UNDP Jobs - 73504- Public Relations Specialist

Public Relations Specialist

Location :

Kuwait, KUWAIT

Type of Contract :

Other

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

05-Aug-17 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Other

Duration of Initial Contract :

Languages Required :

Arabic English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

6 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 Public Relations Specialist to support the Secretary General’s office with all communication related matters.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Secretary General of GSSCPD and with close coordination with the ICDI/KNDP Project Manager, the Public Relations Specialist will assume the following tasks:

Formulation and implementation of communications and advocacy plans

Prepare and implement a communication plan for the GSSCPD;
Assist in formulating messages and identifying communication channels for different target groups with regard to GSSCPD work areas;
Calendar of events maintained with regular update on a monthly basis;
Keep abreast of most recent political, economic and social developments, and keep the SG and staff informed of any news, which can affect GSSCPD activities;
Prepare press releases and media advisories, speeches or talking points, articles and success stories, as well as organize and coordinate press conferences, book media interviews, in close coordination with the Secretary General;
Organize and facilitate media coverage of GSSCPD work in various prints and electronic media, including social media;
Monitor press coverage of GSSCPD and its events, including the preparation and dissemination of press reports.

Preparation of communication documents and publications

Contribute to the writing of documents, publications, and other outreach products identified in the plan;
Advise on publication policy, provide editorial and branding support as well as establish communication with designers and publisher.

Support facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing

Advise and guide staff on various elements of a successful communications outreach based on results;
Conduct communications orientation and/or training workshop sessions as required;
Present monthly reports to the SG and Project Manager highlighting key deliverables with recommendations for the way forward.

Competencies

The Public Relations Specialist should be able to demonstrate the following competencies:

Functional Competencies:

Advocacy/Advancing a Policy-Oriented Agenda

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.

Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing

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;
Develops and/or participates in the development of tools and mechanisms, including identifying new approaches to promote individual and organizational learning and knowledge sharing using formal and informal methodologies.

Innovation and Marketing New Approaches

Seeks a broad range of perspectives in developing project proposals;
Generates regional and innovative ideas and effective solutions to problems;
Looks at experience critically, drawing lessons, and building them into the design of new approaches;
Identifies new approaches and promotes their use in other situations;
Documents successes and uses them to project a positive image;
Creates an environment that fosters innovation and innovative thinking;
Makes the case for innovative ideas from the team with own supervisor.

Client Orientation

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 UNDP & setting standards;
Sharing knowledge across the organization and building a culture of knowledge sharing and learning;
Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member;
Fair and transparent decision making; calculated risk-taking.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

Minimum Bachelors or equivalent in the field of Communications, Journalism or Public Relations. Master’s degree is preferable.

Experience

Minimum of 15 years of proven experience in Communications and Public Relations;
Familiarity with Kuwait governmental institutions is an added advantage;
Excellent computer skills, with MS Office (Word, Excel, Power Point).

Language Requirement

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

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.