By continuing to browse this site, you agree to our use of cookies. Read our privacy policy

Programme & Communications Assistant

Nicosia

  • Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
  • Location: Nicosia
  • Grade: Administrative support - Administrative Services and Support - Generally no need for Higher Education
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Administrative support
    • Communication and Public Information
    • Project and Programme Management
  • Closing Date: Closed

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.
 
Since 2001, the UNDP programme in Cyprus has been delivering mainly EU funded interventions, to support Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots on confidence building measures by encouraging dialogue and cooperation, and supporting the development of environmental, economic and social infrastructure on the island.

As such UNDP in Cyprus provides a diverse package of programmatic services to a range of partners which contribute to building a conducive environment for the peace process. In particular, the implementation of confidence building measures contributes to the building of trust between the two communities while demonstrating to the public at large that the communities can work together on critical issues that are of importance to all inhabitants of Cyprus across three focus areas:

  • Empowering communities to protect cultural heritage 
  • Strengthening inter-communal mechanisms 
  • Improving environmental, social and economic infrastructure 

Within this context, UNDP is seeking a Programme & Communications Assistant who will assist with the management of UNDP programme within the thematic/sectoral areas assigned. The Programme & Communications Assistant contributes to research and supporting programme implementation including providing necessary administrative and logistical support. The Programme Assistant works in close collaboration with the programme, operations and projects’ teams and contributes to the smooth implementation of the programme and exchange of information.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

1) Support to programme, including projects formulation (35 %).

2) Support to the implementation of the communications strategy and plans (35 %).

3) Support to the implementation of the resource mobilization strategy (30 %).

1) Provides effective support to programme, including projects formulation

  • Provides input into arranging programme activities, including supporting programme officers in preparation of budget, arranging venues, materials, helping in preparation of presentations;
  • Creation of projects in ERP, preparation of revision of project, annual work plan and project status, determination of unutilized funds, operational and financial closure of a project.
  • Creation of requisitions and receipts in ERP for development projects;
  • Contributes to the preparation of programme and financial reports and follow up actions by collecting information, preparing tables, drafting selected sections of the report etc;
  • Assists in developing tools and mechanisms for effective and efficient implementation of programme and project budgets;
  • Assists with programme related procurement of services/goods;
  • Compiles relevant research and background materials and prepares briefs and summaries as requested;
  • Arranges programme meetings, including organizing the venue, preparing draft minutes of programme meetings, communicating draft minutes to the participants and receiving feedback. Ensures quality and completeness of filing of programme documents; 
  • Assists in the archiving, filing, and maintenance of up-to-date electronic mailing lists on programme and technical matters;
  • Undertakes all logistical, administrative and financial arrangements required for the successful planning and delivery of technical workshops, meetings, panel discussions, roundtables, missions, and programme relevant events in close collaboration with the operations team; 
  • Provides logistical support to programme events by gathering and compiling data and information for the preparation of events documents, speeches and position papers; 
  • Acts as the Youth focal point for the office and supports with mainstreaming youth into project formulation.

2) Provides support to the implementation of the communications strategy and plans by conducting various communications-related activities, producing communications products including:

  • Supporting the developing appropriate communications products and conducting activities that ensure effective communication with targeted audience(s);
  • Drafting of media advisories and press-releases on the activities of the programme/project in English and oversee and quality assure translation into local languages;
  • Disseminating communications products to appropriate recipients, drafting and reviewing of speeches delivered by Senior Management;
  • Drafting success stories (human interest stories) and other communications products for distribution to external audiences;
  • Pitch stories about the projects and impact of activities to targeted audiences;
  • Monitoring media and inform designate staff on issues of relevance to UNDP
  • Drafting of background information and briefing materials per request;
  • Supporting implementation of events and campaigns by developing and implementing specified communications plans;
  • Drafting of regular updates of digital communications channels, including preparation of information, drafting of posts and regular updates of UNDP website and social media accounts;
  • Support with the coordination of the work of production agencies involved in creation of audio/video/animation/print products in accordance with UNDP brand manual.

3) Provides support to knowledge creation and knowledge sharing with a particular focus on data and innovation

  • Collection, analysis and presentation of information for identification of areas for support and programme formulation/ implementation;
  • Support programme and project teams to understand data gaps and data analysis needs and support with the production and analysis of relevant data;
  • Organize related workshops and ideation meetings;
  • Assist with the conceptualize and development of interactive data visualizations to make complex data more accessible, understandable, and actionable;
  • Apply design thinking to daily work, support the team with, prototyping new ideas and solutions;
  • Undertake research on cutting edge digital technologies and innovation processes, and assist the team with designing and managing innovation projects and knowledge products.

3) Provide support to the implementation of the resource mobilization strategy

  • Maintains database of public information contacts and potential donors;
  • Review of pipelines, contributions agreements and contributions in ERP;
  • Support with the reparation of analysis and research of information on donors, preparation of substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation, identification of opportunities for initiation of new projects, coordinate contribution to the overall office effort in resource mobilization.
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

Thematic Area

Name

Definition

Communications

Campaign management

Ability to produce and implement communications and advocacy campaigns which lead to impactful change

Communications

Creative direction and copywriting

Ability to creatively communicate concepts in an engaging and simple way

Communications

Digital strategy

Ability to plan the use of resources through digital channels to reach and engage target audiences effectively and to achieve particular objectives

Communications

Writing and editing

Ability to create and/or edit written content in different UN languages.

Digital & Innovation

Data collection

Being skilled in Data Sorting, Data Cleaning, Survey Administration, Presentation and Reporting including collection of Real-Time Data (e.g. mobile data, satellite data, sensor data).

General (across the functions)

Event planning and execution

Ability to plan, manage and execute of public and private events to ensure that they support and amplifyindividual communications and advocacy initiatives, as well as UNDP's overall brand and mandate.

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

 
Required Skills and Experience
 
Education:
  • Secondary Education is required.  
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business administration, Public Administration, Social Sciences or related fields would be desired, but it is not a requirement.    
Experience:
  • Five years of graduate (secondary education) work experience in administration or programme management/support would be required  
  • Alternatively, if in possession of bachelor’s degree, two years of relevant experience in administration or programme management/support would be required at the national or international level. 

Required Skills:

  • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet 

Desired Skills:

  • Previous work experience in UNDP is an asset.
  • Previous experience of working on projects with multiple stakeholders involved will be considered an asset.
  • Previous experience working on peacebuilding/confidence building projects will be considered an asset
  • Experience in supporting a team is considered as an asset.

Required Languages:

  • Fluent in English
  • Fluent in Turkish and/or Greek

Other:

  • Nationals or permanent residents in Cyprus are eligible. 
  • Women candidates are encouraged to apply. 
Disclaimer
 
 
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.
 
Scam warning
 
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
This vacancy is now closed.
However, we have found similar vacancies for you: