Agency : UNDP Title : Communications Specialist Job ID : 25554Practice Area – Job FamilyManagement: Vacancy End Date(Midnight New York, USA) : 09/09/2019 Time Left : 7d 15h 11mDuty StationKhartoum, Sudan Education & Work ExperienceI : Master’s Level Degree – 5 year(s) experienceLanguagesRequired:Desired:EnglishArabic GradeP3Vacancy Type : TA International Posting Type : External Bureau : Arab States Contract Duration : Less than one year |
Background:
Fully engaged in the post-conflict recovery process, UNDP Sudan is implementing a wide range of interventions to pre-empt, and respond to the needs of the country as it moves from a conflict-stricken environment to one of peace. UNDP needs to enhance its communications portfolio and implement a communications strategy that reflects the positive impact of its interventions; positions UNDP as a lead agency in recovery, reintegration and development; highlights UNDP’s role vis-à-vis the donor community; and ensures flow of communications between UNDP and those it serves.
Under the overall guidance of the Resident Representative, and the guidance of the Darfur Regional Coordinator, he/she works closely with the Communications team in Khartoum, liaises closely with UNDP HQ Office of Communication and other Bureaus and Offices as required.
The incumbent develops and leads the implementation of a Strategic Communications Plan for UNDP Sudan with a view to promote public and media outreach and to mobilize political and financial support for UNDP and advise Senior Management on all aspects of communications work. He/she works in close collaboration with the Programme and Operations teams in the country office, media staff of UN Agencies, UNDP regional and HQs communications staff and Government officials, and local media, subject matter experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful UNDP Communications strategy implementation.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Planning and Design of internal and external Strategies for communications and outreach in Khartoum and Darfur focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Planning and elaboration of communications needs assessments for UNDP Sudan with equal focus on Darfur (project highlights and results, electronic bulletins, etc.)
- Elaboration of the Darfur communications and outreach strategy including, but not limited to, producing programme leaflets (2 pagers), project fact sheets, fast facts documents, best practices, producing high-quality human-interest success stories with impact, producing high-quality visuals, using info graphs, results and impact, etc.
- Constructive and timely advice on inclusion of communications components in programme formulations to integrate advocacy and communication strategies into all aspects of UNDP’s development programme
- Monitoring and evaluation focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Establishment of Communication baselines against which the achievement of objectives of the Communication Strategy are regularly evaluated;
- Continuous analysis to ensure improvement and effectiveness of Communication Strategy and activities;
- Preparation and sharing of results and reports.
- Elaboration and implementation of the Darfur publications and social media strategy and plan, focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Elaboration and implementation of the Darfur publications strategy and plan based on the UNDP Sudan Communications Strategy and corporate publications policy
- Identification and development of storylines for publications, substantive articles and other documents contributing to discourse around key development issues in Darfur
- Coordination of all Darfur-based publication activities, including content management
- Provision of significant input into the UNDP Website and Social Media focusing on achievement of the following results:
- In collaboration with UNDP Sudan Communications Staff and Darfur colleagues, contribute to the content for UNDP Sudan Website and Social Media accounts based on corporate requirements;
- Contribution to the content for the UNDP Sudan website ensuring consistency and high quality of the materials.
- Launches and Campaigns focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Creation and promotion of campaigns to local and regional media that position UNDP and influences the development agenda based on current Programme and new initiatives;
- Strategic identification, creation, promotion and maintenance of public information campaigns on UNDP activities, results of MDGs, UN Reform, etc. in association with other staff from Business Development Team.
- Management, promotion and dissemination of corporate advocacy materials for launching flagship initiatives and publications such as the Human Development Report;
- Identification of and collaboration with key government and donor partners, in order to ensure full involvement of partners at every launch and campaign.
- Outreach and Public Information activities focusing on achievement of the following:
- Organization of activities to showcase UNDP’s work as a leader within the development space in Darfur, in the UN Mission /post-mission environment
- Increased coverage and understanding of the UNDP’s work in Darfur through development and maintenance of media contacts and providing newsworthy information to national public and donors.
- Development and maintenance of close contacts with government officials, multilateral and bilateral donors, civil society and private sector for implementation of the communications strategy, organization of roundtable discussions, press conferences, briefing sessions, interviews, launches;
- Outreach to national and international media, communicating and maintaining regular contact and close collaboration with the media to communicate the story of UNDP in Darfur;
- Collaboration with project staff to build stories that enhance UNDP’s visibility through communication products of various kinds: press releases, social media feeds, web stories, news story leads for local and international media, etc.
- Travel as needed to the field to collect information or work with national communications staff to gather field stories and information.
- Liaison with global outlets including HQs and regional bureau, to produce strategic messaging focusing on its value for enhanced partnerships and resource mobilization.
- Forging of a ‘one UN’ image through publicizing the significance of local UN efforts, joint Programmes, and common services. Where appropriate, the organization and implementation of joint UN information campaigns (UN Mine Action Day, etc.)
- Facilitation of access for journalists to subject matter experts;
- Regular newsletter to donors, donor reports, civic education and community awareness where appropriate to support projects.
- Effective responses to inquiries for public information materials;
- Innovative and creative solutions to sensitive or corporately strategic public communications issues;
- Advocacy and promotion of UNDP mandate, mission and purpose.
- Knowledge building and management focusing on the achievement of the following;
- Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to Darfur goals and activities;
- Monitor practices, and project-specific news and developments in order to ensure guidance to the office that reflects the best and most current available information;
- Provides advice and support to UNDP inputs to CCA, UNDAF, CPD and other documents;
- Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice including corporate communications repositories;
- Organization and provision of training, consultancy and advice to UNDP staff on communications.
Competencies:
Core :
Innovation:
Ability to make new and useful ideas work;Level 5: Creates new and relevant ideas and leads others to implement them.
Leadership:
Ability to persuade others to follow;Level 5: Plans and acts transparently, actively works to remove barriers
People Management:
Ability to improve performance and satisfaction;Level 5: Models high professional standards and motivates excellence in others
Communication:
Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform;Level 5: Gains trust of peers, partners, clients by presenting complex concepts in practical terms to others
Delivery:
Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement;Level 5: Critically assesses value and relevance of existing policy / practice and contributes to enhanced delivery of products, services, and innovative solutions
Technical/Functional:
Advocacy
Competency Definition;Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise
Building Strategic Partnerships
Competency Definition;Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise
Job knowledge
Competency Definition;Level 5:Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise
Client Orientation
Competency Definition;Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise
Required Skills and Experience:
Education:
Master’s degree in Communications, Media Relations, Journalism, Public Relations Publishing or any related field
Experience:
Five years of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in public relations, communications or advocacy, print, broadcast, and/or new media, preferably in UN system (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds, and programmes) or similar international organization or non-governmental organization
Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization is desirable but not mandatory;
Background/familiarity with conflict/post-conflict settings is desirable.
Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based management systems.
Language Requirements::
Proficiency in English. Working knowledge of Arabic language is desirable
Disclaimer
