Communication Specialist

Volunteering Communications & PR Environment

Overview

Support youth programming and communication efforts effectively

You have:

• Must be at least 27 years old by the specified year.
• Excellent organizational, communication and coordination skills.
• Excellent oral and written skills, particularly excellent drafting and reporting skills.
• Culturally and socially sensitive, able to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; experience working in cross-cultural environments is an asset.
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications and familiarity with website publishing and maintenance, as well as graphic design and video editing software is an asset.
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.
• Have affinity with or interest in volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

Supervision, induction and duty of care of UN Volunteers

UN Volunteers should be provided equal duty of care as extended to all host entity personnel. Host entity support to the UN Volunteer includes, but is not limited to:

• Introductory briefings about the organisation and office-related context including security, emergency procedures, good cultural practice and orientation to the local environment; • Support with arrival administration including setting-up of bank accounts, residence permit applications and completion of other official processes as required by the host government or host entity; • Structured guidance, mentoring and coaching by a supervisor including a clear workplan and performance appraisal; • Access to office space, equipment, IT support and any other systems and tools required to complete the objectives of the assignment including a host entity email address; • Access to shared host entity corporate knowledge, training and learning; • Inclusion of the volunteer in emergency procedures such as evacuations; • Leave management; • DSA for official travel, when applicable; • All changes in the Description of Assignment occurring between recruitment and arrival or during the assignment need to be formalized with the United Nations Volunteer Programme.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the YELL Project Manager or their designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Youth Communication Specialist will support YELL Project Team in its youth-related policy, programming, advocacy, innovation and outreach work.

The UNV will be expected to:

Strategic Communication, Content Development & Digital Engagement

• Engage with youth-led and youth-oriented organizations and entities in Malaysia and beyond, keeping up to date with latest developments and proactively identifying collaboration opportunities; • Manage the YELL networks, including keeping databases up to date and supporting coordination, communication, dialogue and engagement within and across networks; • Manage the YELL Network Resource Hub (website), ensuring accuracy and currency of information and content; • Support communications, advocacy, and knowledge management, including editorial tasks such as light copywriting, copy-editing, proofreading, and translation, while considering the sociopolitical and development context of host countries • Prepare blogs, media outputs, and outreach materials such as PowerPoint presentations, brochures, posters, and social media collateral, as needed related to work on nature and environment, biodiversity conservation, climate change and local and indigenous knowledge.

Provide support to the effective monitoring, evaluation, and reporting on progress of project implementation

• Provide administrative and logistical support to ensure successful project delivery that includes organization/coordination of project events, procurement and finance-related activities, contract management, and coordination of field visits and project-related missions; • Support the preparation of weekly, quarterly, annual, and other requested project reports in line with monitoring and reporting guidelines and donor requirements; • Support mainstreaming gender equality in the project implementation, including in data collection and compilation. Prepare gender equality background materials for use in discussions, briefings, and correspondence; • Ensure compliance of project business processes with UNDP Project Operational Policies and Procedures (POPP) and UNDP Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). When necessary, provide guidance to project staff on business processes, administrative and other requirements and procedures;

Support knowledge building and knowledge sharing relevant to the assigned project

• Support the organizing and coordination of innovation and youth events, including event management and administrative and logistical support; • Participate in UNDP activities, meetings, and events to develop understanding of UNDP work;

Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities: • Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self-reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities. • Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; • Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; • Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/expected outputs:

As a committed, active and professional member of the YELL team, efficient, timely, and high-quality support rendered on:

• Supporting integrated youth programming in Malaysia and UNDP’s youth-related policy, programming, advocacy, innovation and outreach work; • Identifying opportunities for policy and programme interventions to address gaps and challenges in existing programmes from a youth and inclusion perspective; • Development of innovative solutions, including strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement, to address complex development challenges; • Communications, Advocacy and Knowledge Management initiatives by being a Youth Advocate with a continued focus on ‘working out loud’ (blogging, social media engagement, etc.). Whilst supporting UNDP in its work, UNVs should ensure that their assignment is a constructive learning journey that will enhance their leadership skills and potential. • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment; • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP Malaysia; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP Malaysia procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and UNDP Malaysia in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNDP Malaysia’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

• Must be at least 27 years old by the specified year; • Excellent organizational, communication and coordination skills; • Excellent oral and written skills, particularly excellent drafting and reporting skills; • Excellent interpersonal skills, culturally and socially sensitive, able to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; experience working in cross-cultural environments is an asset; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with website publishing and maintenance,as well as graphic design and video editing software (Adobe InDesign, Canva, Clipchamp, CapCut) is an asset; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; • Have affinity with or interest in volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Malaysia has a tropical climate whereby seasons reflect only variations of rainfall and occur at different times, depending on locations. Daytime temperatures throughout the year are around 30-34 degrees Celsius (900F), nighttime temperatures are around 26-28 degrees. Owing to the high humidity (60- 80%) absolute temperature readings do not reflect the weather situation which is rather dependent on cloud cover and rainfall during daytime. In the highlands, temperatures can fall as low as 100C (500F). Thunderstorms and torrential rainfalls are frequent but Malaysia is outside the typhoon and cyclone belt.

Cost of living is lower compared to Singapore, and there is a large community of expatriates living and working in Kuala Lumpur (KL). Public transport is widely well established, modern infrastructure particularly in Putrajaya and central KL. Taxis or e-hailing services are used in and around larger cities but it is difficult to get a taxi during rush hours. The Express Rail Link (ERL) provides non-stop journey, in 28 minutes, between the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to KL Sentral, the country’s rail transport nucleus.

Malaysia has a highly advanced communication infrastructure. Landlines for home and business are available almost everywhere in the country. Broadband and wireless internet services are accessible in KL and other major cities.

Most banks in Malaysia provide online banking services, besides issuance of charge cards and insurance products, and the convenience of online bill payments. ATMs/cash dispensers offer a convenient way of withdrawing money on a credit or debit card. Most banks have these machines and all major cards are accepted.

Credit cards are accepted in most shops, restaurants and hotels. A local credit card can be arranged. Foreign currency can be exchanged at change booths which are located in most shopping centres, or at money exchange shops in town and in hotels.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.

Conditions of Service for national UN Volunteers

The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment.

Travel to duty station (if applicable) and a Settling-In-Grant will be provided in the event the duty station is not within commuting distance from the place of recruitment. The applicable Volunteer Living Allowance is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as final repatriation (if applicable) and resettlement allowance for satisfactory service

Furthermore, in non-family duty stations that belong to hardship categories D or E, as classified by the ICSC, a Well-Being Differential (WBD) will be provided monthly.

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org