Back Communications Officer (SB4/3)

The position is located in the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Liberia Country Office in Monrovia. The Communication Officer will under the guidance and direct supervision of OHCHR Deputy Country Representative, develop and implement the communication strategy, as well as provides inputs to the design, management and implementation of the Country Office communication and publication strategies, which are geared to foster the promotion and the protection of human rights in Liberia.

• Designs and implements the communication strategy of the OHCHR to publicize priority issues and/or events;
• Develops plan of action and activities for human rights promotion and increased visibility of OHCHR-Liberia; 
• Monitors and analyses current events, public opinion and press; identifies issues and trends in Liberia’s political, social and economic environment, and advises the management on appropriate actions/responses; 
• Advises CR/DCR on all communication matters – interventions (written and oral), products and emerging issues requiring attention;
• Identifies opportunities for strategic communications interventions and recommends appropriate action to seize opportunities for increasing visibility for OHCHR-Liberia; 
• In coordination with program staff, undertakes activities to promote media coverage of OHCHR-Liberia activity: establishing and maintaining contacts with media, responding to media requests, initiating and arranging interviews;
• Coordinates drafting and editing of articles, press releases, human interest stories, social media content and other information materials;
• Coordinates establishment and content maintenance of social media accounts for OHCHR-Liberia; 
• Contributes to organizing and generating public support for special events, including the launch of the OHCHR public reports in Liberia, Human Rights Day, and other relevant dates; 
• Produces and oversees production of communication products: brochures, booklets, press-releases, audio-visual materials, backgrounders, and so forth; 
• Providing guidance to the field teams on contacts with the media and on producing of photo and video materials. Collecting photos, forming a photo bank, sharing the materials with the OHCHR HQ;
• Monitors and analyzes current events, public opinion and press coverage, identifying issues and trends, and advises the Country Representative on appropriate action/responses;
• Producing and overseeing productions of photos, video, audio and graphics for social media and distribution on other platforms;
• Working collectively with other UN communication officers within the UN Communication and Advocacy Group (UNCAG); elaborating and participating in joint communications campaigns, ensuring human rights angle and approach;
• Maintains contacts with key civil society partners at the national and regional level, including UN associations, and undertakes joint projects with them; initiates and sustains pro-active professional relationships with key constituencies in the country of responsibility;
• Performs other functions and special duties as required by the Head of Mission including representing OHCHR-Liberia at conferences and undertaking speaking engagements and participating in seminars as required

• Communication.

Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform. Synthesizes information to communicate independent analysis. Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed;

• Professionalism.

​Knowledge of the full range of communications approaches, tools, and methodologies essential to planning and executing effective campaign strategies and programmes, e.g. campaign management, media operations, marketing and promotion, audience outreach, message targeting, especially in Liberia. Ability to rapidly analyse and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Ability to identify public affairs issues, opportunities and risks in an international environment. Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships. Knowledge of relevant internal policies and business activities/issues. Knowledge of tools and infrastructure used to support communication and public information initiatives, including traditional and social media equipment and systems, e.g. content management systems, mainstream social media platforms, multimedia editing/production equipment, etc. Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style. Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work;

• Planning & Organizing.

Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

• Teamwork.

Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals, solicit input by genuinely valuing others ideas and expertise, willingness to learn from others.

• Client Orientation.

Ability to maintain professional relation with key constituencies

• Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) in communications, journalism, media relations, public information or a related field is required. A first level university degree (with 2 additional years)   with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience in a related area may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree.

• ​A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience, including experience in managing contacts and networking with the media, non-governmental organizations, government officials, international and national organizations, business groups, civil society, etc. in Liberia is required..
• Experience in public information and/or public relations and proven skills in public speaking are required. Experience in journalism is desirable.
• Experience working with the United Nations, International Organization, Government or a comparable organization in Liberia is desirable.

• Fluency in oral and written English.

Important applicant information

All posts in the SC 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.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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Contract Duration: Initial duration of 6 months