Back Communications Associate

The UNDP Young Professional Programme (YPP) is designed for highly qualified and motivated young Namibian professionals that recently graduated from Masters programmes or in some cases, from bachelor’s Honors Degree programmes. The programme provides an opportunity to start a development career through "on the job' professional development that can be based on learning from UNDP’s programmes, policies and operations. Training and learning will be part of the day to day activities under the UNDP Young Professional Programme.

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Programmes, the Communications Associate supports the formulation and implementation of the communications and advocacy strategies to increase the standing and awareness of UNDP with partners, the media and the public. The Communications Associate is responsible for promoting a client-oriented approach in UNDP.

The Communications Associate will work in close collaboration with the Operations, Programme and projects staff in the CO and other UN agencies staff to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery. UNDP works in nearly 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. The Communications Associate promotes a client-oriented approach in UNDP and provides support to the implementation of One Voice and Delivery as One approach. UNDP is looking for individuals who have the analytical, planning and implementation capacities that can address links, choices and connections across many issues and sectors.  We seek individuals who can apply global best practice to national contexts. We are looking for people who are enthusiastic, motivated and committed to making a positive contribution to Development in Namibia.

1. Supporting the formulation and implementation of UNDP communications strategy and plans by conducting various communications-related activities, producing communications products and quality assurance control.

• Identifying and proposing communications activities in line with the UNDP Communications Strategy and work plans of UNDP projects and programmes ad initiatives;
• Developing appropriate communications products and conducting activities that ensure effective communication with targeted audiences;
• Preparing media advisories and press releases, organizing and moderating press conferences;
• Disseminating communications products to appropriate recipients, drafting and reviewing of speeches delivered by Senior Management;
• Drafting success stories (human interest stories) and other communications products for distribution to UNDP headquarters as well as the regional office and the media;
• Maintaining close contact with the media representatives in the country, providing support to building partnership with the media;
• Pitching stories about the policies and impact of UNDP activities to targeted audiences;
• Monitoring media and informing designate staff on issues of relevance to UNDP in Namibia;
• Providing background information and briefing materials per request;
• Actively contributing to awareness-raising about the UNDP’s mandate and goals;
• Producing periodical and ad hoc reports on communications activities, including media analysis;
• Supporting implementation of joint UN events and campaigns (such as UN Day, International Day of Fight against HIV/AIDS, etc.)

2. Administrating UNDP Country Office website and social media

• Administrating and maintaining the UNDP Namibia website and social media channels;
• Developing weekly plans for online communications and overseeing their implementation done by Communications Unit support staff;
• Ensuring the use of online channels is in line with UNDP global guidelines and best practices;
• Developing communications content tailored for online communication.
• Preparation/checking the content for the web sites and social media platforms to ensure consistency of the materials.

3. Supporting facilitation of knowledge building & knowledge sharing and elaboration and implementation of the CO publications strategy and plan

• Supporting UNDP CO staff in identifying, documenting and drafting of best practices and lessons learned;
• Organizing annual training for the CO staff on effective communications and advocacy;
• Assisting in systematic capturing of key achievements and lessons learnt of UNDP activities for knowledge sharing and improvement of the CO overall knowledge management system.
• Provision of inputs and information for the elaboration of CO publications strategy and plan based on the corporate publications policy;
• Identification of storylines for publications and articles contributing to debates on key development issues;
• Technical supervision of translation/adaptation/rewriting of information received printing and dissemination of publications and audio-visual materials. Contact with printers and other suppliers to ensure production;
• Supervision of publications dissemination and social media platforms.

4. Contributing to the implementation of administrative and financial tasks related to the Communications Unit’s work

• Conducting tasks related to the administrative and financial support of daily operations of the Communications Unit.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, in English
• Commitment to the values of the United Nations
• Ability to work well in teams
• Creativity and innovative approach to work
• Strong multicultural skills
• Knowledge of computer systems and word packages

   Competencies and Selection Criteria (Core)

Innovation

Ability to make new and useful ideas work

Leadership

Ability to persuade others to follow

People Management

Ability to improve performance and satisfaction

Communication

Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform

Delivery

Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement

Technical/Functional

Advocacy and Activations

Ability to design and implement strategic short/long term campaigns and carry out customized activations to highlight UNDP's position and support issue-based advocacy.

Design Thinking

Knowledge of method (s) for practical, creative resolution of problems and creation of solutions, with the intent of an improved future result.

Media Relations

Ability to form and maintain meaningful working relationships with various members of the media

Communication

Ability to effectively communicate intensions and requirements to internal and external stakeholders

Web Design

Ability to create and design web content

Description of Competency at Level Required

Level 3: Adapts deliverables to meet client needs

Level 3: Proactively seeks and recognizes the contributions of others

Level 3: Appropriately involves the team in different stages of work and decision-making

Level 3: Expresses information and views with adaptive reasoning and appreciation for complexity and variation

Level 3: Takes responsibility for addressing critical situations and delivering core value

Level 3: Implement & Manage: Exercises skills and knowledge independently, demonstrating the ability to manage self and team responsibilities, in the area of work.

Level 3: Implement & Manage: Exercises skills and knowledge independently, demonstrating the ability to manage self and team responsibilities, in the area of work

Level 3: Implement & Manage: Exercises skills and knowledge independently, demonstrating the ability to manage self and team responsibilities, in the area of work

Level 3: Implement & Manage: Exercises skills and knowledge independently, demonstrating the ability to manage self and team responsibilities, in the area of work

Level 3: Implement & Manage: Exercises skills and knowledge independently, demonstrating the ability to manage self and team responsibilities, in the area of work

Education:

Master’s degree or Bachelor’s Honours Degree in Communications Studies or Media Studies or related fields.

Experience:

Experience in writing for the web, planning, and project and events management;

Relevant experience at the national level in providing communication packages to promote the activities of international development organization;

Experience in using the Adobe Creative Suite programmes such as Photoshop, InDesign or any other image-editing software a must.

Video-editing software knowledge.

Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.). Experience in website administration (content management system) and social networks administration would be considered as an asset.

Age Requirements:

Must be 32 or younger

Language Requirements:

Fluency in 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: 1 Year (Possibility of extension)