Back Project Communication Assistant , part-time 50%, NPSA-5

Background
  Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
  UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
 

The Regional Programme on Local Democracy in the Western Balkans 3 (ReLOaD3) continues the EU-UNDP partnership and previously supported initiatives—ReLOaD 1 and 2—implemented from 2017 to 2024.

ReLOaD3 continues to strengthen participatory democracies and the EU integration process in the Western Balkans (WB) by empowering civil society and youth to actively participate in decision-making and by stimulating an enabling legal and financial environment for civil society. The programme will be implemented in the following IPA beneficiaries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. Working across the WB region, ReLOaD3 will enhance the capacities of local governments and civil society organisations (CSOs) to engage in productive partnerships and contribute to improved service delivery and realisation of local priorities in line with local development strategies and needs.

Under the direct supervision of the Regional Programme Manager and the Programme Specialist, Portfolio Manager will manage the successful implementation of the ReLOaD3 activities related to the CO Serbia (SRB) component of the programme.

The ReLOaD3 total budget is USD 13,39 million, while the budget for the component for Serbia is USD 1,47 million and its duration is 48 months (Feb 2025 – Jan 2029). The incumbent will be based in the UNDP Serbia office in Belgrade. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Portfolio Manager the Incumbent will:

a)    Support the implementation of the communication and visibility plans. 
b)    Support public relations and communication activities.
c)    Support facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing.
d)    Support partners and grantees on visibility matters and/or delivery of video stories.
e)    Support gender equality mainstreaming.

a)    Support the implementation of the communication and visibility plans

•     Support implementation of the project PR, outreach, and awareness-raising activities including support for organizing and moderating media events and press conferences and ensuring they are in line with relevant and prescribed communication and PR guidelines and approaches fully aligned with the visibility needs and interests of the partners;
•     Support the implementation of the project communication plans aligned with the objectives of both projects’ and broader UNDP Serbia goals, ensuring adherence to the visibility guidelines of donor(s) and UNDP; 
•     Ensure all communication and PR activities reflect the agreed principles, standards, and visibility requirements of donor(s) and UNDP; 
•     Report any potential deviations from communication guidelines or principles to the Portfolio Manager; 
•     Collaborate with the project team to ensure timely delivery of communication outputs that support project goals while maintaining alignment with UNDP’s communication approach;
•     Participate in communication activities with ReLOaD3 participating UNDP Country teams and Comms personnel.

b)    Support public relations and communication activities

•     Support the production of communication materials, including human-interest stories, success stories, and updates, for media, websites, and social platforms that highlight project results and beneficiaries; 
•     Provide background information for drafting talking points, and briefing materials per request;
•     Monitor media coverage, create periodic reports about Project and impact;
•     Support organization of media events, including field visits, in coordination with the Portfolio Manager, ensuring alignment with visibility guidelines; 
•     Provide logistical and communication support for events involving project donor(s), local stakeholders, and other partners; 
•     Propose creative and innovative communication and visibility products and actions, compatible with the general communication guidelines and approach of UNDP and intervention donors, to enhance the effectiveness of the communication impact of the project;
•     Regularly report progress and communication outcomes to the Portfolio Manager, including regular media reports and media clippings for donor reporting purposes; 
•     Establish and maintain an archive of photo and video materials related to project activities.

c)    Support facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing 

•     Under the guidance of communication unit support organization of tailored PR & Communication trainings for ReLOaD3 programme partners (local governments and CSOs) based on needs; 
•     Contributes to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

d)    Support partners and grantees on visibility matters and/or delivery of video stories.

•     Ensure all communication outputs and their external partners (awarded CSO and partner local governments) are reviewed and approved per established UNDP and project donor(s) guidelines prior to sharing with the UNDP Serbia Communications team for dissemination; 
•     Support ReLOaD3 awarded civil society organizations in producing visibility materials by ensuring alignment with the project communication and visibility guidelines which include donor visibility requirements.

e)    Support gender equality mainstreaming

•     Provide support in ensuring gender equality mainstreaming in every communication related to the implementation of the projects;
•     Ensures that all communications material and media relate to sector are gender sensitive and evaluated from the gender point of view.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation.

Institutional Arrangement

The Project Communication Assistant will work under the overall guidance and supervision of the Portfolio Manager, Local Democracy and Social Inclusion

 

Competencies
  Core Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is a pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open-minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible Act with Determination:  LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies  Thematic Area Name Definition Business Management Working with Evidence and Data Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making Partnerships Management CSO engagement Knowledge and understanding of CSOs and the ability to engage with CSOs

Communications

Web and social media analytics

Ability to analyse and interpret data and statistics to measure web and social media performance

General (across the functions)

Event planning and execution

Ability to plan, manage and execute of public and private events to ensure that they support and amplify individual communications and advocacy initiatives, as well as UNDP's overall brand and mandate. Communications Storytelling ability to convey information in engaging narratives through digital media to achieve communication outcomes

Administration & Operations

Events management (including retreats, trainings and meetings)

Ability to manage events, including venue

identification, accommodation, logistics, catering, transportation, and cash disbursements, etc. Business development Knowledge Generation Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.  

Required Skills and Experience
  Education:

• Secondary education is required.
  A university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in social sciences, public relations, or similar will be given due consideration but is not a requirement.
  
    Experience:
  • A minimum of 5 years (with secondary education) or 2 years (with Bachelors degree) of relevant work experience related to projects communication activities is required

    Required skills

    • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.).

      Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

      • Experience in organizational activities; evidence of ability to express ideas clearly; to work independently and in teams; to demonstrate a sense of self-assuredness combined with cultural and gender sensitivities;
      • Excellent information technology skills and experience, including word processing, database applications, presentation software, and internet;
      • Experience working in public sector, civil sector or international organizations;
      • Excellent writing/reporting and presentation skills and experience
      • Good organizational and time management skills or experience;
      • Experience in Building strong relationships with clients and external actor
      • Excellent interpersonal, networking and communication skills-experience

        Required Language(s) 

        • Excellent knowledge of written and spoken Serbian and English is required

          The online application form must be fully completed. Applicants are required to carefully complete their online application form and reflect all of their work experience history in the application. 

          Only attaching a CV is not sufficient for applicants to be considered for positions. All applicants have to complete the Experience, Education, Language, and Nationality & Permanent Residence fields fully.

          Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns or other materials.

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            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.
            Non-discrimination
            UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  
            UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status. 
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