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United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) helps developing countries attract and use aid effectively. In all our activities, we encourage the protection of human rights, capacity development and the empowerment of women.

United Nations Development Programme is recruiting to fill the position of:

Programme Associate – Communications

Location : Abuja, NIGERIA

Application Deadline :25-Feb-15

Type of Contract :FTA Local

Post Level :GS-7

Languages Required : English

Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start)20-Apr-2015

Duration of Initial Contract :Initial duration of one year

Background

• Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Communication Specialist and the KM specialist, the Communications Associate supports execution of communications function and initiatives aimed at strengthening knowledge management in the CO. He/she supports the formulation and implementation of the communications and advocacy strategies and action plans to increase the standing and awareness of UNDP with partners, the media and the public. The incumbent supports in identifying and promoting initiatives that enhance knowledge sharing across programme units and between the country office and partners.
• The Communications Associate promotes a client and results-oriented approach in UNDP, and works in close collaboration with the other BD team members, Programme and Operations teams in the CO, staff of other UN Agencies, UNDP HQs staff, Government officials, media, multilateral and bilateral donors and civil society for information dissemination and knowledge acquisition and sharing.
• UNDP Africa has developed KM and Communication Strategies that guide country offices on how to identify and implement activities at country office level that support the successful realization of the goals and missing of the corporate Strategic Plan 2014-2017.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

• Supports formulation and implementation of communications and knowledge management action plans to support business development;
• Support towards elaboration and implementation of the publications strategy and plan;
• Contribute towards maintenance of websites, social media platforms, databases and knowledge management systems;
• Support efforts towards facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing across programme areas and with partners.
• Supports formulation and implementation of communications and knowledge management action plans to support business development focusing on achievements of the following results:
• Preparation and conducting of communications needs assessments for CO (projects, country programme and corporate change initiatives, etc.;
• Provision of information for elaboration of the CO communications and knowledge management action plans, guided the corporate guidelines on communication and knowledge management;
• Identifying initiatives and lessons that highlight country office achievements in advancing UNDP goals in support of government’s vision and development goals;
• In coordination with Communication Specialist, development of regular communication material and knowledge products highlighting Country Office achievements and/or engagements;
• Organization of roundtable discussions, press conferences, briefing sessions, interviews, launchings, etc. Provision of the logistics support to the events;
• Review of reference materials, identification of reference materials for retention. Maintenance of information database and photo library;
• In coordination with the Communication Specialist preparation of briefing materials, media advisories, press releases etc.;
• Preparation of information for UNDAF, CPD and other documents.
• Support towards  implementation of the CO publications policy focusing on the achievement of the  following results:
• Identification of initiatives and storylines  for publications, and articles contributing to debates on key development issues  success stories;
• Support translation/adaptation/rewriting of information received, printing and dissemination of publications and audio-visual materials.  Contact with printers and other suppliers to ensure production;
• Dissemination of CO, Regional and corporate, including flagship publications.
• Contributes towards maintenance of UNDP CO websites, social media platforms, databases and knowledge management platforms and systems:
• Assistance in the maintenance of office web site, based on corporate requirements in cooperation with the ICT staff;
• In coordination with Communications Specialist, preparation of content for social media platforms ensuring adherence to corporate guidelines and standards;
• Preparation of the content for the web sites ensuring consistency of the materials.

Support efforts towards facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing across programme areas and with partners focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme country goals and activities;
• Identifying and promoting knowledge sharing opportunities and platforms across programme and operation areas and with partners;
• Identification of knowledge sources and establish network partner institutions and organizations for knowledge acquisition and dissemination;
• Active and sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on creation of effective communications and dissemination of information about UNDP as UN’s global development network and UNDP as a knowledge-based organization through dissemination of good practices  and knowledge products.  Accurate analysis and presentation of information enhances UNDP position as a strong development partner.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning:

• Shares knowledge and experience and contributes to UNDP Programme Areas;
• Encourages office staff to share knowledge and contribute to UNDP Programme Areas;
• 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 implement communications strategies, action plans, and publications policies.
• Ability to advocate effectively; communicate sensitively and effectively across different constituencies.
• Strong IT skills.

Management and Leadership:

• Focuses on impact and result for the client;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills; presentation skills;
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
• Responds positively to critical feedback and differing points of view;
• Solicits feedback from staff about the impact of his/her own behavior.

Required Skills and Experience

 

Education: 

• Secondary education;
• University degree or equivalent desirable, but it is not a requirement.

Experience:  

• 7 years of relevant experience at the national level in providing communication packages to promote the activities of international development organization;
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.);
• Experience in handling of web-based management systems.

Language:

Fluency in the UN and national language of the duty station.

United Nations Considerations

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations – Chapter 3, article 8). Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

No fee

The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview meeting, processing, or training). The United Nations does not concern itself with information on applicant’s bank accounts.

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.

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.