United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is UN's global development organization. UNDP has a normative global mission as a pro-poor development agency to promote human rights, gender and the Millennium Development Goals.
Job Title: Communications Specialist
Grade/Level: ICS-10
Reporting to: Country Director
I. ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT AND POSITION INFORMATION
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Country Director, the Communications Specialist implements the corporate communications strategy, designs, manages and facilitates the implementation of the Country Office (CO) 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-laterai 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.
The Position
UNDP invites applications from suitable candidates to fill the position of Communications Specialist. The position holder will be responsible for ensuring creation of effective communications and dissemination of information on UNDP as UN's global development network. In particular, the position holder will be responsible for implementation of UNDP communications and publication strategies, as well as reaching resource mobilization targets. The potential candidate must be of high integrity, possess excellent communication traits and highly developed organizational skills.
II. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 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
- Formatting, packaging and submission of programme initiatives for donor review in close collaboration with programme staff.
- 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 cr corporately strategic public communications issues. Advocacy and promotion of UNDP mandate, mission and purpose. 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.
- Effective management of the Communications Office, including preparation of the workplan, management of translations and contractual matters.
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
- 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
- Demonstrates excellent ability to write and communicate orally with accuracy and professionalism
- Ability to effectively plan and manage the Unit
- Communicates sensitively and effectively across different constituencies
- Demonstrates strong IT skills
- 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
- 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
This is an appointment that is governed under UN Staff Regulations and Staff Rules (100 series). Fixed-term contract, one-year renewable based on performance. An attractive remuneration package commensurate with the grade and level of the position will be offered
V. RECRUITMENT QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications and Experience:
- Master's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, media relations or related field
- 5 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in public relations, communications or advocacy, including media relations
- Additional specialization or experience in areas of international development a plus.
- Demonstrated knowledge of development policy, media relations, information culture and practices in Kenya.
- Proven record of leadership and team management skills
- Knowledge of website development and database management.
- Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based management systems.
Interested and qualified persons may apply enclosing a detailed Curriculum Vitae, together with the current contacts of three professional referees. Internal candidates should submit an updated United" Nations Personal History Form (P.11) and their two most recent performance appraisals. Applications shouid be sent to the following email address - jobs.ke @ undp.org - on or before 25 November 2008.
Kindly quote the vacancy number (No. 2008-11-001) on the subject line of the email message
VII. ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
- Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
- As this is a National Officer position, UNDP will only consider applications from nationals of Kenya. Applicants who had responded to the initial advertisement are encouraged to re-apply.
