Communications Assistant

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

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.

In September 2020, UNDP Albania launched a new phase ofIn September 2020, UNDP Albania launched a new phase of multi-donor initiative in support to the advancement of decentralization and local government reform, STAR3 – Sustaining and Advancing Local Governance Reform.

This is a flagship UNDP initiative in support to local governments in Albania, which is however part of a variety of other ongoing or new initiatives that look at different facets and needs of local government and governance, ranging from improving social services to promoting partnerships with civil society and strengthening the resource basis and the frameworks for public services delivery in response to disaster risk reduction systems, means, and capacities. In this respect, STAR3 will evolve in complementarity and benefit from synergies with other UNDP projects having similar local presence and activities.

The overall aim of the STAR3 is to strengthen local government effectiveness and efficiency through enhancing the supporting framework, consolidating systems, standards and organizational capacities in place, expanding and sustaining service delivery innovation and best practices, and institutionalizing local government accountability to women and men for enhanced participatory governance. 

STAR3 scope comprises the following three main areas in its immediate focus:

-      Local government participatory governance practices are in place and functional and encourage civic engagement

-      Municipal systems and standards are enhanced, expanded, and consolidated for improved service delivery and overall municipal performance

-      Central government institutions responsible for decentralization and local government are capacitated to effectively drive policy development, coordination, and monitoring in accordance with the IPSIS national system

Across its areas of intervention, the Project will assist, partner, cooperate and coordinate with a variety of stakeholders and actors. The efficient communication about the products, results, and objectives of the Project to all target groups, including beneficiaries, partners, key national stakeholders, as well as key international development partners, is crucial thought the implementation.

A draft Communication and Visibility Plan is already outlined as a tool contributing  to the efficient implementation of the Project, by ensuring that information and any communications activities and products, its objectives, results, and achievements are executed and produced with the highest quality and distributed in a timely manner to target groups.

The Project communication approach to be followed also during the implementation and monitoring of the activities is based on key principles, including:

Beneficiary-tailored and people-centred communication: The overall communication approach will pay high attention to the specific target groups, to tailor the overall information-sharing (including channels and tools used) to their specific needs, backgrounds, and limitations.

Emphasizing the importance of the subject from the perspective of present and future, as well as “before” and “after”: The project objectives and result will be promoted through narratives or positive experiences from target groups, with focus on achieved change and transformation in terms of “today” and “tomorrow”, as well as comparative outlook in terms of “before” and “after” the assistance of the Project.

Coordinated information flow: A regular internal information flow will be ensured within the project team to make sure communication with the external audience and target groups is consistent, accurate and based on actual results, achievements, and innovative solutions realized within the project.

Review and adapt to maximize communication results: The Communication and Visibility Plan will be reviewed at a midpoint of implementation to ensure optimal efficiency and effectiveness of communication, especially if specific circumstances would demand such change. Such review will ensure that communication efforts and actions meet the needs of the counterpart and partners and achieve communication goals.

Prevent/reply to disinformation: To avoid and reduce potential disinformation and misunderstandings, the Project will deploy a two-fold approach: on the one side, regular, up-to-date, accurate and measurable information will be shared with the stakeholders.

To achieve effective communication with the target groups based on the highlighted principles the project envisages of innovative and traditional tools, including, but not limited to:

-      Media advisories, press releases, interviews, media opportunities that will provide media coverage of key events, milestones, and success stories.

-      Website platforms design and management

-      Public information material, such as factsheets and infographics.

-      Press conferences and press statements by key stakeholders and institutional partners.

-      Banners and display boards during events, stating donors’ contribution.

In this respect, UNDP Albania is seeking to hire a qualified candidate for the position of Public Relation and Communication Assistant, who will provide specialised seervices in the framework of the abovementioned project. The candidate must have sound experience in public relation communication as well as graphic design and editing  and be knowledgeable/familiar with the areas of  local governance and decentralization. multi-donor initiative in support to the advancement of decentralization and local government reform, STAR3 – Sustaining and Advancing Local Governance Reform.

This is a flagship UNDP initiative in support to local governments in Albania, which is however part of a variety of other ongoing or new initiatives that look at different facets and needs of local government and governance, ranging from improving social services to promoting partnerships with civil society and strengthening the resource basis and the frameworks for public services delivery in response to disaster risk reduction systems, means, and capacities. In this respect, STAR3 will evolve in complementarity and benefit from synergies with other UNDP projects having similar local presence and activities.

