Communications Specialist

• Developing a strategic communications strategy for media (including TV, radio, newsletters, website and social media) for each of the four governorates where FFIS operates.
• Drafting content for the above-noted strategy.
• Monitor and measure the impact of the communication strategy and make adjustments accordingly;
• Support to reporting and ensure the quality of the reporting from GoI partners.  
• Design and implement effective national external communications strategies aligned to corporate goals and priorities;
• Ensure that key results and relevant success stories are incorporated into strategic communications outreach.
• Conducting media monitoring of relevant news items and disseminating to relevant interlocutors (Government of Iraq, UN, international community).

• Liaising with communications focal points in the international community (ex. UNDP, US Embassy) to coordinate and consolidate efforts.
• Promote UNDP/FFIS’s work in the country with special attention on results and impact through media outreach, using new types of media, including social media platforms and communication tools as appropriate;
• Proactively market UNDP/FFIS’s program work in the media by regularly pitching success stories and placing UNDP Iraq’s experts for interviews and commentaries in print and multimedia outlets;
• Develop, recommend and issue responses to negative press about UNDP Iraq and UNDP mitigating risk to institutional reputation;

• Support to Government of Iraq (GoI) communications’ focal points as required.
• Support planning and designing of external strategies for communications and outreach at municipal and community level in FFIS locations.
• Constructive and timely advice on inclusion of communications components in program formulations to integrate advocacy and communications strategies into all strategies of the program
• Management of local Communications and Outreach Officers embedded in Governorate and Municipal institutions.
• Provide guidance, coaching and mentoring to Governorate communications staff, especially in the design and implementation of Governorate stabilization communications strategies;
• Provide or facilitate communications training to relevant staff and counterparts;
• Provide training to Governorate and FFIS communications staff and introduce new, cost-effective digital technologies for the more rapid collection and dissemination of multimedia materials;
• Ensure quality control over FFIS publications, including compliance with UNDP Communication toolkit

Impact of Results

The results have an impact on strengthening citizen confidence in the safe and sustainable return to their homes in Iraq, and strengthened capacity of Government of Iraq in communicating stabilization activities and results to citizens. 

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
• Advocates and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism

• Shares knowledge and experience and contributes to overall stabilization and resilience programmes in Iraq
• Develops deep knowledge in Practice Areas
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills 
• Networks in Government, NGOs and private sector
• Demonstrates good knowledge of the Iraq and international media environment

• Ability to elaborate and implement communications and publications strategies
• Demonstrated effectiveness in developing media campaigns, including well-written information about the designated objectives and activities  
• Ability to effectively manage an advocacy campaign
• Demonstrates excellent ability to write and communicate orally with accuracy and professionalism
• Communicates sensitively and effectively across different constituencies.
• Demonstrates strong IT skills.

• Master's degree in media relations, journalism, public policy, business administration, or related area of study; or
• A bachelor’s degree with an additional two years of relevant experience is accepted.

• Five years of relevant experience at the national or international level in public relations, communications, advocacy, local governance, or a related field. 

• Fluency in English is required
• Fluency in Arabic is desired

• Highly effective written and verbal communications skills;
• Effective organizational skills;
• Ability to work under pressure and demonstrates high tolerance for change, complexity and unpredictability.

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. For more information please click here and here.

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.

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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