Communications Associate

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet.

UNDP invests in improving access to rights and services through strengthening effective, inclusive and accountable governing institutions, promoting a transparent, gender-sensitive and digitalized public administration with innovative solutions. UNDP focuses on the advancement rule of law and access to justice and facilitates people’s meaningful participation – in particular, women and youth – in decision-making to promote equality and social cohesion at local level.

As the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), UNDP serves as the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System. UNDP’s policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels offers a spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy.

Under the broader framework of the SDGs and in line with the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF), UNDP Guyana continues to deliver on its key strategic priorities within its Country Programme. For the period 2022-2026, significantly impacting (i) Economic Resilience and shared prosperity, (ii) Safety and Security, (iii) Natural Resource Management and Resilience to Climate Change, (iv) Equality and Well-being.

This strategic approach by UNDP to Guyana’s to national development priorities aims to advance human development based on economic, social and gender inequalities; supporting effective governance and social protection; and enabling sustainable low-carbon trajectories (including climate change adaptation,) all supported by digital transformation and strengthened data.

The role of the Country Office Communications Unit is to adopt UNDP’s global communication strategy to a local context and the Country Office development priorities. Through the production of high-quality communication materials and innovative use of relevantly targeted communication channels (internal and external), the communications team works collaboratively to position UNDP as a leader in the development arena, promote visibility of UNDP programme outcomes/development results, mobilize support for Sustainable Development Goals in the country, and practice delivery as one UN.

Duties And Responsibilities

The Communications Associate works in close collaboration with the CO Programme, Operations and project teams, staff of other UN Agencies, UNDP Communications Regional and HQ staff, government officials, national and international media, donors and civil society. The Communications Associate promotes a client-oriented approach in UNDP.

Support the implementation of internal and external communication and outreach strategies in the country office.

• Provide support for the country office communication needs assessments (e.g., projects, country program, and corporate change initiatives).
• Provide support to UNDP projects and programme in implementing the country office communication action plan.
• Gather information from different programmes and projects to share with Communication Analysts and Specialist and to archive for future use in communication activities.
• Maintain an information database and photo library that includes reviewing and identifying reference materials for retention.

Support the implementation of the country office publication strategy and plan.

• Coordinate with projects and programmes to identify leads for different communication publications.
• Provide support to translate, edit and proofread different articles and content.
• Supervise publications dissemination that includes maintaining contact with printers and other suppliers to ensure both production and dissemination of publications.
• Provide support to the effective monitoring, evaluation, and reporting on progress of project implementation.

Support application of corporate guidelines for any digital content included on country office website, intranet and social media.

• Assist in updating CO website in line with corporate guidelines.
• Design content for website and social media in line corporate guidelines.

Assist Communications unit in knowledge management and dissemination.

• Compile knowledge products from programme/projects and ensure they are properly archived
• Upload content on Internal database and website.
• Work with suppliers/vendors as and when necessary,

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation.

Institutional Arrangement

The Communication Associate works under the general supervision ofAssistant Resident Representative ] and collaborates closely with projects and other CO units.

Competencies

Core

Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements

Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible

Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident

Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies (insert up to 7 competencies)

Thematic Area Name Definition

Business Management Communication

• Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media, and other appropriate channels.

Business Management Digital Awareness and Literacy

• Ability and inclination to rapidly adopt new technologies, either through skillfully grasping their usage or through understanding their impact and empowering others to use them as needed

Business Management Customer Satisfaction/Client Management

• Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers’ needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients’ immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns.

Communications Digital asset management

• Ability to use digital asset management (DAM) systems to effectively store, share and organize digital assets such as images, videos and other media

Communications Multimedia writing/editing

• Ability to create and/or edit written content for multimedia

Communications Social Media management

• Ability to represent and promote the UNDP brand in virtual communities and networks

Communications Writing and editing

• Ability to create and/or edit written content in different UN languages.

Education

Required Skills and Experience

• Secondary education is required, or
• A university degree in Communications, Journalism, or Advertising will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years (with high school diploma) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant communications experience preferably providing communication packages at the national level to promote the activities of an international development organization.

Required Skills

• Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems, and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.

Desired Skills

• Experience in Graphic designing is desirable.
• Experience in Social Media Management and storytelling is desired.
• Experience with photography and/or videography is an asset.

Required Languages

• Fluency in English is required.
• Working knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

Disclaimer

Important applicant information

All posts in the NPSA categories are subject to local recruitment.

Applicant Information About UNDP Rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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