Communications Officer (OHCHR)

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Head of Mission or Deputy Head of Mission, the Communication Officer develops and implement the communication strategy, as well as provides inputs to the design, management and implementation of the Country Office communication and publication strategies, which are geared to foster the promotion and the protection of human rights in Ukraine.

• Designs and implements the communication strategy of the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) to publicize priority issues and/or events;
• Develops plan of action and activities for human rights promotion and increased visibility of HRMMU;
• Monitors and analyzes current events, public opinion and press; identifies issues and trends in Ukraine’ political, social and economic environment, and advises the management on appropriate actions/responses;
• Advises HoM/DHoM on all communication matters – interventions (written and oral), products and emerging issues requiring attention;
• Identifies opportunities for strategic communications interventions and recommends appropriate action to seize opportunities for increasing visibility for HRMMU;
• In coordination with program staff, undertakes activities to promote media coverage of HRMMU activity: establishing and maintaining contacts with media, responding to media requests, initiating and arranging interviews;
• Coordinates drafting and editing of articles, press releases, human interest stories, social media content and other information materials;
• Coordinates establishment and content maintenance of social media accounts for HRMMU;
• Contributes to organizing and generating public support for special events, including the launch of the OHCHR public reports in Ukraine, Human Rights Day, and other relevant dates;
• Produces and oversees production of communication products: brochures, booklets, press-releases, audio-visual materials, backgrounders, and so forth;
• Providing guidance to the field teams on contacts with the media and on producing of photo and video materials. Collecting photos, forming a photo bank, sharing the materials with the OHCHR HQ;
• Monitors and analyzes current events, public opinion and press coverage, identifying issues and trends, and advises the Head of Mission on appropriate action/responses;
• Producing and overseeing productions of photos, video, audio and graphics for social media and distribution on other platforms;
• Working collectively with other UN communication officers within the UN Communication and Advocacy Group (UNCAG); elaborating and participating in joint communications campaigns, ensuring human rights angle and approach;
• Maintains contacts with key civil society partners at the national and regional level, including UN associations, and undertakes joint projects with them; initiates and sustains pro-active professional relationships with key constituencies in the country of responsibility;
• Performs other functions and special duties as required by the Head of Mission including representing HRMMU at conferences and undertaking speaking engagements and participating in seminars as required.

Core competencies:

• Innovation. Ability to make new and useful ideas work. Level 4: Adept with complex concepts and challenges convention purposefully;
• Leadership. Ability to persuade others to follow. Level 4: Generates commitment, excitement and excellence in others;
• People Management. Ability to improve performance and satisfaction. Level 4: Models independent thinking and action;
• Communication. Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform. Level 4: Synthesizes information to communicate independent analysis. Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed;
• Delivery. Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement. Level 4: Meets goals and quality criteria for delivery of products or services.

• Advocacy. Level 4: Apply & Adapt: Contributes skills and knowledge with demonstrated ability to advance innovation and continuous improvement, in professional area of expertise;
• Building Strategic Partnerships. Level 4: Apply & Adapt: Contributes skills and knowledge with demonstrated ability to advance innovation and continuous improvement, in professional area of expertise;
• Client Orientation. Level 4: Apply & Adapt: Contributes skills and knowledge with demonstrated ability to advance innovation and continuous improvement, in professional area of expertise;
• Job knowledge. Level 4: Apply & Adapt: Contributes skills and knowledge with demonstrated ability to advance innovation and continuous improvement, in professional area of expertise;
• Professionalism. Knowledge of the full range of communications approaches, tools, and methodologies essential to planning and executing effective campaign strategies and programmes, e.g. campaign management, media operations, marketing and promotion, audience outreach, message targeting, especially in Ukraine. Ability to rapidly analyse and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Ability to identify public affairs issues, opportunities and risks in an international environment. Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and  cultivate productive relationships. Knowledge of relevant internal policies and business activities/issues. Knowledge of tools and infrastructure used to support communication and public  information initiatives, including traditional and social media equipment and systems, e.g. content management systems, mainstream social media platforms, multimedia editing/production equipment, etc. Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style. Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work;
• Planning & Organizing. Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master or equivalent) in communications, journalism, media relations, public information or a related field is required;
• A combination of relevant academic background (at least a first level university degree i.e. bachelor’s degree or equivalent) and 2 years of extensive relevant professional experience in a related area may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience, including experience in managing contacts and networking with the media, non-governmental organizations, government officials, international and national organizations, business groups, civil society, etc. in Ukraine is required;
• Experience in public information and/or public relations and proven skills in public speaking are required;
• Experience in journalism is desirable;
• Experience working with the United Nations or a comparable international organization in Ukraine is desirable.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in oral and written English, Ukrainian and Russian.

Important applicant information

All posts in the NO 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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