Communications Officer  - One UN Joint Action Cross-river support to Human Rights Project

The human rights context in the Transnistrian region is illustrated by the amplitude and interplay of multiple forms of inequalities vulnerable groups, such as inter alia persons with disabilities, Roma, people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, children in contact with the law, vulnerable women, prisoners and people who use drugs, are encountering. The ability of vulnerable groups from the region to effectively exercise their rights is impaired by the human rights knowledge, capacity and authority gaps they face. The embryonic civil society environment with weak capacities to influence the policy-making and to reach out to the most vulnerable ones and low human rights awareness of the CSOs, professionals and the population at large are hindering the realization of human rights in the region. Undeveloped and gender-blind specialized service provision, deriving from human and economic resources capacity gaps and the absence of a comprehensive human rights framework are representing additional major contributing factors to this debilitating juncture.
The Programme will work on reducing inequalities for women, men and children in the Transnistrian region, by ensuring that vulnerable human rights holders are empowered to exercise their rights and duty bearers respect, protect and fulfil human rights to a larger extent. It also aims to contribute to the implementation of the National Human Rights Action Plan 2018-2022.

 

The Communication Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager.

The Communication Officer applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. The Communication Officer will coordinate a team of short-term experts and contractors.
   
The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with UNDP programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Programme Manager, the Communication Officer will ensure visibility and manage all aspects of awareness raising and communication of One UN Joint Action "Cross-river support to Human Rights", in full compliance with the Communication Strategy of the Programme. The Programme objectives, successes and impacts will be communicated to a large public via print and broadcast media and via high-profile events. The Communication Officer will, under the guidance of the Programme Manager, assume full responsibility for the effective implementation of the communication and visibility activities within One UN Joint Action "Cross-river support to Human Rights", including coordination of short-term project communication experts.

The Communication Officer works in close collaboration with the Programme team as well as the team in the Country Office (CO) for effective achievement of results, anticipating and contributing to resolving complex programme/programme-related issues and information delivery. The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with UNDP programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems.

The incumbent will ensure the provision of development services and products (commensurate with the scope of the projects) of the highest quality and standards to national counterparts and clients.

More specifically, the Officer will perform the following functions:

• Elaborate annual Programme Communication Plans:
• Develop a professional media package to provide background information about the Programme, and establish processes for: (i) regular communication with media contacts; (ii) regular production of press releases; (iii) regular development of Programme’s newsletters; (iv) advising and assisting Programme’s partners in managing regional media interest at the community level;
• Organize press-clubs and press briefings;
• Write stories, press releases, blog posts and news about the Programme’s most important achievements to be placed in the national media, as well as in the local and regional websites, and provide media monitoring reports;
• Ensure communications on social media: write posts, coordinate development of assets, increase engagement in thematic groups;
• Provide support in the organization of Programme’s public events;
• Develop concepts of various communication products such as TV programmes, publications and other promotional and information materials;
• Coordinate production of multi-media products and promotional materials (printed);
• Coordinate with the other UN agencies, implementing the Programme, awareness-raising and advocacy campaigns and media and promotional products;
• Provide media-related assistance to the other UN agencies, implementing the Programme;
• Ensure a common approach to Programme’s communication and respect of Swedish and UN standards in communication;
• Elaborate and submit regular reports of the activity at agreed periodicity and reporting format;
• Undertake any other related tasks requested on an ad hoc basis.

Key results
The key results have an impact on the overall successful implementation and achievement of the objectives of the programme. Accurate analysis and presentation of information enhances UNDP’s position as a strong development partner. The information provided facilitates decision-making of the Project Steering Committee, the Beneficiary and UNDP management.

 

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values.
• Exerts strict adherence to corporate rules, regulations and procedures. Familiarity with the internal control framework and results-based management tools is a must.
• Adheres to the core values of the United Nations; in particular, is respectful of differences of culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, language, age, HIV status, disability, and sexual orientation, or other status. Ensures that Programme is consistent with UN/UNDP values.
• Treats peers fairly by maintaining consistent values inspiring trust and confidence through personal credibility.
• Accepts responsibility and accountability for the quality of the outcome of his/her decisions.

Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning

• Shares knowledge and experience
• Focuses on tasks/activities which have a strategic impact on Programme and capacity development activities.
• Promotes a supportive environment to enhance partnerships, leverages resources and build support for UNDP’s strategic initiatives.
• Collaborates with regional, national and local partners to create and apply knowledge and concepts that will help partners achieve UNDP’s development objectives within the country and regional context.
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.
• Strong research and networking skills.
• Intellectual curiosity.

Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise / In-depth knowledge of the Subject-matter:
 

• Understands more advanced aspects of primary area of specialization as well as the fundamental concepts of related disciplines.
• Serves as internal consultant in the area of expertise and shares knowledge with staff.
• Continues to seek new and improved methods and systems for accomplishing the work of the unit.
• Keeps abreast of new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally.
• Interested in social entrepreneurship, ideas and innovation.
• Creative flair and originality.
• Good knowledge of the government institutions and PR agencies, news agencies in Moldova and abroad.
• Knowledge of local development issues would be an asset.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks related to Results-Based Management, including support to design, planning and implementation of Programme, managing data, reporting.
• Ability to provide input to business processes, re-engineering, implementation of new system, including new IT based systems.
• Ability to engage with various partners and stakeholders at different levels, to establish and maintain contacts with senior-level officials of the host government and represent UNDP in national and regional fora.
• Ability to obtain, evaluate and interpret factual data and to prepare accurate and complete reports and other documents.
• Ability to write and communicate orally with accuracy and professionalism, as well as sensitively across different constituencies.
• Ability to engage with various partners and stakeholders at different levels, to establish and maintain contacts with senior-level officials of the host government and represent UNDP in national and regional fora.
• Capacity to implement the strategic vision and programmatic goals as laid down in the Project Document.
• Proven performance in organizing and coordinating major initiatives, events or challenging inter-organizational activities.
• Adapts flexibly to changing situations, overcomes obstacles and recovers quickly from set-backs.

Leadership and Self-Management

• Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback.
• Ability to achieve results and meet strict deadlines in an effective manner, maintaining a high-quality standard throughout.
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive and collaborative attitude.
• Tolerates conditions of stress, uncertainty or ambiguity and continues to maintain a positive outlook and to work productively.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a team and to foster team spirit and synergy.
• Ability to show initiative and work independently

Education:    

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Journalism, Communication/Media Studies or other closely related field, international relations or others.

Experience:    

• At least four years of experience in media, public relations. Experience in developing and implementing media/communications strategies and plans, including organizing awareness campaigns.
• Experience in similar positions in development programmes is an advantage.
• Previous experience in coordination of communication activities related to the rights of vulnerable groups would be an asset.
• Experience in working with the public sector (Government and local public institutions), private sector, academia and NGOs is a strong asset;
• Records of writing reports, researches, articles and/or blogs.
• Experience in the usage of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), as well as multimedia tools;

Language Requirements:    

• Fluency in oral and written English, Romanian and Russian is required.
• Working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian or sign language would be an asset.

Important applicant information

All posts in the SC categories are subject to local recruitment.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

This is a local position, therefore only citizens of the Republic of Moldova or others legally authorized to work in the country are eligible to apply.
Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted.
Online applications can be submitted by registered users only. Self-registration link is available at the next page and requires candidates to provide a valid email address.

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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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.
Roma and other ethnic or religious minorities, persons living with HIV, as well as refugees and other non-citizens legally entitled to work in the Republic of Moldova, are particularly encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.