Communications Specialist, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Democratic Republic of the Congo
Keywords: Locuri de munca & Internship
Tags: job management communication undp
Under the guidance and general supervision of the Country Director, and direct supervision of the Deputy Country Director/Programme and in consultation with the Communication Office (COA)in New York, the Communications Specialist implements the corporate communications strategy, designs, manages and facilitates the implementation of the Country Office communications and publication strategies with a view to influence the development agenda, to promote public and media outreach and to mobilize political and financial support for UNDP.
The Communications Specialist supervises and leads the communications
staff of the country office and has a strong regular working
relationship with the Regional Communications Manager. The
Communications Specialist also works in close collaboration with the
Business Development, Programme and Operations teams, staff of other UN
Agencies, UNDP HQs staff (Communications Office) and Government
officials, international and local media, subject matter experts,
multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring
successful UNDP communication strategy implementation.
A communications strategy tightly linked to program priorities helps
position the Country Office in key development markets as a thought
leader in ways that boost demand for various service lines and increase
overall business opportunities.
Functions / Key Results Expected
Summary of Key Functions:
- Planning and design of internal and external strategies for communications and outreach
- Elaboration and implementation of the publications strategy and plan
- Supervision of the design and maintenance of the UNDP web site, intranet, CO web-based knowledge management system
- Support to business development
- Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing
- Effective management of the Communications Office and supervision of Communications staff
1. Ensures planning and design of internal and external strategies for
communications and outreach focusing on achievement of the following
results:
- Planning and elaboration of communications needs assessments for CO
(projects, country programme and corporate change initiatives, etc)
- Elaboration of the CO communications and outreach strategy based on the corporate communications strategy.
- 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.
2. Ensures elaboration and implementation of the CO publications
strategy and plan focusing on the achievement of the following results:
- Elaboration and implementation of the CO publications strategy and plan based on the corporate publications policy.
- Identification and development of storylines for publications and
substantive articles contributing to debates on key development issues.
- Coordination and management of all CO publication activities,
including content management, norms for publishing, design, liaison
with printers and other suppliers to oversee production and supervision
of publications dissemination.
3. Supervises the design and maintenance of the UNDP web site,
intranet, CO web-based knowledge management system focusing on
achievement of the following results:
- Design of the office web sites based on corporate requirements in cooperation with the ICT staff.
- Supervision and preparation of the content for the web sites ensuring consistency of the materials.
4. Supports the business development focusing on achievement of the following results:
Launches and campaigns
- 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.
- Management, promotion and dissemination of corporate advocacy
materials for launching flagship initiatives and publications such as
the Human Development Report.
- Formatting, packaging and submission of programme initiatives for donor review in close collaboration with programme staff.
- 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
Outreach
- Promotional activities to position UNDP as a substantive thought leader within the development space.
- Increased coverage and understanding of the UNDP’s work in the
country or practice area 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, etc.
- Forging of a “one UN” image through publicizing the significance of
local UN reform efforts, joint programmes, common services.
Organization and implementation of joint UN information campaigns (UN
Day, World AIDS Day, etc.)
- Ensured access for journalists to subject matter experts.
- Regular newsletter to donors.
- Donor reports, civic education and community awareness where appropriate to support projects
Public information
- 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.
5. Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme country 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.
6. Ensures effective management of the Communication Office and
supervision of the Communications team focusing on achieving the
following results:
- Effective management of the Communications Office, including management of translations and contractual matters.
Impact of Results
The key results have an impact on creation of effective communications
and dissemination of information on UNDP as UN’s global development
network. In particular, the key results have an impact on
implementation of UNDP communications and publication strategies, as
well as reaching resource mobilization targets. Communications become a
strong component of business development in the CO.
Competencies and Critical Success Factors
Corporate Competencies:
- Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
- Advocates and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
- Treats all people fairly without favoritism
Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning
- Shares knowledge and experience and contributes to UNDP Practice Areas
- Encourages office staff to share knowledge and contribute to UNDP Practice Areas
- Develops deep knowledge in Practice Areas
- Demonstrates strong coaching/mentoring skills, regularly providing helpful feedback and advice to others in the office
- Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development
in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly
acquired skills
Development and Operational Effectiveness
- Ability to elaborate and implement communications and publications strategies
- Demonstrated effectiveness in developing media campaigns, including
well-written information about UNDP, its objectives and activities.
- Ability to effectively manage an advocacy campaign
- Ability to effectively plan and manage the Unit
- Communicates sensitively and effectively across different constituencies
- Demonstrates strong IT skills
Management and Leadership:
- Focuses on impact and result for the client
- Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
- Demonstrates excellent ability to write and communicate orally with accuracy and professionalism
- Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
- Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
- Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view
Recruitment Qualifications
Education: Master's degree in media relations, journalism, publishing
Experience: At least 7 years of relevant experience at the
national or international level in public relations, communications or
advocacy. Previous experience with a multilateral or international
organization is helpful but not mandatory. Experience in the usage of
computers and office software packages, good knowledge and experience
in handling of web-based management systems.
Language Requirements: Perfect written and spoken French and English and ability to write clearly and concisely.
Deadline: 2009/09/18
Country or region: Congo, Democratic Republic Of (Was Zaire)





