Back Communications Specialist

The Independent Evaluation Office of UNDP reports to the UNDP Executive Board. The IEO is governed by the organization’s Evaluation Policy and the UNDP Executive Board is the custodian of the policy. The core function of the Independent Evaluation Office is to conduct independent thematic and programmatic evaluations. The IEO organisational structure includes five workstreams: corporate-thematic evaluation, country programme evaluation, evaluation capacity development, knowledge and data management, and operations. The IEO has global reach, with all workstreams operating out of the UNDP HQ in New York.  

Under the guidance and supervision of a P5 Chief for Knowledge and Data Management, the Communications Specialist has the primary role of developing and implementing IEO communication strategies and plans, in support of the overall IEO strategy and its Knowledge and Data Management Workstream

Summary of Key functions

• Provide strategic input into the conceptualization and implementation of a comprehensive, periodically updated strategy for IEO communications.
• Design and implement initiatives to engage essential stakeholders using periodic AI-based studies to identify IEO’s social media followers and considering the IEO’s Communications strategy.
• Advise and coordinate new and innovative global, regional and country level outreach and communication activities.
• Lead a proactive drive to create initiatives and utilise new platforms that streamline communications and increase value and impact of internal engagement.

• Serve as the focal point for communications and media relations for the IEO,  promoting internal UNDP and wider public awareness of IEO evaluations and other activities.
• Develop and manage branding and marketing to multiple internal and external target audiences and on multiple platforms, including relevant social media platforms and formats.
• Create content for relevant internal and external communications outlets, such as the IEO website, UNDP’s global intranet, Yammer, email bulletins and other platforms; as well as evaluation-linked sites, including those hosted by UNEG, GEI, OECD, (etc.).
• Support the IEO’s Directorate by creating ad-hoc communication pieces to be presented to high-level audiences such as the UNDP’s Executive Borad, the AEAC, the Executive Office, etc.
• Manage the final production and dissemination process of IEO evaluation reports and other publications, using multiple media platforms.
• Coordinate the inputs and activities of other members of the communications team, including design and editing consultants.

• Assist  IEO evaluators in the fine-tuning of concise, readable, and compelling executive summaries, infographics, videos, and report presentations.
• Identify and monitor communication training needs and support the development and rollout of appropriate tools and methods to enhance communications skills
• Supervise the recruitment of a portfolio of Professional Services Consultants to be used by the IEO such as Editors, Translators, Designers, Videographers, etc.

Other:

• Perform other duties within the functional profile as assigned and deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the IEO.  

Core Competencies

Innovation:  Ability to make new and useful ideas work

Level 5: Creates new and relevant ideas and leads others to implement them

Leadership: Ability to persuade others to follow

Level 5: Plans and acts transparently, actively works to remove barriers

People Management: Ability to improve performance and satisfaction

Level 5: Models high professional standards and motivates excellence in others

Communication: Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform

Level 5: Gains trust of peers, partners, clients by presenting complex concepts in practical terms to others

Delivery: Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement

Level 5: Critically assesses value and relevance of existing policy / practice and contributes to enhanced delivery of products, services, and innovative solutions

Technical/Functional Competencies

Advocacy and Activations : Ability to design and implement strategic short/long term communications and marketing to highlight IEO evaluations.

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Influencing and Agenda setting: Ability to plan and deliver communication initiatives that make an impact, persuades intended audiences, and shapes perceptions of the UNDP

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous   improvement in professional area of expertise

Knowing your audience: Ability to use a range of techniques   to develop and implement customized initiatives to target varied audiences to meet IEO objectives.

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Partnerships: Ability to engage with internal UNDP stakeholders and other development stakeholders and forge productive working relations

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous   improvement in professional area of expertise

Cultural Translation: Ability to translate information into the context of the culture

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous   improvement in professional area of expertise

Brand & Quality Management: Ability to position a UNDP brand and uphold it to a high level

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous   improvement in professional area of expertise

Relationship Management: Ability to engage with other parties and forge productive working relationships

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous   improvement in professional area of expertise

Public Relations: Ability to manage the spread of information between the IEO and the public

Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous   improvement in professional area of expertise

Education: Master’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, international development, public policy, social sciences or another relevant field.

Working Experience:

A minimum of seven (7) years relevant work experience in advocacy, journalism, campaigns, non-profit marketing or fundraising, or another relevant field, with responsibility for and substantial experience in media relations, event planning, influencer engagement, and other strategic communications and advocacy activities.

A demonstrated track record in creatively using communications and/or marketing tools to advance issues or campaigns, preferably related to social good or in a social mission context.

Proven strong writing and editing skills.

Team management experience is preferred.

Experience with international organizations and/or international sustainable development issues is a strong asset

Languages:

• Fluency in English both oral and written is required.
• Second UN language is an asset

Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

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.

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Contract Duration: 2 Year with possibility for extension