Communications Associate (Limited to Nationals of Uruguay)

Contract

This is a GS-6 contract. This kind of contract is known as General Service and related categories. It is normally only for nationals. It usually requires 6 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be more than 5,762 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

Background

This job description is a direct response to UNDP’s improved business model in Uruguay. It envisions a new office structure adapted to current and future needs of the country, underpinning its advisory and programmatic offer while at the same time delivering solid implementation support. It also promotes a more collaborative approach to work across the office and with external partners.

The new structure defines the skillsets required to position UNDP in the new NCC context, adding substantive value through thought leadership and innovation, mobilizing strategic resources and ensuring projects are implemented in a smooth, efficient and transparent manner. This also entails engaging on the most pressing and transformational development challenges of the country.

Through its portfolio, the CO has tailored localized integral solutions to specific sustainable development issues and is crafting methodologies and toolboxes to deploy and escalate them across the country. This strategy requires excellent programme management and an organizational structure that reinforces the entire programming life cycle including planning, implementation, oversight, monitoring and evaluation, communications and efficient operations. The new structure will strengthen UNDP´s role as a learning organization ‘fit-for-purpose’ to deliver on Agenda 2030. It is designed to provide the foundation for the whole public policy life cycle with a special emphasis at sub-national level that, as an engagement strategy, is expected to allow new areas of joint work and resource mobilization.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the RR and in close collaboration with the DRR, the Communications Associate supports the implementation of the corporate communications strategy, as well as the design, management, and implementation of the Country Office communications and publication strategies, with a focus on corporate branding providing visibility to the CO in the national context influencing the development agenda, promoting public and media outreach, and helping mobilize financial support for UNDP. In line with the communication strategy delineated by the CO management, the incumbent is also entrusted with the support to reputational management of the UNDP Uruguay through research of media networks and national press

The Communications Associate works in close collaboration with the Programme and Operations teams, staff of other UN Agencies, and the UNDP Communications Group staff (Regional Communications Adviser and HQ), ensuring the successful implementation of UNDP’s communication strategy in the CO.

Incumbent is expected to display initiative, a positive approach, and a strong client orientation. As such, s/he might be required to undertake other emerging tasks and additional duties as required by direct supervisor or senior management.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions:

1. Support to formulation and implementation of communications and advocacy strategies, support to business development
2. Support to implementation of the CO publications policy and media relations
3. Maintenance of website, social media, databases and knowledge management systems.
4. Support Resource Mobilization

5. Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing

6. Support to formulation and implementation of communications and advocacy strategies, support to business development

• Provision of inputs and information for elaboration of CO communication strategy, spearheaded by RR/DRR, based on the corporate communications strategy.
• Support to increased awareness of UNDP’s mandate and goals through dissemination of information, organization of public events. Provide support in the design of events and logistics.
• In coordination with management, support the development and preparation of materials for marketing and awareness-raising including briefing materials, press releases and blogs.
• Organization of publicity, advocacy, knowledge-sharing and implementation of events of interest to the UNDP and implementing a participation strategy to attend them. Provision of logistics support to the events.

• Review of reference materials, identification of reference materials for retention. Maintenance of information database and photo library.

• Research and retrieval of data from internal and external sources.

• Implementation of joint UN information campaigns (UN Day, World AIDS Day, etc.). Dissemination of corporate advocacy materials for launching flagship initiatives and publications and support to public information campaigns.

2. Ensures support to implementation of the CO publications policy and media relations focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Suggestions, inputs, content development, coordination of production and dissemination of press releases, publications, articles and sharing of CO knowledge and successes.
• Support to reputational management of the organization (and related strategies) through research of media networks and national press under the guidance of CO management.

3. Ensures maintenance of web site, social media, data bases and knowledge management systems focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Updated and high-quality CO web site in line with corporate branding requirements.
• Preparation of the content for the web sites ensuring consistency of the materials.
• Maintenance of other web sites and databases, and update of social media platforms.

4. Ensures communication support to resource mobilization focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Dissemination of newsletters and information to donors, donor reports, and civic education and community awareness, when/where appropriate, to support projects/programmes.

5. Facilitation of knowledge building and management

• Support to CO staff in identification, documenting and drafting of best practices and lessons learned on internal and external communications.
• Organization of training for the CO staff and counterparts on effective communications and advocacy.

Competencies

Core

Innovation

Ability to make new and useful ideas work

Level 3: Adapts deliverables to meet client needs

Leadership

Ability to persuade others to follow

Level 3: Proactively seeks and recognizes contributions of others

People Management

Ability to improve performance and satisfaction

Level 3: Appropriately involves team in different stages of work and decision-making

Communication

Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform

Level 3: Expresses information and views with adaptive reasoning and appreciation for complexity and variation

Delivery

Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement

Level 3: Takes responsibility for addressing critical situations and delivering core value

Technical/Functional

Advocacy

Preparing information required for advocacy for the inclusion of UNDP’s focus areas. Devising and communicating strategies. Influencing the public policy agenda.

Level 3: Implement & Manage: Exercises skills and knowledge independently, demonstrating ability to manage self and team responsibilities, in area of work

Collaboration and Partnerships

Ability to develop, maintain, and strengthen partnerships with others inside (Programmes/projects) or outside the organization who can provide information, assistance, and support. Sets overall direction for the formation and management of strategic relationships contributing to the overall positioning of UNDP .

Level 3: Implement & Manage: Exercises skills and knowledge independently, demonstrating ability to manage self and team responsibilities, in area of work

Client Orientation

Ability to Understand and meet or exceed client needs. Anticipating and addressing client needs and concerns. Developing innovative approaches to meeting client needs. Ensuring overall provision of quality services to clients.

Level 3: Implement & Manage: Exercises skills and knowledge independently, demonstrating ability to manage self and team responsibilities, in area of work

Knowledge Management

Ability to capture, develop, share and effectively use information and knowledge

Level 3: Implement & Manage: Exercises skills and knowledge independently, demonstrating ability to manage self and team responsibilities, in area of work

Multimedia / Content Development

Ability to Originate and/or edit written content for media and the general public to be disseminated through press or other online outlets

Level 3: Implement & Manage: Exercises skills and knowledge independently, demonstrating ability to manage self and team responsibilities, in area of work

Brand Quality Management

Ability to strengthen UNDP's identity and distinction through its brand and uphold it to a high level of quality

Level 3: Implement & Manage: Exercises skills and knowledge independently, demonstrating ability to manage self and team responsibilities, in area of work

Social Media

Ability to represent and promote the UNDP’s work in virtual communities / networks and promote citizen engagement in UNDP's work

Level 3: Implement & Manage: Exercises skills and knowledge independently, demonstrating ability to manage self and team responsibilities, in area of work

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Secondary education. University degree on communications, public relations, media, marketing and journalism is desirable, but it is not a requirement

Experience:

• 6 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in public relations, communications or advocacy.
• 3 years of relevant experience will suffice if in possession of a Bachelor’s degree.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based management systems
• Knowledge of and experience with photography and video.
• Knowledge of and experience as influencer or with blogging and social media.
• Advanced user level with computers and office software packages.
• Good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based management systems.

Language Requirements:

• Proficiency in Spanish and English.