Background

UNDP in Sri Lanka is reorganizing internally and moving to an integrated collaborative business model. Internally, an energetic and innovative team will converge around the planning, design, implementation and quality assurance of an integrated programme in a fast-paced environment. Fostering strategic partnership and alliances with different stakeholders will require a team which consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude and has a strong client orientation. Strong UN partnerships are valued for Delivering Together in a true spirit of collaboration and teamwork.

 

Post Context:

 

Under the direct supervision of the Communications and Engagement Analyst (NOA)  the Communications and Engagement Assistant supports the implementation of the communications resource mobilization and advocacy strategies of the office to increase the standing and awareness of UNDP with partners, the media and the public. The Incumbent promotes a client-oriented approach in UNDP.

 

The Communications and engagement assistant works in close collaboration with the Management Support and Business Development, Programme, Operations and project staff in the Country Office and UNDP HQ, as required.  S/he would also establish close collaboration with counterpart and donor community facilitating the availability of reports as needed and will enable a fluid collaboration with other members of the unit including the Data Visualization Assistant

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

 

  • Support to implementation of communications and advocacy strategies
  • Administrative support to communications team
  • Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing

 

  1. Supports the implementation of CO communications and advocacy strategies and  CO publications policy focusing on achievement of the following results:

 

  • Logistical support to the organization of publicity/outreach for the CO programme, knowledge-sharing events and promotional opportunities, especially UN events.
  • Dissemination of information and publications; assistance at public events such as roundtable discussions, press conferences, briefing sessions, interviews.
  • Maintenance of information database and photo library
  • Collection of information, preparation of content for the web sites
  • Extraction of data from various sources.
  • Research and retrieval of statistical data from internal and external sources;
  • Arrangement of briefings and regular meetings with other UN agencies in the CO and with national and international media.
  • Arrangement of provision of booklets and other communication products for potential donors.
  • Logistical support to UN information campaigns (UN Day, World AIDS Day, etc.)
  • Administrative and logistical support to the communications team, including for initiatives such as media workshops, press briefings, report launches, etc.
  • Budgetary support in Atlas as required, including creation of vendors
  • Review of translations, contacts with printers and other suppliers to ensure production

 

 

2. Ensures implementation of the CO publications policy focusing on the achievement of the  following results:

 

  • Suggestions, inputs, content development, coordination of production and dissemination of press releases, publications, articles and sharing of CO knowledge and successes.

 

 

    3.  Ensures support to maintenance of web sites, data bases and knowledge management systems focusing on achievement of the     following results:

 

  • Data entry updates and high-quality CO web sites in line with corporate branding requirements;
  • Preparation of draft content for the web sites ensuring consistency of the materials;
  • Maintenance of other web sites and databases as assigned.

 

 

     4.   Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:

 

  • Identification, documenting and drafting of best practices and lessons learned.
  • Participation in training for the CO staff on effective communications and advocacy.

 

Competencies

Functional Competencies:             

 

Advocacy/Advancing a Policy-Oriented Agenda

 

Level 1.1: Support the preparation of information for advocacy

  • Supports in identifying opportunities for advocating UNDP’s mandate

 

 

Building Strategic Partnerships

 

Level 1.1: Maintaining information and databases

  • Analyzes 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

 

 

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
  • 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

  • Collects, and disseminates information on UNDP focus areas

 

 

Global Leadership and Advocacy for UNDP’s Goals

 

Level 1.1: Research and analysis

  • Identifies relevant information for advocacy for UNDP’s goals for a variety of audiences

 

Conceptual Innovation in the Provision of Technical Expertise

Level 1.1: Research and provision of information

  • Responds positively to new approaches

 

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
  • Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external clients
  • Responds to client needs promptly

 

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
  • Creating synergies through self-control
  • Managing conflict
  • Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member.
  • Informed and transparent decision making

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Secondary education.  University Degree desirable, but it is not a requirement.

 

Experience:

5 years of relevant experience in communications, public relations and administration.  Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) as well as exposure to Photoshop and other media software. Experience in handling of web-based management systems.

2 years of relevant experience will suffice if in possession of a Bachelor’s Degree.

 

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English and national languages of Sri Lanka.

ONLY QUALIFIED SRI  LANKAN NATIONALS NEED APPLY