UNDP Jobs - 77499- Communications Consultant

Communications Consultant

Location :

Windhoek, NAMIBIA

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-Apr-2018

Application Deadline :

09-Mar-18 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

National Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

12 months

Languages Required :

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

The Resident Coordinators Office provides support to the RC/UNCT’s roles and efforts in coordinating the work of the UN system at the country level. The office works in close collaboration with the UN programme and operations teams of the Agencies, Regional UN Development Group (R-UNDG) staff and Government officials, technical advisors and experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful implementation of UNCT activities. The RCO also acts as a first port-of-call to provide services and support to the Government and other stakeholders such as the Private Sector, Civil Society Organisations and other Development Partners. Specifically, the RCO supports 10 core coordination functions performed by RCs and UNCT which include:

Strategic analysis and planning;
Oversight of the UN country programming cycle;
Representation of and support of UN Secretariat and UN agencies/NRAs;
Support to national coordination systems and processes;
Development and management of shared operational support services;
Crisis management and preparedness response;
External communication and advocacy;
Human rights and development;
Joint resource mobilization and fund management; and,
General UNCT oversight and management.

Under the direct and day to day supervision of the UN Coordination Analyst and in consultation with the UN Communication Group’s Chair, UNESCO and Secretariat, UNIC Windhoek, the UN Communication officer will be responsible for supporting the implementation of a UN’s communications and advocacy strategy. He/she will support the Design, formulate and lead the development of the communications and advocacy strategy within the scope of UN Partnership Framework (UNPAF) in alignment with Namibia’s current and future National Development Plans.

Duties and Responsibilities

Support the planning and design of activities and initiative for common communications, advocacy and outreach initiatives in line with the UN communication strategy

Plan, elaborate and execute activities in line with the communication strategy, within the scope of UN Partnership Framework (UNPAF) and in alignment with Namibia’s current and future National Development Plans.
Support UN’s common interventions and advise UN Communication Group members, UN Country Team and UN Resident Coordinator on outreach activities to ensure a coherency and accuracy.
Identify and develop storylines for publications and substantive articles to be published on web and in other media.

Support the UN Resident Coordinator in her capacity as spokesperson of the UN in Namibia

Draft background notes, speeches and talking points for public appearances.
Support outreach activities with press and other communication target groups.
Draft and disseminate common press releases commemorating international days and other major events.

Editor of the UN website to ensure credible and reliable running and maintenance

Enhance UN Namibia’s media and online presence and information dissemination by upgrading the quality and use of existing media/information platforms (webpage, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, press releases, articles, video documentaries, etc.);
Support the migration of the UN website in terms of design, content and raise the public awareness of the site.
Draft and or review the content for the website, ensuring consistency of the materials.

Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing witin the UN in Namibia and UN System Globally

Analyze and support monitoring of communication activities and assessment of impacts and results.
Effectively respond to inquiries for information material and knowledge products.
Advocate and promote UN mandate, mission and purpose in the country.
Identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme country goals and activities

Competencies

Primary Competencies

Consistently approaches work with energy and positive, constructive attitude, striving for excellence and focusing on results.
Ability to work collaboratively and effectively as part of a team as well as individually. This includes strong inter-personal skills and a demonstrated capacity to forge effective relations with colleagues and counterparts from different backgrounds, across government, companies and international organizations.
Proven ability to conceptualize, plan and execute ideas, including a good eye for strategy and appetite for innovation.
Excellent writing and speaking skills. This includes ability to translate complex policy ideas and technical concepts into plain and snappy language.
Computer literacy, including softwares such as Office package, webinar platforms (GoToWebinar or other), Power Pointi and contact databases. Familiarity with graphic design and video editing programmes is desirable.
Experience working in a multi-cultural environment is required
Knowledge of international development..

Required Skills and Experience

Education and Certification:

University degree in communications, journalism, public relations, publishing or related fields.

Experience:

3 years-experience in public relations, communications and advocacy.
In depth knowledge of the local and international media represented in Namibia.
Experience using Adobe Suite for design purposes, specifically Photoshop and InDesign.
Understanding of development paradigms and socio-political situation of Namibia and the sub-region.
International experience an asset, especially with the United Nations System, familiarity with the SDGs and other global initiatives.
Good knowledge of the UN system.
Substantive experience and record of accomplishment in gender equality and women's empowerment issues at policy and programming level;
Experience with implementing gender mainstreaming agendas across a variety of sectors, including experience gender mainstreaming in governmental bodies;
Experience working with the UN in development and humanitarian contexts;
Experience working with women’s movements, and civil society and familiarity with women's rights organizations and networks in the region and globally.

Language:

Fluency in written and spoken English.