Organizational Context

Under the guidance and direct supervision of Communications Analyst, the Communications Associate supports the formulation and implementation of the communications and advocacy strategies to increase the standing and awareness of UNDP with partners, the media and the public. The Communications Associate promotes a client-oriented approach in UNDP.

The Communications Associate works in close collaboration with the Management Support and Business Development, Programme and Operations teams in the CO, staff of other UN Agencies, UNDP HQs staff (Communications Office) and the Regional Communications Advisor, Government officials, media, multilateral and bilateral donors and civil society.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Summary of Key Functions:

Support to formulation and implementation of internal and external communications and advocacy strategies, support to business development
Support to implementation of the CO publications policy
Maintenance of websites, databases and knowledge management systems
Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing

1.Supports the formulation and implementation of CO communications and advocacy strategies, supports business development focusing on achievement of the following results:

Provision of inputs and information for elaboration of CO communication strategy based on the corporate communications strategy
Development and preparation of materials for marketing and awareness-raising including briefing materials and press releases.
Support to increased awareness of UNDP’s mandate and goals through dissemination of information, organization of roundtable discussion, press conferences, briefing sessions, interviews, press launches, field visits and media campaigns.
Organization of publicity, advocacy, knowledge-sharing events and promotional opportunities. Provision of logistics support to the events.
Assist in developing and implementing activities and programmes to promote public awareness/knowledge of and access to UNDP’s services, information and materials. Prepare press kits for use by staff and media.
Review of reference materials, identification of reference materials for retention. Maintenance of information database and photo library.
Research and retrieval of data from internal and external sources;
Organization and implementation of joint UN information campaigns (UN Day, Earth Day, etc).
Establish and maintain contacts with print and electronic media nationally and internationally, particularly with those covering UNDP activities.
Daily review and record media coverage of UNDP and circulate to relevant authorities.

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.

Technical supervision of translation/adaptation/rewriting of information received, printing and dissemination of publications and audio-visual materials. Contact with printers and other suppliers to ensure production.
Draft, edit and update UNDP public information materials. Responsible for timely issuance of UNDP press releases and for the production and update of brochures, booklets and reports aimed at ensuring the visibility of UNDP and its projects. Ensures that publications and public information material released by the country office and the projects are in line with UNDP style, branding and other standards.
Supervision of publications dissemination.
Responsible for producing fact sheets, updates and briefing material. Maintains a system of classification and record for incoming UNDP publications.
Assists in organizing regular contact with projects’ communication specialists. Assist in developing the communications components for UNDP projects and provide assistance to projects’ staff in organizing media events. Identify potential stories from projects and collect photographs for the Country Office database

3. Ensures maintenance of UNDP website, data bases and knowledge management systems focusing on achievement of the following results:

Updated and high quality CO websites in line with corporate branding requirements in cooperation with the ICT staff;
Preparation of the content for the web sites ensuring consistency of the materials;
Maintenance of other websites and databases as assigned

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

Support to CO staff in identification, documenting and drafting of best practices and lessons learned.
Organization of training for the CO staff on effective communications and advocacy as appropriate

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on the reputation and standing of UNDP in the country. High quality information material and well-organized public events enhances UNDP position as a strong development partner. The information provided facilitates decision making of the management.

Competencies and Critical Success Factors

Functional Competencies:

Advocacy/Advancing a Policy-Oriented Agenda

Support the preparation of information for advocacy
Identifies relevant information for advocacy for a variety of audiences
Maintains and updates databases of contacts in the media, government, private sector, donors, other agencies, civil society and other stakeholders for UNDP’s advocacy efforts

Building Strategic Partnerships

Maintaining information and databases
Analyzes general information and selects materials in support of partnership building initiatives
Maintains databases of donor information

Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing

Basic research and analysis
Researches best practices and poses new, more effective ways of doing things
Documents innovative strategies and new approaches for effective communications
Identifies and communicates opportunities to promote learning and knowledge sharing

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise

Fundamental knowledge of processes, methods and procedures
Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding the position
Possesses basic knowledge of organizational policies and procedures relating to the position and applies them consistently in work tasks
Identifies new and better approaches to work processes and incorporates same in own work
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

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

Global Leadership and Advocacy for UNDP’s Goals

Research and analysis
Identifies relevant information for advocacy for UNDP’s goals for a variety of audiences
Maintains a network of contacts in the media and civil society, for use in UNDP’s advocacy efforts

Conceptual Innovation in the Provision of Technical Expertise

Research and provision of information
Responds positively to new approaches
Documents and tracks innovative strategies/best practices/new approaches
Willingness to learn creative skills such as using Flip Cam for developing video blogs and using social media effectively

Client Orientation

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.

Recommended/Alternate candidates resulting from the selection process will also be kept on our Roster for future similar positions for the time frame of one year.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.