Communications Assistant - Access to Information Phase-II Project

Dhaka

Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
Location: Dhaka
Grade: Administrative support - SB-2 (SC3/SC4), Service Contract, Local Contractors Agreement
Occupational Groups:
- Development Cooperation and Sustainable Development Goals
- Administrative support
- Democratic Governance
- Communication and Public Information
- Civil Society and Local governance
- Governance and Peacebuilding
- COMMUNICATION
- Project and Programme Management
Closing Date: Closed

Background

A fundamental government responsibility is providing information and services aimed at improving the social and economic welfare of its citizens. During the first phase of the A2I programme, fundamental progress has been made in improving access to public services. However, it is critical to expand the breadth and width of such simplified services and improve the service delivery model to counter the impact of widespread outdated manual processes, resistance to change by civil service staff and a lack of transparency that still frustrates citizens in their attempts to avail of government information and services.

The objective of the project is to increase transparency, improve governance, and reduce the time, difficulty and costs of obtaining government services for under-served communities of Bangladesh. This is to be achieved by the following 4 components of the project:

Component 1: Strengthening existing e-services and launching a second generation of integrated, inter-operable e-government applications; (e-Service)
Component 2: Sensitizing government officials, training for service providers and expanding digital literacy among the general public; (Capacity and Awareness)
Component 3: Forging strong policy and strategy links to ensure implementation of needed legal and regulatory changes in support of the project; (Enabling Environment) and
Component 4: Promoting innovation in the delivery of e-services. (Innovation)

‘Access to Information (a2i) Programme-II’ is looking to recruit a Communications Assistant who will provide support in formulation and implementation of the communications and advocacy strategies to increase the standing and awareness of e-Governance initiatives with partners, the media and the public under the guidance and direct supervision of the Human Development Media (HDM) Production Manager.

The project is funded by the Government of Bangladesh, UNDP Bangladesh and other development partners, and is implemented by PMO and Cabinet Division.

Duties and Responsibilities

Support the development and implementation of internal and external communications and advocacy strategies and building network:

Provide assistance to the Communication and Media Manager in execution of communication strategies.
Develop communication materials for marketing and awareness-raising campaigns, including briefing materials and press releases in coordination with the supervisor.
Maintain liaison with the media on behalf of the Communication and Media Manager to media queries quickly and accurately and assist with all media relations raise public awareness of UNDP e-Governance activities and development issues.
Provide support to various press conference, media events, interviews as and when required.
Assist for conducting journalist’s training, workshop, field visit and follow-up with the journalists for media report publication.
Provision of inputs and researched information in programme formulations to integrate advocacy and communication strategies into all aspects of UNDP’s development programme.
Assist to coordination with PIB and other wings of Ministry of Communication for Human development content development and broadcasting within its network.
Review of reference materials, identification of reference materials for retention. Maintenance of information database.

Support to Human Development Media (HDM) production and ensure the 360 degree communication of developed contents through traditional and new media:

Draft and assist to manage the production and distribution of informational and promotional materials including success story, audio-visual content, television and radio advertisements/commercials/edutainment.
Assist to supervise the pre-production, production and post production of all the audio visual materials and ensure the quality for airing both in state owned and private TV channels.
Assist to supervising and guiding the vendors for Human Development Media productions.
Maintain database system for making AV content archive.
Guide the vendor for Development of idea and content for the official youtube channel of a2i, HDM and other new media tools.
Assist to develop innovative programs to increase awareness and demand creation for e-services.
Assist to the a2i team about the branding issues for any event and services under the HDM initiative which will help to distinguish the HDM from competitors and create a lasting impression in the minds of audiences.

Assistance to the project team:

Provide support to the project team during various training programs, workshops and consultations.
Provide the administrative support for Human development media initiative with the senior management.
Prepare draft letter for Govt. and Non-govt. Agencies.
Prepare draft note for budget approval through E-File.
Perform other related duties and responsibilities as and when required assigned by project management.

Impact of Result:

The key results have an impact on the overall execution of the Project and success in implementation of operational strategies. Accurate analysis and presentation of information together with top quality advisory support ensures proper implementation of Access to Information and e-Governance.

Summary of Key Functions:

Support to formulation and implementation of internal and external communications and advocacy strategies.
Support to various press events and lead implementation of various strategic media initiatives in the traditional media.
Support to Human Development Media (HDM) production and ensure the 360 degree communication of developed contents through traditional and new media.
Perform other related duties and responsibilities as and when required assigned by project management.
Function as an effective team member of the Communication & HDM component of the project.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
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

Functional Competencies:

1. Knowledge Management and Learning

Shares knowledge and experience
Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside UNDP
Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more practice areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

2. Development and Operational Effectiveness

Strong writing ability with exceptional communication skills, both written and oral
Strong computer skills with a knowledge of many desktop applications that will be useful for the position, such as Microsoft Word and Excel, e-mail, and all Internet browsers
Prior experience with the SharePoint platform is a plus
Strong design sensibilities
Experience with interacting with a range of clients

3. Leadership and Self-Management

Highly organized with a keen eye for detail
Ability to multi task under tight deadlines
Ability to think quickly and improvise when necessary
Creative self-starter with an ability to work independently and also as an integral part of a team to deliver results
Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexity

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

At least Bachelor degree in Development Communications, Mass Communication & Journalism, Anthropology or relevant social sciences.

Experience:

At least 2 years of professional experience, have experience in dealing with government entities, involvement in media, and working on media advocacy and communication issues.
Experience in working with Public Service Innovation issues will be preferred.
Excellent ICT and computer skills.
Knowledge of ICT based government project is preferable.