Communications Officer

Job categories Communications

Vacancy code VA/2022/B5109/24673

Department/office ECR, RSMCO, Serbia

Duty station Skopje, North Macedonia

Contract type Local ICA Specialist

Contract level LICA Specialist-8

Duration Open-ended

Application period 21-Sep-2022 to 05-Oct-2022

Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.

Background Information

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development. UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

In North Macedonia, where UNOPS works since 2017, the organisation provides support in conducting demanding socio-economic reforms and the country’s accession to the European Union. The projects have been implemented with the funding from Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom, Government of North Macedonia, and the European Union.

The Office in North Macedonia is part of the UNOPS Serbia Multi Country Office (RSMCO), which also covers operations in Montenegro, Serbia, and Ukraine.

All the RSMCO projects have been contextualised within the broader Sustainable Development Goals frameworks and objectives and have gender equality as a cross cutting theme.

Project background

The candidate selected as per this vacancy will be responsible for communications and visibility activities of the following two complementary projects:

Nordic Support for Progress in North Macedonia: the project works towards enhancing North Macedonia’s capacity for EU integration and also contributes to a more balanced socio-economic development in the country by increasing employment opportunities, supporting social cohesion and enhancing local infrastructure. It is funded by the Kingdom of Norway with 5.5 million Euros through the Royal Norwegian Embassy (RNE).

Progress in North Macedonia – Support to Government Reform Agenda in the EU Accession Process Project:

The project aims to enhance the capacity of North Macedonia for EU integration while contributing to the country’s priorities and coordination structures in preparation for EU accession negotiation. The project provides technical assistance and increases the capacities of state institutions during the accession period. It also contributes to improved communication of the benefits of the EU integration process, support the transparency of the process and stimulate increased civic engagement in all phases of the accession process. Funded by the Government of Sweden with 2.05 million Euros through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA)

The two complementary projects will be referred to as the Project further in the text.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Communications Officer will be responsible for design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the project communications activities. While following the Project Communications Strategy, and ensuring respect of donors’ communications and visibility requirements, she/he will be responsible for the the following responsibilities:

• In consultation with the Project Manager and RSMCO Communications Specialists, develop the Project Communication Strategy
• Ensure at least annual revision of the Project Communications Strategy
• Develop a high level Communications Plan, and more detailed quarterly Communications Plans, which will be integral part of the Project Stage Plans
• Lead the activities that ensure continued visibility and publicity of the Project and its donors
• In consultation with the Project Manager, take leading role in development of letters, briefings, updates, speeches, and other written information
• Contribute to development and implementation of advocacy and/or public awareness campaigns in cooperation with the Project partners
• Provide communications support to all Project activities in order to promote results and impact, while focusing on communicating aspects related to the European integration
• Establish and maintain the Project’s calendar of events
• Organise Project events, donors/VIP visits, press conferences and other media opportunities
• Establish and regularly maintain the Project contacts/stakeholders database
• Establish and cultivate professional relations with media, while focusing on those with national coverage
• Maintain the media coverage database and archive. Share the information on the media coverage and provide qualitative and quantitative analysis of media coverage for the Project reports and on as needed basis, as requested by the line manager
• Draft press releases, press invitations, website and newsletter stories, and content for social media
• Supervise communications personnel and retainers and ensure efficient production of inputs for visibility activities. Provide guidance to designers, web developers, photographers, videographers, editors, etc. ensuring visibility material production.
• Maintain an archive of Project multimedia – photos, videos, graphics, etc. Applying and sharing the materials to fit the communications purpose, as defined in the Strategy.
• Provide contribution to development of the Project’s progress and performance reports. Provide support to the Project team members in development of reports.
• Support or manage grant management related activities, as per the Project need and Project Manager’s request
• Contribute to risk and issue management, and to identification and sharing of the Project’s lessons learned and best practices
• Assist in the development of technical specifications and terms of references for purchase of services and goods needed for the conduct of communications and visibility activities
• Assist in the preparation of requisitions, payment requests and other administrative documentation related to the communications activities
• Provide communications support for organisation of workshops/trainings
• Provide inputs for development of new project proposals
• Participate in the relevant UNOPS’ and RSMCO communications networks, and support the UNOPS and RSMCO communications activities when appropriate
• Support incorporation of good governance, human rights and gender equality concepts themes into the communication activities
• Translate short texts from English to Macedonian and vice versa when needed
• Perform other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above.

Education

Bachelor degree preferably in communications, journalism, public relations, international relations or a related field is required

Work Experiance

• Minimum two years of relevant work experience in communications, public relations, media or journalism is required
• Experience with international organisations is highly desirable

Language Requirements

• Macedonian as native language is required
• Fluency in English is required
• Knowledge of Albanian language is an asset

ALL CANDIDATES ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT A CV AND COVER LETTER ALONG WITH THEIR APPLICATION

Certifications

Driving license and ability to travel independently is required

Competencies

Strategic Perspective-Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)

**Integrity and Inclusion-**Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Leading Self and Others-Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Partnering-Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Results Orientation-Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Agility-Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements

Solution Focused-Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Effective Communication-Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract level, type and duration

This is a local position, it is therefore open to nationals of North Macedonia and to individuals who have a valid residence/work permit.

Contract type: Ongoing ICA Contract level: Local ICA 8 Contract duration: Open-ended subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and/or to satisfactory performance

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and it is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or disability.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.