Background

Under the guidance and direct supervision of Head of Communications Unit, the Communications Associate supports the implementation of the communications strategy and plans to ensure effective and efficient communication of UNDP with its partners, the media and targeted audiences. The Communications Associate works in close collaboration with Programme and Operations staff of UNDP CO and designate representatives of key stakeholders. The Communications Associate promotes a client-oriented approach in UNDP and provides support to implementation of One Voice and Delivery as One approach.
The Communications Associate may supervise support staff of the Communications Unit.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Supporting implementation of UNDP communications strategy and plans by conducting various communications-related activities, producing communications products and quality assurance control

  • Identifying and proposing communications activities in line with the UNDP Communications Strategy and work plans of UNDP sectors, projects and programmes;
  • Developing appropriate communications products and conducting activities that ensure effective communication with targeted audience(s):
  1. Preparing media advisories and press releases, organizing and moderating press conferences;
  2. Disseminating communications products to appropriate recipients, drafting and reviewing of speeches delivered by Senior Management;
  3. Drafting success stories (human interest stories) and other communications products for distribution to UNDP headquarters;
  4. Maintaining close contact with the media representatives in the country, providing support to building partnership with the media;
  5. Pitching stories about the policies and impact of UNDP activities to targeted audiences;
  6. Monitoring media and informing designate staff on issues of relevance to UNDP and the UN in Bosnia and Herzegovina
  7. Providing background information and briefing materials per request;
  • Actively contributing to awareness raising about the UNDP’s mandate and goals;
  • Producing periodical and ad hoc reports on communications activities, including media analysis;
  • Acting as a lead for any/all communications activities for at least one UNDP sector, under supervision of Head of Communications Unit;
  • Supporting implementation of joint UN events and campaigns (such as UN Day, International Day of Fight against HIV/AIDS, etc.).


2. Administrating UNDP CO and UN websites and social media

  • Administrating UNDP and UN websites and social media;
  • Developing weekly plans for online communications and overseeing their implementation done by Communications Unit support staff;
  • Ensuring use of online channels is in line with UNDP global guidelines and best practices;
  • Developing communications content tailored for online communication.

3. Supporting facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing

  • Supporting UNDP CO staff in identifying, documenting and drafting of best practices and lessons learned;
  • Organizing annual training for the CO staff on effective communications and advocacy;
  • Assisting in systematic capturing of key achievements and lessons learnt of UNDP activities for knowledge sharing and improvement of the CO overall knowledge management system.


4. Contributing to implementation of administrative and financial tasks related to Communications Unit’s work

  • Conducting tasks related to administrative and financial support of daily operations of the Communications Unit

 

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Advocacy/Advancing a Policy-Oriented Agenda
Level 1.1: Support the preparation of information for advocacy

  • Identifies relevant information for advocacy for a variety of audiences;
  • Makes research of contacts in the media, government, private sector, donors, other agencies, civil society in other stakeholders for UNDP’s advocacy efforts;

Building Strategic Partnerships
Level 1.1: Maintaining information and databases

  • Analyses general information and selects materials in support of partnership building initiatives;

Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing
Level 1.1: Basic research and analysis

  • Researches best practices and poses new, more effective ways of doing things;
  • Documents innovative strategies and new approaches;

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise
Level 1.1: Fundamental knowledge of processes, methods and procedures

  • Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding to the position;
  • Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks;
  • In-depth knowledge of development issues;
  • Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of communications issues and production of various communications products;
  • Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning;
  • Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments;

Creating Visibility for UNDP/Supporting UNDP’s Capacity to Advocate
Level 1.1: Research and information gathering

  • Disseminate information and materials on UNDP’s development/humanitarian activities;
  • Maintains networks and knowledge assets for use in visibility and image activities;
  • Demonstrates ability to extract, interpret, analyse data and present it in a comprehensive and reader-friendly way;

Conceptual Innovation in the Provision of Technical Expertise
Level 1.1: Research and provision of information

  • Responds positively to new approaches;
  • Ability to extract, interpret, analyse data and resolve problems;

Client Orientation
Level 1.1: Maintains effective client relationships

  • Reports to internal and external clients in a timely and appropriate fashion;
  • Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines;

Core Competencies:

  • Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity;
  • Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment;
  • Self-development, initiative-taking;
  • Acting as a team player and facilitating team work;
  • Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively;
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills;
  • Managing conflict;
  • Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
  • Demonstrates ability to produce high-quality products while working against short deadlines and in stressful environment;
  • Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure;
  • Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each employee.
  • Informed and transparent decision making.

Required Skills and Experience

  • Education: University Degree in Social Sciences; (preferably Communications or Political Science)
  • Experience: Minimum 4 years of relevant experience at the national level in delivering communication services to promote the activities of international development organization. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.). Experience in website administration (content management system) and social networks administration would be considered as an asset.
  • Language Requirements: Fluency in English and languages of Bosnia and Herzegovina is essential.

 

 

Applicants are required to submit completed and signed UNDP Personal History Form (downloadable from http://www.ba.undp.org/content/bosnia_and_herzegovina/en/home/operations/jobs.html) online through this website.

 

Candidates must be nationals of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Only successful candidates will be contacted.

 

Note:
Selected candidates will take a written test upon which only short listed candidates will be called for an interview