The overall aim of the STAR3 is to strengthen local government effectiveness and efficiency through enhancing the supporting framework, consolidating systems, standards and organizational capacities in place, expanding and sustaining service delivery innovation and best practices, and institutionalizing local government accountability to women and men for enhanced participatory governance. 

STAR3 scope comprises the following three main areas in its immediate focus:

• Local government participatory governance practices are in place and functional and encourage civic engagement
• Municipal systems and standards are enhanced, expanded, and consolidated for improved service delivery and overall municipal performance
• Central government institutions responsible for decentralization and local government are capacitated to effectively drive policy development, coordination, and monitoring in accordance with the IPSIS national system

Across its areas of intervention, the Project will assist, partner, cooperate and coordinate with a variety of stakeholders and actors. The efficient communication about the products, results, and objectives of the Project to all target groups, including beneficiaries, partners, key national stakeholders, as well as key international development partners, is crucial thought the implementation.

A draft Communication and Visibility Plan is already outlined as a tool contributing  to the efficient implementation of the Project, by ensuring that information and any communications activities and products, its objectives, results, and achievements are executed and produced with the highest quality and distributed in a timely manner to target groups.

The Project communication approach to be followed also during the implementation and monitoring of the activities is based on key principles, including:

Beneficiary-tailored and people-centred communication: The overall communication approach will pay high attention to the specific target groups, to tailor the overall information-sharing (including channels and tools used) to their specific needs, backgrounds, and limitations.

Emphasizing the importance of the subject from the perspective of present and future, as well as “before” and “after”: The project objectives and result will be promoted through narratives or positive experiences from target groups, with focus on achieved change and transformation in terms of “today” and “tomorrow”, as well as comparative outlook in terms of “before” and “after” the assistance of the Project.

Coordinated information flow: A regular internal information flow will be ensured within the project team to make sure communication with the external audience and target groups is consistent, accurate and based on actual results, achievements, and innovative solutions realized within the project.

Review and adapt to maximize communication results: The Communication and Visibility Plan will be reviewed at a midpoint of implementation to ensure optimal efficiency and effectiveness of communication, especially if specific circumstances would demand such change. Such review will ensure that communication efforts and actions meet the needs of the counterpart and partners and achieve communication goals.

Prevent/reply to disinformation: To avoid and reduce potential disinformation and misunderstandings, the Project will deploy a two-fold approach: on the one side, regular, up-to-date, accurate and measurable information will be shared with the stakeholders.

To achieve effective communication with the target groups based on the highlighted principles the project envisages of innovative and traditional tools, including, but not limited to:

• Media advisories, press releases, interviews, media opportunities that will provide media coverage of key events, milestones, and success stories.
• Website platforms design and management
• Public information material, such as factsheets and infographics.
• Press conferences and press statements by key stakeholders and institutional partners.
• Banners and display boards during events, stating donors’ contribution.

In this respect, UNDP Albania is seeking to hire a qualified candidate for the position of Public Relation and Communication Assistant, who will provide specialised seervices in the framework of the abovementioned project. The candidate must have sound experience in public relation communication as well as graphic design and editing  and be knowledgeable/familiar with the areas of  local governance and decentralization.

The Public Relation and Communication Assistant (PRCA) will work under the supervision of the Project Manager and in close cooperation with UNDP’s responsible Programme Officer and UNDP’s Communications Manager. The main duties and expected results of the PRCA will include the following:

Support design and implementation of communication and outreach strategy

• Review or develop, in close cooperation with the Project Manager and UNDP’s Communications Office, the project’s communication strategy and action plan;
• Integrate communication, advocacy and outreach approaches and plans into project implementation plan;
• Develop visibility guidelines for the project in line with relevant guidelines and standards;
• Develop progress indicators and milestones for the implementation of the communication strategy and action plan and ensure data collection and records for subsequent reporting 
• Assist in developing a content calendar for STAR3 activities and maintain it updated in social media
• Be responsible to review, adjust, adapt and implement the project’s communication strategy and action plan;
• Lead implementation of the visibility actions for the project in general and relevant project activities;

Coordinate development and dissemination of communication/advocacy materials

• Taking into consideration the entirety of UNDP portfolio in the area of local governance and the associated ongoing/new projects, support whenever necessary and required, integration of communication and advocacy efforts to promote progress, stakeholders, partners and achievements.

