Communication Advisor (Retainer)

Contract

This is a IICA-3 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-3 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects worldwide. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to various governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Senior Partnerships Advisor, the Communications Advisor, will have the following key responsibilities:

Strategic positioning of UNOPS in ECR

• In coordination with the Senior partnerships advisor and Communications Group, develop an internal and external communication strategy and an implementation action plan for the region, which will include identifying priority projects and content, social media, website, and carrying out stakeholders mapping.
• Review and support the update and evaluation of all Multi-Country Office, Ukraine Country Office and Geneva Office communication strategies to ensure alignment with the regional communication strategy.
• Develop positioning, business development and other communication materials – including in health, education, infrastructure, renewable energy and procurement – to help showcase the expertise and experience of UNOPS in ECR and the successful implementation of projects in line with UNOPS mandated areas.
• Help to identify and/or contribute to organizing parallel meetings or panel discussions at key events for UNOPS related to Europe and Central Asia. Additionally, provide communications support to the Regional Director and senior management team speaking at or participating in events organized by partner organizations - including preparing talking points, background research and other relevant information.
• Support and coordinate the work of MCOs/COs' communications focal points, and act as the central, region-wide communications focal point/representative where appropriate. This includes helping to keep the Communications Group up-to-date on all relevant activities and achievements from the region.

Management and implementation of strategic external communication

• In close collaboration with the Communications Group and MCO/CO colleagues, continuously identify and prioritize a list of impactful projects from UNOPS ECR portfolio which could be communicated externally via stories, articles etc., in line with the criteria set out in the ECR communications strategy.
• Support communications with key regional stakeholders.
• In close collaboration with MCO/CO colleagues, create the database of the videos, photos and information on the best practices of the projects in ECR.
• In close collaboration with the Communications Group and MCO/CO colleagues, coordinate and/or support updates to relevant pages on UNOPS website on a regular basis.
• Coordinate and support the work and supervision of communication focal points and retainers for the development of identified news articles, feature stories, videos, press releases, social media content and/or other multimedia communications products through organization of the monthly ECR communication group meetings.
• Support and help manage content on the region’s projects on UNOPS network of social media channels, working closely with the Communications Group and MCO/CO social media account managers.
• Develop, monitor and implement protocols to prevent and manage potential reputational or media communications crisis situations in coordination with the Senior partnerships Advisor, the Communications Group and other relevant stakeholders.

Internal communications and knowledge management

• Support development and updating of the ECR intranet, in collaboration with Regional Office Advisors.
• Support the Senior partnerships advisor to develop a mechanism for keeping the regional team informed about current trends and priorities of UNOPS.
• Create a knowledge library with an effective mechanism to maintain it updated, in collaboration with Regional Office Advisors.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

****a. Education**** - A Master’s Degree preferably in Communication, Journalism, Public Administration, Economics, International Development, Political Science, or International Relations or related field; or - A first level university degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Administration, Economics, International Development, Political Science, or International Relations or related field with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience may be accepted instead of the advanced university degree.

****b. Work Experience**** - A minimum of seven years of experience in communication, public relations, outreach and/or related fields is required. - Experience in project communication and/or regional-level communication on development results with counterparts/partners is required. - Knowledge and experience with United Nations agencies, government, international cooperation and/or international organizations is required

c. Desired qualifications - Experience managing communications and reputational crises is desirable. - Experience leveraging online communication tools and methodologies (such as online monitoring, web analytics, or other online measurement tools) and developing and analyzing online communications performance indicators is desirable. - Excellent understanding of the intersection of technology, web, design, editorial, digital, social media and multimedia platforms to tell engaging, impactful and informative stories is desirable. - Work experience in Europe and Central Asia is desirable.

d.Languages - Fluency in English (both written and oral) is required. - Knowledge of French and/or Russian is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement Contract level: ICS11 / IICA3 Contract duration:150 days within 12 months, with possibility of extension.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Information

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background information- ECR

Based in Geneva, the Europe and Central Asia Regional Office (ECR) supports UNOPS offices throughout the region through: management, financial and programmatic oversight of global and country-specific portfolios, clusters and operations centres, including hosting services; fund and management advisory services; project implementation; procuring goods and services; and managing human resources.

ECR ensures that projects are executed to the highest standards, providing a shared knowledge base and ensuring that best practices and lessons learned are disseminated between business units and projects across the entire region.

ECR strategy is to:

• Strengthen UNOPS role in operationalizing the Sustainable Development Goals with particular emphasis on health, environment and economic development.
• Position UNOPS in the Balkan sub-region, the Caucasus and Central Asia.
• Strengthen the implementation of ECR global and regional programmes, with revitalized partnerships in infrastructure, procurement and project management.

ECR operates global portfolios from offices in Geneva, Brussels and New York, and country-specific programmes from its operations and project centres located in Eastern Europe and Central Asian countries.