Back Rpt&Communications Specialist

The Capacity Development for Local Government (CDLG) Project of UNDP Sri Lanka is part of larger efforts by the Government of Sri Lanka to strengthen the local governance system in the country. These efforts are supported by the European Union, and the World Bank. The Government of Sri Lanka will implement the Local Development Support Project (LDSP) in four provinces – North, North Central, Eastern, and Uva – to strengthen local service delivery and local economic infrastructure and enhance bottom-up approaches to support public engagement in local decision-making processes, including through participatory planning and feedback mechanisms for service delivery. Specifically, LDSP will focus on developing Local Area Participatory Development Plans (LAPDP) at the LA level, based on aggregated plans from the ward level, and synergized with sector plans of ministries.
The overall objective of the CDLG project is to strengthen the capacities of LAs to be inclusive, responsive, and accountable and be able to plan, enhance resilience, and deliver better services. The capacity development support, coupled with the fiscal support (through Basic Transfers and Performance Transfers provided through LDSP project) for inclusive service delivery and economic investment, is aimed at strengthening the role of elected representatives at the local level. It is about improving local governance systems and making local governments “fit for future”, as well as increase downward accountability of elected officials and local governments. The project also aims to strengthening mechanisms for public engagement in local decision-making processes.
The CDLG project is implemented within the framework of UNDP Sri Lanka’s Flagship Portfolio on SDG16+ on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

Post Context:

In this context and under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, and the guidance of the Portfolio Manager for the SDG 16+ portfolio, the Research, Reporting and Communication Specialist fulfils three functions – a) lead on research to inform project implementation b) lead on external and internal reporting c) lead on internal and external communications. S/he is responsible for conducting research and analysis related to local governance, local resilient development (economic, climate, disaster etc.,) and present complex information succinctly and with the aid of data visualization tools. S/he will identify best practices and lessons from implementation of similar projects both within and outside Sri Lanka to inform project implementation. S/he will ensure that all the internal and external reporting requirements of the project are met and lead on producing the reports. S/he will lead on promoting and sharing information about the CDLG project both internally and externally. S/he will support the project team and the country office on advocacy efforts related to the project.

 

Research and Analysis:

• Identify areas of research that are vital for project implementation and results and impact monitoring, and lead research and analysis
• Conduct research and share best practices on local governance and local resilient economic development
• Support Learning and Knowledge Management Specialist in getting, insights from project implementation, user feedback and integrate feedback and insights into revising project implementation strategies, and/or annual work plans, as well as knowledge products.
• Support Learning and Knowledge Management Specialist in organizing learning events, and in south-south cooperation
• Support project team and the Country Office on policy advocacy efforts related to local governance and local development  
• Screen all knowledge products developed by the project team for accuracy and consistency.   

Reporting:

• Develop reporting calendar for internal and external reporting and produce reports, in collaboration with the project team,
• Develop annual project implementation reports – highlighting results, lessons and stories from project implementation
• Prepare and systematically update information material (project fact sheets, infographics, FAQs, backgrounders, data tables), briefings, and presentations related to project implementation.
• Support team to use different tools and platforms for data collection and track project implementation.
• Support project partners to meet reporting requirements (including through trainings, developing reporting templates)

Communication:  

• Develop and implement project communication strategy (both internal and external communication and outreach, and leverage social media)
• Advice project team on including communication components in project implementation
• Identify areas/ platforms where results of the project can be shared and ensure wide dissemination and visibility for project achievements and results
• Manage project webpage and facilitate exchange between different project stakeholders through the web-platform.  
• Develop brochures and infographics related to local development in targeted provinces and to showcase project results and achievements.  
• Engage with UNDP Sri Lanka communication team and other actors at all levels to promote project activities both internally and externally  
• Support project team to establish of community of practice in target areas to facilitate knowledge exchange.

Competencies and Selection Criteria

Description of Competency at Level Required

Innovation

Ability to make new and useful ideas work, and openness to the use of new technologies to improve local governance systems

Level 4: Adept with complex concepts and challenges convention purposefully

Leadership

Ability to persuade others to follow

Level 4: Generates commitment, excitement and excellence in others

People Management

Ability to improve performance and satisfaction

Level 4: Models independent thinking and action

Communication

Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform

Level 4: Synthesizes information to communicate independent analysis

Delivery

Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement

Level 4: Meets goals and quality criteria for delivery of products or services

Technical/Functional

Research and analysis

Knowledge and expertise in identifying areas where further research and analysis could support project implementation or achieving and communicating results

Level 4: Apply & Adapt: Contributes skills and knowledge with demonstrated ability to advance innovation and continuous improvement, in professional area of expertise

Results based reporting

Knowledge and expertise in results based reporting to track achievement of results and improve project’s accountability

Level 4: Apply & Adapt: Contributes skills and knowledge with demonstrated ability to advance innovation and continuous improvement, in professional area of expertise

Organizational learning and knowledge sharing

Ability to present innovative ideas to document successes and lessons and build them into design of new approaches for project implementation. Ability to promote the use of tools and mechanisms  

Level 4: Apply & Adapt: Contributes skills and knowledge with demonstrated ability to advance innovation and continuous improvement, in professional area of expertise

Writing skills

Ability to conceptualize, plan and present information clearly and succinctly (including through use of data visualization tools) 

Level 4: Apply & Adapt: Contributes skills and knowledge with demonstrated ability to advance innovation and continuous improvement, in professional area of expertise

Gender

Level 4: Apply and Adapt: Ensure that gender sensitivities are considered at all stages of research, analysis, communication and reporting.

Education

• Master's degree or Bachelor’s in literature, social policy, public policy, politics, economics, development studies or a related area.
• Master’s degree with 5 years or bachelor’s with 7 years of progressively responsible work experience in development sector with experience in local governance and local development.

Experience

• Experience in supporting research initiatives
• Experience in communications, including experience in media relations
• Experience in results based programme management, specifically in reporting, is desirable
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working in the UN System is an asset.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in Sinhala and/or Tamil with excellent English written and oral/presentation skills.

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: One (1) year with possibility of extension