Background

Project “Human Rights for Ukraine 2019–2023” funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented by UNDP Ukraine is a 5-year initiative which runs from 1 January 2019 until 31 December 2023. It works to strengthen capacities of the national human rights organizations at national and local levels to contribute to reform agendas in line with human rights standards and respond to human rights challenges in Ukraine while mobilizing national authorities and human rights defenders to improve the overall human rights record of the country.The project is aimed at increasing the potential of the Ukrainian Ombudsperson Office (thereafter OO) and promoting human right initiatives among all national stakeholders, including core duty-bearer in the Legislative branch (Parliament – as a secondary partner), core duty-bearers in the Executive branch (Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ministry of Social Policy, National Agency of Ukraine on Civil Service, State Agencies and Services etc.), sub-national authorities, civil society. The project is an integral part of UNDP’s democratic governance portfolio which provides technical assistance to the national institutions aimed on strengthening their capacities to promote HRBA, democratic and transparency principles into their practice. The Project is funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and implemented by UNDP Ukraine is a 5-year initiative that will run from 2019 and till the end of 2023. In this context, United Nations Development Programme is recruiting a Knowledge Management and Communication Specialist with relevant experience and track record.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Project Coordinator/Human Rights Team Lead and in close cooperation with the UNDP Communication Unit, the incumbent will: 

  • Contribute to the formulation and implementation of internal and external communications strategies for the HR4U project;
  • Promote HR4U project work in the country with special attention on results and impact through media outreach, using new types of media, including social media platforms and communication tools as appropriate;
  • Promote, advocate and raise awareness around the project activities, results, flagship initiatives through a variety of communication vehicles, such as roundtable discussions, press conferences, briefing session, interviews, report launches, etc.;
  • Ensure communication plans for HR4U project are in place to adequately and positively communicate Programme’s highlights and success stories;
  • Coordinate with relevant units and personnel to ensure that the project achievements are communicated to the relevant stakeholders in an effective and timely manner to support strategic positioning of the HR4U project to existing and potential partners;
  • Ensure communications tools and products, including briefing notes, booklets, brochures, infographics are effectively planned and developed to reflect UNDP's corporate branding and visibility;
  • In coordination with CO communications unit ensure press releases, media advisories, and feature stories for UNDP website and social networks are drafted and publicized in timely manner; provide input and manage social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Flickers); 
  • Ensure delivery of human rights messages within and between the OO, duty-bearer institutions and partner civil society organizations (CSOs);
  • Develop and maintain a system of monitoring and reporting of project activities; 
  • Establish and maintain close working relationships with the media, including editors and journalists for reaching main donors, partners and general public audiences; organize PR and media activities themed on human rights;
  • Liaise with governmental/non-governmental institutions, CSOs, academia and UNDP; 
  • Administer and develop knowledge management and innovations-related activities of the project; 
  • Support research, documentation, assessment studies on the project and related policy activities;
  • Organize events including donor/partner visits and support field offices in holding such visits; 
  • Coordinate regional press conferences and media events;
  • Develop partnerships with various individuals, groups and organizations, whose support is essential to the achievement of communication objectives;
  • Submit regular updates on the UNDP Ukraine web-site and to the donor if required; 
  • Prepare ad hoc information materials about the project; 
  • Perform other duties as required.

Measurable outputs of the work assignment:

  • Monthly/quarterly/annual/ad hoc reports are prepared; 
  • Donors/partners/media visits are held; 
  • Advocacy/public awareness/policy related events held; 
  • Comprehensive study on the subsidiary regulations and legislation in the framework of the project is supported;
  • Web-site updated regularly;
  • All assignments performed in a quality and timely manner.

Performance Indicators for evaluation of results:

  • Project related reports are timely prepared and disseminated;
  • Information and communication activities are well coordinated, inputs from the all stakeholders considered and activities are implemented.

Core Competencies:

  • Communication;
  • Delivery;
  • Innovation;
  • Demonstrate/safeguard ethics and integrity; 
  • Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment; 
  • Self-development, initiative-taking; 
  • Encourage and participate in open communication in the team, communicate effectively; 
  • Create synergies through self-control; 
  • Manage conflict.

Competencies

  • Excellent interpersonal skills; 
  • Stronge organizational and time management skills;
  • Be proactive, energetic, committed and innovative; 
  • Excellent writing, n and organization skills; 
  • Sound knowledge of modern information technologies including websites and social media; 
  • Excellent team and networking skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Minimum qualifications and experience:

  • Master’s degree or equivalent in communications, media relations, public relations, international relations, social sciences, journalism or related field;
  • Minimum 3years of professional experience in the field of communication, media, journalism, public relations, international relations, monitoring and/or reporting or related field;
  • Solid experience in report writing, editing drafting of periodic reporting for international organizations or non-profit organizations in English;
  • Knowledge of human rights situation in Ukraine is a strong asset; 
  • Knowledge and experience in conducting/managing research in social science would be an asset;
  • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, Adobe Acrobat, PhotoShop). Experience in handling of web-based management systems;
  • Fluency in English, Ukrainian and Russian (both written and spoken).

Application Instructions:

  • Click on the "Apply now" button.
  • Input your information in the appropriate Sections: personal information, language proficiency, education, resume and motivation. You can type in or paste your Resume into the last box.
  • Upon completion of the first page, please hit "submit application" tab at the end of the page. On the next page, you will be asked to upload your Resume. Instead of uploading your Resume, please submit a fully completed and signed UNDP Personal History Form (P-11). When completing the Form and, even though not currently requested, please include email addresses for your Supervisors.
  • Without the completed and signed P11 your application will not be considered. The UNDP Personal History Form can be downloaded at link. Failure to disclose prior employment or making false representations on this form will be grounds for withdrawal of further consideration of his/her application or termination, where the appointment or contract has been issued.
  • Only short-listed candidates will be contacted and please ensure that copies of your educational qualifications are available when contacted.

This is a locally recruited position and no expatriation benefits will apply.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 23 November 2018
UNDP will use a transparent and competitive screening process, though will only contact those applicants in whom there is further interest. Applications may only be submitted for specific vacancy. Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.