science, social sciences, communication, journalism or any related field.

Experience

Minimum 8 years of proven experience in communication and media;
Experience in Kuwait is a must.
Familiarity with Kuwait governmental institutions is highly desirable;
Excellent computer skills, with MS. Office (Word, Excel, Power Point).

Language requirement

Fluency in oral and written English and Arabic is a must.

Type of Consultancy: GSSCPD Contract, Preference for Kuwaiti Nationals or residents in Kuwait.

Note:

This position will be on governmental contract administered by the General Secretariat of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development.
As part of the application, the applicant must attach a CV.