Communications Assistant

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.

Effective communication is a fundamental element of the UNDP’s mission in Montenegro. Our approach for establishing strong external communication includes various tools such as media advisories, press releases, newsletters, interviews, and social media posts, among others. We also place a strong emphasis on crafting engaging human interest stories and success narratives to illustrate the real impact of our work. These stories are widely shared through Montenegrin media, resulting in extensive coverage across print, online platforms, and television, both within Montenegro and regionally. Through these comprehensive communication efforts, the UNDP Montenegro country office ensures that our initiatives are seen, heard, and understood by a wide audience, fostering awareness, public engagement, and a demonstration of the positive changes our projects bring about.

UNDP Montenegro prioritizes several key objectives in its communication approach, including promoting positive media coverage to support resource mobilization and highlight the impact of its work. Additionally, there’s a focus on raising awareness of crucial issues and encouraging public engagement in sustainable development endeavors. Moreover, UNDP aims to position itself as a trusted partner, offering effective solutions for current and future generations. To achieve these communication goals, maintaining an active and engaging online presence is essential.

Digital media outlets are an important communications channel for UNDP Montenegro, particularly among the youth (Instagram, You Tube) and decision makers (X, Facebook, LinkedIn, web site). UNDP Montenegro’s social media engagement has showcased growth and impact across its platforms. The audience actively engages with the links provided on social media posts, leading them to news, blogs, and stories on the UNDP Montenegro website. This not only demonstrates a keen interest in UNDP’s initiatives but also significantly contributes to enhanced engagement with our website, showcasing a broader impact of our content.

The Communications Assistant is engaged having in mind the UNDP Montenegro’s growing portfolio, with over 40 projects needing at least some communication support. This is especially significant due to the rapid expansion of the inclusive and green growth sector, encompassing various initiatives targeting energy efficiency, sustainable operational practices, promotion of renewable energy sources, environmental protection, climate resilience, enhancement of local population well-being, and reduction of air pollution across Montenegro. Those initiatives are being implemented from various funding sources, such as EU, Green Climate Fund, Government of Montenegro and a number of national and international partners, requiring tailor made visibility approach. In this dynamic and critical area of focus, the Communications Assistant plays a pivotal role in crafting effective communication products to support these initiatives.

The Communication Assistant works under the guidance and direct supervision of the UNDP Montenegro Communications Analyst, cooperates with the program team and with project staff of the UNDP office. He/she is based in the UNDP office in Podgorica and is expected to travel occasionally to project sites.

Duties And Responsibilities

Under direct supervision of CO Communications Analyst, the incumbent will carry out the following main tasks:

Provide social media and web site-related communications support for the Country Office:

• Liaise with Country Office program teams to identify appealing content for sharing on social media and web site;
• Propose and provide inputs (visuals and written content) for digital media campaigns;
• Adapt content to different social platforms and audiences;
• Post (share) finalized and approved content and coordinate UNDP Montenegro online presence to boost impact on target groups;
• Monitor traffic and engagement and make quarterly reports against key performance indicators for UNDP Montenegro channels by using embedded social media analytic tools (Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, Google Analytics for the web site);
• Create compelling short videos with UNDP Montenegro stories (e.g. impact of program activities on individuals, communities, economy and environment);
• Make and edit photos for Communication purposes;
• Follow the latest social media trends and stay up-to-date with digital media developments (e.g. emergence of new platforms, changes in existing social media channels);
• Provide guidance to CO staff on appropriate use of social media and any relevant trend and updates with digital media developments.

Provide Support To Communications Analyst In Other Daily Communications Aspects And Implementation Of CO Communications Strategy, With Particular Focus On UNDP Montenegro’s Growing Portfolio And New Initiatives Aimed At Enhancing Energy Efficiency In Montenegro

• Identify compelling content related to UNDP Montenegro’s portfolio, emphasizing energy efficiency initiatives in the residential sector, and new initiatives aimed at enhancing energy efficiency in Montenegro;
• Collaborate with national partners to gather stories, case studies, and data showcasing the impact of energy efficiency programs on individuals, communities, and the environment;
• Provide inputs for digital media campaigns promoting energy efficiency and environmentally friendly energy sources, ensuring alignment with UNDP’s messaging and goals;
• Customize content for various social media platforms and target audiences, ensuring it resonates and drives engagement;
• Manage the online presence of the energy efficiency initiative, including posting approved content, coordinating activities, and fostering dialogue with stakeholders;
• Utilize social media analytics tools and Google Analytics to track performance metrics, identify trends, and inform content strategy adjustments;
• Produce short videos highlighting success stories and the tangible benefits of energy efficiency programs, featuring testimonials and visuals of impacted communities;
• Edit and create visually appealing photos that effectively communicate the benefits and achievements of energy efficiency initiatives;
• Stay informed about emerging social media trends and digital media developments relevant to energy efficiency and environmental advocacy, and share insights with the team;
• Provide training and guidance to CO staff on leveraging social media effectively for communication purposes, with a focus on energy efficiency initiatives and environmental advocacy.

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

Institutional Arrangement

The Communications Assistant will be responsible for providing daily support to respective Communications Analyst. The incumbent will be based in UNDP Montenegro office in Podgorica. The Communications Assistant works in close collaboration with the Country Office Programme and Operations teams, staff of other UN Agencies and members of the UN Joint Communication Team, ensuring successful UNDP communication strategy implementation. He/she is based in the UNDP office in Podgorica and is expected to travel frequently to project sites.

Competencies

Core Competencies

• 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

Digital Awareness And Literacy

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

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.

Graphic Design And Photo Production

• Ability to communicate visually and create appealing UNDP graphic products. Ability to create, edit, organize and coordinate photographic material.

Social Media Management

• Ability to creatively communicate concepts in an engaging and simple way. Ability to represent and promote the UNDP brand in virtual communities and networks.

Event Planning And Execution

• Ability to support planning, management and execution of public and private events to ensure that they support and amplify communications and advocacy initiatives, as well as UNDP’s overall brand and mandate.

Effective Decision Making

• Ability to take decision in a timely and efficient manner in lin with one’s authority, area of expertise and resources.

Gender

• Gender Mainstreaming

Education

Required Skills and Experience

• Secondary education is required.
• University Degree (Bachelor´s degree) in Communications, Digital Arts, Journalism, Marketing, Political Sciences, Law, Human Rights, Philology or a related Social Science will be given due consideration but is not a requirement.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years (with Secondary education) or 2 years (with Bachelor´s degree) of relevant Communications/Digital Media experience is required.

Required Languages

• Fluency in English and Montenegrin is required.

Required Skills

• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) and advance usage of social media.

Desired Skills

• Experience with online communications, including content creation and management of social media.
• Content writing experience tailored for diverse audiences, with a particular emphasis on youth as an important target group, with understanding the needs of young people and recognizing the content they consume.
• Experience in graphic design, photography and making basic videos and other communications content.
• Video storytelling: making short videos – from script writing to video editing.
• Social media traffic and engagement reporting based on digital platform analytical tools (Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube) and Google Analytics.
• Previous work for a development organization.

Disclaimer

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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