communication Officer

Contract

This is a IICA-1 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 2 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-1 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Head of Partnerships Development and Communication, and in close coordination with the CDMCO Partnerships Development Office (PDO), and the African Regional Office, the Communication Officer is responsible for developing an internal and external communication strategy and an implementation action plan for the projects, offices and countries developed and managed by the CDMCO.

Background information - DR Congo

Located in Kinshasa, DRC the UNOPS Hub in Central Africa covers eleven countries, including DRC. The office has developed strong working relations with international partners, UN agencies including UN Missions and Governments across Central Africa over the years. It provides technical support and capacity building in strategic development areas including infrastructure rehabilitation and development across health, education, public works, governance/public administration sectors; procurement, project management and sectoral advisory services; peace and security, environmental preservation and protection among others.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Head of Partnerships Development and communication, the responsibilities of the Communication Officer include:

1. Communication Strategy

• Contribute to the design and implementation of an external communications strategy and the communication plans for the projects and country offices. Update and adapt the strategy and the plans as/when needed.
• Ensure the visibility and communication requirements of donor/s are met.
• Manage external communications for all channels, including managing a communications content calendar.
• Work closely with other colleagues in preparing and coordinating the production of communications materials for distribution to the media and other stakeholders, including local authorities, donors, partners, civil society organisations, and the general public, as defined by the MCO’s and projects’ communications strategies.

2. Content development and management

• Develop communication products and informative materials, including media releases/statements, press kits, Q&As, donor briefings, case studies/feature stories, photographs and videos, social media content, internal and external newsletters, etc.
• Regularly update content on the MCO’s social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages, ensuring they are both informative and attractive to the wider public audience and reflect the MCO’s objectives, strengths, and achievements.
• Support the communication plans of the projects when needed by drafting the strategies and giving advice for their implementation and evaluation, in collaboration with project managers.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the MCO’s external communications activities.

3. Stakeholder and media relations management

• Develop relationships and maintain strong communication channels and networks with national, regional, and local media and other stakeholders as required.
• Maintain relevant contact lists in support of effective working relationships.
• Conduct regular external media monitoring and compile all coverage of the MCO, file with proper referencing, and share with the internal team.
• Conduct sample checks on the effectiveness and reach of the communication products and social media pages of the MCO, and advise management on ways to improve the same.

4. Event management

• Support the management team in organising press conferences, donor briefs, implementation support mission presentations, etc.
• Support the Representative and the PDO in preparing talking points and drafting speeches for project-related conferences, press conferences, international days, appointments, meetings, missions, etc.
• Identify event and conference participation opportunities, organise events for promoting and furthering the MCO’s work among key partners.
• Liaise closely with colleagues in identifying event opportunities in different thematic areas, including field trips, missions, seminars, report launches, and workshops.

5. Knowledge building and knowledge management

• Support an increase in learning and knowledge management through the development, communication, promotion, and use of evidence and experience from the project's and partner's activities, and through sharing with UNOPS and towards partners and beneficiaries.
• Participate actively in UN and UNOPS communication fora.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

EDUCATION

• An advanced university degree (e.g. Master’s) in a relevant field such as Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Development, Political Science, International Relations or other relevant field is required.
• A first-level university degree (e.g. Bachelor) in the abovementioned fields with an additional two (2) years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.

EXPERIENCE

• At least two (2) years of experience in journalism, communications or public relations, including experience at the international level, is required.

• 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.

• Experience in project communication and/or regional level communication on development results with counterparts/partners is desirable.

• Prior experience working in international organisations, international development, post-disaster and/or emergency contexts would also be an advantage.

LANGUAGE - Fluency in English (speaking, reading and writing) is required. - Fluency in French (speaking, reading and writing) is required.

Competencies

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.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreements (IICA)

Contract level:IICA1 (ICS8)

Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’

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.