Internal Communications Advisor

Background Information – Job-specific

General Background

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it. A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners’ needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.

Background job specific

The Communications Group (CG) provides communication support and services to UNOPS personnel, and country and partnership offices around the world. CG develops communications strategies, policies, plans and channels based on communications needs and expectations; maintains and strengthens UNOPS corporate identity through official reporting to the Executive Board and other external communications, enabling accountability and transparency; communicates a clear direction and strategic focus, ensuring that the people of UNOPS understand and can demonstrate their contribution to the its success; and facilitates and encourages the sharing of information, knowledge and best practices, achieving dialogue throughout the organization.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Director for Communications, in close collaboration with the People and Performance Group and Change and Transformation Unit, the Internal Communications Senior Specialist will have the following responsibilities:

1. Internal communication strategy development.
2. Advisory Services.
3. Team leadership.
4. Knowledge building and knowledge sharing.

Internal communications strategy

• Coordinate the implementation of a six month UNOPS internal communication strategy to support the strategic objectives of the organization, fostering internal dialogue and in collaboration with colleagues across the organization.
• Continually measure the effectiveness of internal communications messages and channels on an ongoing basis and make recommendations to review and amend the strategy as appropriate at regular intervals to ensure the strategy is fit for purpose.
• Based on the experiences gathered in implementing the six month strategy, develop a subsequent longer term corporate strategy and action plan, that places increased emphasis on; building and maintaining internal trust and confidence; providing trusted fora and channels for internal dialogue and conversation; the role of management communications

Advisory Services

• Provide advice to leaders across the organization to empower and enable the implementation of strategy through effective internal communication
• Advise senior management on sensitive and complex internal communications challenges, including crisis communications issues.
• Advise and support country offices in developing their own internal communications, ensuring consistency with the central internal communications strategy.
• Liaise with the appropriate UNOPS management and figures where the internal messaging pertains to matters of policy or substance, and take action accordingly.
• Establish and chair a biweekly coordination and alignment forum with senior representatives of the People and Performance Group (PPG) and Change and Transformation Unit (CTU) to ensure consistent and well-timed internal communications.

Team leadership

• Lead and be responsible for the Internal Communications team.
• Develop short and long-term work – development plans for the team.
• Ensure that strategies and priorities for the internal communications team are executed, resources are efficiently allocated, further developed and optimized
• Monitor processes and individual´s performance against people’s work plans.
• Provide line management and mentoring for personnel within the Internal Communications team to promote their professional growth, motivation and satisfaction of personnel while ensuring appropriate personal development and succession planning.

Knowledge building and knowledge sharing

• Facilitate the exchange of lessons learnt and internal best practice between all functions within UNOPS.
• Contribute to the implementation of programs and activities that are part of UNOPS Knowledge Management strategy.

Competencies

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education

• Advanced university degree in communications, internal communications or other relevant discipline. Bachelor’s degree can be accepted in lieu of masters with 2 additional years of experience.

Work Experience

• At least 7 years of relevant experience in communications.
• Experience working with management communications in large global and cross-cultural organizations, including advising Senior Management.
• Within these 7 years, a minimum 5 years of experience as a team leader.
• Experience in organizational change management communications and/or internal crisis communications is desirable.
• Experience in international development and/or humanitarian aid, or working for the UN and/or an NGO is an asset.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in English is required.
• Spanish or French are strongly desired.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: IICA Contract level: IICA-3 Contract duration: 6 months, extension subject to availability of funds

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.

Background Information – UNOPS

UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management, and human resources.

Working with us

We are proud of our people. With a wealth of knowledge and skills in various disciplines – engineering, finance, human resources, ICT, leadership, project management, procurement, and more – they help tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time. Their work around the world supports progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

At UNOPS, we offer a range of short- and long-term opportunities in various environments and duty stations – from Denmark and Kenya to Mexico, Switzerland, Myanmar, Senegal, Uganda, and many more.

Diversity

With over 5,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,400 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners, spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced and diverse labor force — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs. We continually strive to maintain our gender-balanced workplace. We encourage qualified underrepresented groups as per UNOPS Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy to apply for our vacancies.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.