UNDP Jobs - 95651- Communications and Storytelling

Communications and Storytelling

Location :

Mbabane, SWAZILAND

Type of Contract :

Internship

Starting Date :

04-Jan-2021

Application Deadline :

11-Dec-20 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

Intern

Duration of Initial Contract :

Three months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

Three 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

The United Nations Resident Coordinator leads the UN County Team (UNCT), including all UN entities present in the Kingdom of Eswatini, and represents the UN Secretary General to the Government of the country. The main goal of the Resident Coordinator is to bring together the different UN agencies for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the operational activities at the country level, helping the UN to be a more relevant and reliable partner to the government.

The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) supports the roles and functions of the UN Resident Coordinator and the UNCT. The RCO provides inter-agency coordination support to the UNCT and its various inter-agency mechanisms. Key functions of the RCO include: (1) strategic analysis, planning and positioning of the Country Team; (2) preparation and monitoring of the United Nations Development Framework (UNDAF); (3) support to joint UN programming and operations management; (4) policy guidance and (5) joint advocacy and communications.

The UN Communications Group (UNCG) plays a vital role in promoting the Communicating as One principle adopted by the UN Development System in Eswatini in 2014. It is intended that the UNCG, in collaboration with UNCT, will pursue a communication strategy that is based on supporting national development priorities, the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework and other joint programming documents. The UNCG comprises the communication and information officers of the specialized agencies, funds and programmes operating in the country. The Group serves as a mechanism for inter-agency coordination for UN communications and advocacy and the UNRCO serves as the secretariat.

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Resident Coordinator’s Office. The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Development Coordination Officer - Programme Communication and Advocacy. For more information on UN Eswatini, please visit our website www.eswatini.un.org.

The Communications and Advocacy internship at the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office is for an initial period of three months, with an opportunity for extension up to six months, depending on the needs of the service. UNDP will provide a stipend in the amount of SZL2,910.23 monthly in accordance with the provisions of the UNDP Internship policy; all other expenses connected with it will be borne by the intern or sponsoring Government or institution.

The Intern will work five days per week (35 hours) under the supervision of Programme Communication and Advocacy Officer in the Resident Coordinator’s Office, to which they are assigned.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Development Coordination Officer - Programme Communication and Advocacy, and overall guidance of the RCO Team Leader, the Communications & Storytelling Intern is expected to provide support in the following areas:

Support the development of solution-based or human-interest stories for UN Eswatini online presences and social media platforms (including the generation of daily social media content);
Assist in managing the UN Eswatini’s social media platforms and monitor their daily engagement and report on their monthly traffic including reach and engagement;
Assist in updating the UN Eswatini’s website and report on their monthly traffic;
Assist in updating the UN Eswatini’s Flickr and Exposure platform;
Conduct daily media digest and identify potential angle/opportunity to issue and place an article/story/Op-ed in the media;
Support in media engagement activities for project key events and donors field visits, press conferences, press briefings, media interviews with senior management;
Develop and maintain updated media directory (national, and key regional and international);
Assist in building and maintaining healthy and reliable relations with media, selected journalists, editors, reporters, etc;
Work closely with programme, policy and project teams on relevant media pitching and placement, and on the development of social media content;
Work closely with a designer and relevant colleagues on communications related product designs;
Work closely with editors/writers and relevant colleagues on media and web-based content development;
Contribute to the implementation and achievement to the UN Eswatini’s communications strategy and visibility plan;
Provide translation from siSwati into English and vice versa when necessary;
Produce digital communications materials including an electric poster, leaflet, and brochure visual materials when needed;
Collect photos and footages of an event/activity and from a field trip for the UN Eswatini’s communications activities;
Carry out other tasks if required.

Competencies

Professionalism – Has knowledge of a wide range of communications approaches, tools, and methodologies essential to planning, executing and monitoring effective multimedia campaigns and/or programmes (audiovisual, online and print). Is able to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Is able to identify public affairs issues, opportunities and risks in an international environment. Is able to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships. Has knowledge of relevant internal policies and business activities/issues. Is able to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style. Is able to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. Has strong communication (spoken and written) skills, including the ability to draft/compile a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style and effectively disseminate information and build/maintain effective business relations. Is able to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Planning& Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time effectively.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals . Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

To qualify for an internship with the United Nations Internship Programme, the following conditions must be met:

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements: (a) be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); (b) be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum Bachelor's level or equivalent); or (c) have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the internship within a one year period of graduation;
• Be computer literate in standard software applications;
• Have a demonstrated keen interest in the work of the United Nations and have a personal commitment to the ideals of the Charter; and
• Have a demonstrated ability to successfully interact with individuals of different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, which include willingness to try and understand and be tolerant of differing opinions and views.

Work Experience:

Applicants are not required to have professional work experience for participation in the programme. Experience with design software (Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator) and literate in standard software applications (including Powerpoint, Excel and Word), Visio, Indesign and Dreamweaver is desirable. Experience with video creation is also desirable.

Languages:

English and siSwati are the official languages of the United Nations System in Eswatini. For the internship position fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.

Assessment:

Potential candidates will be contacted by the Human Resources Department directly for further consideration

Special Notice:

A completed online application (Cover Note and Personal History Profile) is required. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

The Cover Note must include:
• Degree Programme (What are you currently studying?)
• Graduation Date (When will you graduate or when did you graduate from the programme?)
• List the IT skills and programmes that you are proficient in.
• Explain why you are the best candidate for this specific internship.
• Explain your interest in the United Nations Internship programme.
• Provide us with your dates of availability.

In your online Personal History Profile, be sure to include all past work experiences, IT skills, and three references.
Due to the high volume of applications received, ONLY pre-selected candidates will be contacted.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, including but not limited to, respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to, whether they have committed or are alleged to have committed criminal offences or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.