More specifically, the PRCA is expected to:

• Draft briefing materials, press releases and newsletters and coordinate its dissemination through effective channels, and in close partnership with the media;
• Produce multimedia content, including infographics, brochures, handouts, leaflets video, photos to support project visibility and visibility of project partners and stakeholders;
• Coordinate the translation/adaption/rewriting of information received, printing and dissemination of publications and audio-visual materials;
• Assist in developing innovative digital approaches and products;   
• Assist with the preparation of public events such as media forums, press conferences, briefing sessions, interviews; reports preparation and distribution of the events;
• Assist in producing video and human stories related to project activities and suuport the same in collaboration with UNDP’s Communications Office;
• Be responsible for the follow up of project external activities and meetings and the timely finalization of meeting minutes
• Specifically, contribute to

Coordination with the UNDP Communications Office

• Follow relevant communication guidelines and standards;
• Ensure corporate and partner visibility requirements are applied at all times;
• Provide other information and communication related support as required and identified by Project Manager and the UNDP Communications Unit; 
• Support the work of the UNDP Communications Unit and contribute to the corporate communication and visibility plan and initiatives

Build and maintain partnerships

• Identify opportunities to raise awareness about STAR3 (and other ongoing/new relevant projects) activities among different audiences;
• Maintain relationships with partners and media to scale advocacy efforts and enhance visibility.
• Organize press trips to project sites to keep stakeolders and media informed about project activities and impact;
• Maintain appropriate email and communication lists for partners in the country for sharing of information and dissemination of products.
• Manage the PR aspect of a potential crisis situation.

Maintain project web/ online presence

• Identify and develop stories and articles for the websites;
• In coordination with UNDP’s Communications Office, maintain and update project information on the UNDP's website based on corporate requirements
• Coordinate and regularly update social media accounts in line with corporate social media policy;
• Upload information to knowledge management system on a regular basis, including news, updates, resources.

Knowledge building and knowledge sharing:

• Contributes to knowledge networks and communities of practice.
• Assist in drafting, editing and/or translation of articles, feature stories, captions and other types of products relevant to project activities
• Maintain database of media contacts, as well as contacts;
• Maintain an up-to-date photo bank and visuals related to STAR3 (and other ongoing/new relevant projects) field activities, meetings, training sessions and other; 
• Monitor and keep records on media project coverage

Core Values:

• Demonstrates/safeguards UN core values on accountability, integrity, transparency, mutual respect, professionalism, and results orientation
• Demonstrates professional competence and is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results
• Displays cultural, gender, nationality, religion and age sensitivity and adaptability

Core competences:

• Facilitates and encourages open communication in the team, communicating effectively
• Able to identify priorities and plan/organize efficiently in line with agreed approach/framework
• Demonstrates self-initiative and responsibility in carrying out tasks
• Demonstrates the ability to act as a team player and facilitate teamwork in a multicultural environment
• Takes ownership of responsibilities and delivers in accordance with agreed time, cost and quality standards.

Functional competencies:

• Substantial and diverse experience in all facets of communications and public information, and proven ability to place institutions/organizations successes and achievements into different media avenues to ensure coverage;
• Excellent analytical and presentation skills including handling many assignments simultaneously
• Strong communications research and analytical skills, and ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources;
• Ability in production, sub-editing, and editing; and in writing quickly, clearly and concisely;
• Ability to cope with pressure and work on tight deadlines;
• Organized and detail oriented
• Entrepreneurial attitude and ability to think creativitely and outside the box
• Ability to network with key stakeholders;
• Ability and flexibility to travel across the country
• Excellent command of English language.

Other

• Proven skill in drafting written communication products, such as articles, reports, social media posts, press releases, web stories.
• Experience in implementation of projects in the areas of capacity-building
• Good understanding of new and evolving technologies and digital platforms;
• Demonstrated ability to interact with a broad range of governmental and non-government actors and institutions.
• Experience in the use of social media, multi-media and digital platforms;
• Experience in producing communication materials (print and online) for a variety of media;
• Experience working with the UN system agencies or other international development organizations in the communications field would be an asset;
• Familiarity with the political, economic and social context of country and the challenges of the local governance and decentralization reforms is highly desirable.

Academic Qualifications/Education:

• Bachelor degree in journalism, media and communications, graphic design or other relevant, preferably with significant exposure to human rights, development matters, or equivalent.
• Possessing of a master’s degree in one of the above areas would be an additional asset.

Work Experience:

• At least 5 years, of responsible experience in PR and media relations;
• Proven skills to draft and implement communications strategies on behalf of international, national organizations and or private sector and proven ability to place institutions/organizations successes and achievements into different media avenues to ensure exposure is an advantage.
• Proven ability in production, sub-editing, editing and writing clearly and concisely is an advantage
• Graphic design skill is desirable.

Language skills:

• Excellent knowledge of English language, both spoken and written