Back Communications Specialist (SB3/ SC 6)

UNDP Project “Regional partnership to develop digital skills, create jobs and promote innovative solutions” aims to leverage a variety of partnerships and co-financing as the primary mechanisms to help address the current lack of human capacity for digital transformation at the regional and national levels, bridge the ICT literacy divide, and develop new skills needed in the digital economy. It will also support regional partnerships for applied research and development to facilitate digital innovations using ‘breakthrough’ digital technologies to create new ‘smart’ jobs and improve regional and global competitiveness of local innovative firms and youth. In this context, considering the common interests and needs of the Digital CASA participating countries the project will support a Regional Center of Excellence for Digital Development, as part of a regional network of such centers. Furthermore, this will include support for establishing partnerships with a variety of DPs, NGOs, and the private sector—including regional and global technology companies—to launch or scale up ICT awareness as well as ICT innovation support and ICT skills development programs, with a focus on new technologies such as blockchain, AI, big data analytics, predictive analysis, IoT, and others. This project will capitalize on the willingness of private sector providers to develop the next generation of digitally native population and testing new approaches for development, including through their social corporate responsibility programs. Partnerships and other support for skills development and innovation under this subcomponent will emphasize digital inclusion, targeting youth and women.

UNDP efforts will be aimed at creating and supporting particular innovation environment and ecosystem, the main purpose of which will be the mapping, implementation and commercialization of valuable perspective knowledge and developments through effective cooperation of all stakeholders in the process- the idea generators (innovators and technology entrepreneurs), government bodies, venture capital funds and investors, academic and education communities, as well as experts. Under this component, platforms will be created to support innovative initiatives aimed at exploring and developing ways to develop ICT skills, creating replicable employment opportunities through ICT for wider public, paying special attention to vulnerable youth, women and people with disabilities, using opportunities for creating virtual employment, stimulating and creating application economy, etc. Partnerships with private sector representatives and technology centers will be used to stimulate local content development, digital solutions, mobile applications and electronic services aimed at solving sustainable development challenges.

Under the direct supervision of Project coordinator and overall guidance of UNDP Communication Officer, the Communications Specialist supports the formulation and implementation of the communications and advocacy strategies of project to increase the standing and awareness of UNDP with partners, the media and the public. The Communications Specialist promotes a client-oriented approach in UNDP. 

The Communications Specialist works in close collaboration with the Programme, Operations, Communications and other UNDP teams for effective achievement of results, anticipating and contributing to resolving complex programme/project-related issues and information delivery. The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with UNDP programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems.

The Communications Specialist:

• Provides inputs and information for elaboration of project communication strategy based on corporate communications strategy and UNDP Internal and External Communications Action Plan.
• Under the guidance of the Project coordinator develops and prepares materials for publications, visibility and awareness-raising including briefing materials and media materials for respective project
• Ensures branding is in line with corporate requirements.
• Organizes publicity, advocacy, knowledge-sharing events and promotional opportunities of project with the purpose of advocacy and awareness raising
• Reviews reference materials, identification of reference materials for retention.
• Researches and retrieves data from internal and external sources.
• Assists in organization and implementation of joint UN information campaigns if required (UN Day, Youth Day, etc).
• Ensures implementation of UNDP publications policy
• Under the supervision and guidance of the Project coordinator prepares and develops communication material and content for communication material; responsible for proofreading and editorial work, quick and detail research.
• Provides advice to the project coordinator regarding communication materials suggestions, inputs, content development, coordination of production and dissemination of media materials, publications, articles and sharing of projects knowledge and successes.

• Updates the website in three languages
• Updates the social media channels (Facebook, twitter and Instagram) with the focus on storytelling, video and photos in three languages
• Maintain the database of photos (Flickr account and a hard disk) and videos (Youtube channel and hard disk)

• Updates and maintains information regarding the project in line with corporate requirements.
• Preparation of the content for the web sites in collaboration with Communication Specialist CO ensuring consistency of the materials.
• Liaise with Media Companies for the publication of Advertisements and placements of project publications/messages.

• Support to project personnel in identification, documenting and drafting of success stories, best practices and lessons learned.
• Under Project Coordinator’s guidance organization of training for the project personnel on effective communications and advocacy if needed
• Ensure the timely and efficient content development for project activities and events
• Ensure compliance of communication campaign and activities within donor requirements

• Perform any other duties connected directly with communication implementation of the Projects as required
• Responds positively to new approaches

• Reports to internal and external clients in a timely and appropriate manner
• Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines 
• Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external clients
• Responds to client needs promptly

Core Competencies: 

• Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity
• Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment
• Self-development, initiative-taking
• Acting as a team player and facilitating team work 
• Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively 
• Creating synergies through self-control 
• Managing conflict
• Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member.

     Education:

• A Bachelor degree or equivalent in Communications or related field
• Additional training and certification in communication would be an asset

      Experience: 

• At least 3 (three) years of relevant experience at the national level in providing communication services to promote the activities of state institutions or / international organizations/CSOs/business sector institutions (international development organization experience is an advantage);
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.);
• Demonstrable strengths in research, writing, editing and social media experiences;
• Experience in handling of web-based management and database systems.

Langauge requirements:

• Fluency in English, Russian and Kyrgyz.

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: 6 months with possibe