UNDP Jobs - 80335- National Communication Officer Intern (Communicat

National Communication Officer Intern (Communications Support to UN RCO)

Location :

Dili, Timor Leste

Type of Contract :

Internship

Starting Date :

20-Aug-2018

Application Deadline :

10-Aug-18 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Intern

Duration of Initial Contract :

Six months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

Nine 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

Project Description

The United Nations in Timor-Leste has enjoyed a long and valuable partnership with the Government of Timor-Leste, now focusing on supporting the country in its sustainable development efforts through implementation of National Strategic Development Plan 2011-2030 and Sustainable Development Goals 2030. On 22nd June 2018, the VIII Constitutional Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste was formally formed. The UNCT recognizes that strategic and strong communications as an essential component of development work; it is an essential element of the UN’s work on raising public awareness on key development challenges for Timor-Leste including the support provided by Un agencies and the results achieved through the UN’s cooperation with partners. The UNCT seeks to improve its communications work to enhance the impact of UN measures in support to the newly formed Government of Timor-Leste in short and long terms.

The UNCT through the UN Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) is seeking a national intern/volunteer for one year to support communications work. The postholder will be based in the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) and report to the Head of the RCO.

Background

The UN Agencies work in Timor-Leste, under the UN Resident Coordinator system, focuses on sustainable development and the promotion and protection of Human Rights. The partnership between the government and the UN is outlined in the United Nations Development Assistance Framework 2015 – 2020 (UNDAF) for Timor-Leste. The UNDAF is a strategic programme framework to support the national development priorities of Timor-Leste encapsulated in the Strategic Development Plan 2011-2030 (SDP). The SDP reflects the aspiration of the Timorese People to become a high performing, middle income country by 2030.

Timor-Leste is now at a critical juncture. Many development milestones have been achieved, but key challenges remain. The country successfully conducted its eighth parliamentary election on May 12th 2018, with the new Prime Minister was sworn-in on June 22nd 2018. The UN is committed to supporting the Government to achieve the 2030 aspirations of the SDP and the SDGs.

The UN Resident Coordinator leads the UN Country team of 15 UN Agencies in Timor-Leste. The Office of the Resident Coordinator (RCO) plays a critical role in supporting the Resident Coordinator, and the UN Country Team (UNCT) by providing coordination, planning, advocacy, analysis, information management and communications support. Furthermore, the RCO liaises with the counterparts, including the Government, the Office of the President, Parliament, civil society and the international donor community on a regular basis to keep national and international counterparts abreast of developments in UN programming, and provide information and support when requested.

Financing the Internship:

The internship has zero cost to UNDP and UNDP does not pay for internship. Costs associated with the internship must be borne by the nominating institution, related institution or government, which may provide the required financial assistance to its students; or by the individual, who will have to obtain financing for subsistence and make his or her own arrangements for travel, accommodation etc.

Career Opportunities:

The purpose of internship is not to lead to further employment with UNDP but to complement an intern’s studies. However, a number of interns, having completed their studies and met the necessary requirements, have gone on to further assignments in the United Nations system through success in competitive recruitment process after the end of their internship programme.

Duties and Responsibilities

The communication officer will work under the overall direct supervision of the Head of RCO, RC in close collaboration with UNCG, UNCT and staff from the UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes.

Description of Tasks:

Support the positioning of the UN System as a credible and trusted development partner in Timor-Leste by supporting the implementation of the communications strategy

Assist the coordination of UN Agencies with advocacy activities, including support to public events, launching ceremonies, celebration of UN theme days, visits of senior UN officials, field visits, workshops, and global UN initiatives in close cooperation with the UN Communications Group;
Support the maintenance and update of the UN website, HCT website and UN Social medias;
Assist the RCO and UNCG for monthly monitoring of media coverage of the UN’s system works in mass and print medias and do reporting;
Assist in Tetun and English translations for social media posts and other relevant documents whenever required.

Support the administrative and coordination activities of the RCO

Support preparation and follow up tasks of UNCT meetings, UN Theme Group meetings and other joint initiatives;
Prepare briefings, background and support materials and prepare presentations on specific topics as required;
Perform other duties as required.

Competencies

Demonstrating professional experience in communications and experience in the international development area;
Demonstrating experience in media planning, media pitching, and producing press or special events is preferred;
Excellent knowledge of the UN system and UN common country programming processes; prior experience in working with multilateral agencies;
Demonstrating effective techniques for communication with various segments of the population;
Demonstrating background knowledge of UN related issues.

Required Skills and Experience

Applicants to the UNDP internship programme must at the time of application meet one of the following requirements:

(a) Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); Degree in communications, Journalism, Public Administration, Political Science/development, or related field.

(b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor’s level or equivalent); As define in (a).

(c) Have graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one-year of graduation. As define in (a).

Languages:

• Fluency in English and Tetun (verbal and written) is required. Knowledge and understanding of Portuguese is an advantage.