Communication Analyst

New York City | York

Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
Location: New York City | York
Grade: Level not specified - Level not specified
Occupational Groups:
- Communication and Public Information
Closing Date: Closed

[This is the same vacancy as Communication Analyst (4401). Candidates already applied for the post do not need to reapply.]

Background

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.

Background and Organizational Context

The Independent Evaluation Office of UNDP reports to the UNDP Executive Board. The IEO is governed by the organization’s Evaluation Policy and the UNDP Executive Board is the custodian of the policy. The core function of the Independent Evaluation Office is to conduct independent thematic and programmatic evaluations. The IEO organizational structure includes five workstreams: corporate-thematic evaluation, country programme evaluation, evaluation capacity development, knowledge and data management, and operations. The IEO has a global reach, with all workstreams operating out of the UNDP HQ in New York.

To enhance the utility of its evaluations and raise awareness amongst its target audiences, the IEO has developed and implemented extensive publishing and outreach strategies.

The Communications Analyst works in close collaboration with the Evaluation and Operations teams to ensure that the publications are completed in a timely fashion to the expected high standards.

Position Purpose

Under the guidance and supervision of the P4 Communications Specialist and overall supervision of the P5 Chief of Knowledge and Data Management, the Communications Analyst has the primary task of supporting the editorial production, design, layout, printing, and global distribution of IEO publications. He/she will be responsible for the quality and timely completion of all aspects of the reports’ production processes, as well as other coordination tasks related to the reports as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities

Implementation of the IEO's production and publishing strategies
- Implement IEO’s existing strategies, policies and procedures and timelines relating to all aspects of the IEO's web, electronic and print (as required) production and publishing.
- Report to the Communications Specialist consistently on the status of projects, and proactively identify, communicate and mitigate production challenges.
- Maintain and update the status of production activities to monitor workflows, budgeting and monitoring in the publishing project management software.
- Perform post-production assessment and evaluation and identify areas with bottlenecks to improve productivity.
- Keep up to date with good practices and the latest technological developments in the area of electronic and web publishing and development.
Support the production and printing of the IEO’s publications
- Develop and ensure compliance with the IEO’s reports production schedule and related procurement plans.
- Secure service providers’ services for editing, copy-editing and proofreading, typesetting, graphic design, printing and global distribution, and manage the respective contracts.
- Coordinate the activities of the editorial, graphic design, and printing contractors by transferring materials, and serving as liaison between these contractors and the IEO evaluation managers.
- Support the finalization of publications (keep track of comments, errors, fact-checking needs, research, and technical writing. Fill in any other gaps liaising directly with service providers and IEO teams).
- Assist in developing terms of reference, requests for quotes, requests for proposals, and other as needed to support the implementation of the publishing production plan.
- Provide support on procurement activities as required, and assistance in management of LTA contracts.
Quality assurance of IEO publications
- Monitor and perform quality control of the editorial, graphic design and printing services, ensuring timely delivery and professional quality.
- Ensure adherence to UN editorial standards, UNDP publications policy, IEO style manual and IEO’s branding guidelines for all publications handled.
- Ensure quality assurance for publications and other publishing products prior to release and distribution, including technical specifications of print publications and concordance with other official language versions to ensure substantive and typographical conformity.
Undertake global distribution and communications plans for IEO publications
- Handle global digital distribution of IEO materials, ensuring timely delivery.
- Liaise with UN Publications and ensure compliance with agreements for digital library, global and regional commercial distribution, as needed.
Support other IEO communications initiatives as required
- Provide support to the production of IEO’s written and digital products and online events targeting external audiences, as required.
- Engage with communities of practice and other external networks to increase the IEO’s visibility and share of voice.
- Actively seek out ways to expand the IEO’s visibility in the public sphere, in coordination with the Communications Specialist.
- Develop and undertake the quarterly newsletters and maintain the contact/subscriber database.
- Keep abreast of digital developments and new platforms that could enhance the IEO’s visibility and public image.
- Oversee the web graphics and infographics produced by the Communications Analyst. Act as first point of liaison for new content for publications, events, launches and campaigns and ensure continuity of visual themes.
- Support the Communications Specialist on other tasks, events, launches and campaigns as required, including the biannual National Evaluation Capacities Conference.
- Perform other duties within the functional profile as assigned and deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the IEO.

Competencies

Core
- Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
- Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
- Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
- Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
- Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
- Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
- Business Development
  Knowledge generation: Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need
- Business management
  Communication: Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
  Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
- General
  Event planning and execution: Ability to plan, manage and execute of public and private events to ensure that they support and amplify individual communications and advocacy initiatives, as well as UNDP's overall brand and mandate.
- Communications:
  Creative direction and copywriting: Ability to creatively communicate concepts in an engaging and simple way
  Crisis and reputational risk: Ability to prepare for and respond to potential issues that may negatively impact UNDP's reputation
  Multimedia writing/editing: Ability to create and/or edit written content for multimedia
  Social Media management: Ability to represent and promote the UNDP brand in virtual communities and networks
  Web and social media analytics: Ability to analyse and interpret data and statistics to measure web and social media performance
  Writing and editing: Ability to create and/or edit written content in different UN languages.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master's Degree or equivalent in Social Sciences, International Politics, Communication, Journalism, Business, Public Administration or another relevant field, or
A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the related fields with an additional 2 years of relevant experience will be given due consideration in lieu of a Master’s degree.

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills:

Minimum of 2 years with Master’s Degree or 4 years with a first-level university degree of relevant experience at the national or international level in public relations, communications, or advocacy.
Demonstrated experience in writing, editing, proofreading and quality-assuring technical documents or reports is required.
Knowledge of and familiarity with global development issues/trends is required.
Experience with project management software and tools (MS Project) is desirable.
Experience with social media platforms is required.
Familiarity with evaluation terminologies is desirable.
Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization is desirable.
Experience in the use of computer and office software packages, including design and publication apps, and good knowledge and experience in handling web-based management systems are desirable.

Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Disclaimer

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.

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.

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This vacancy is now closed.