Communications Associate SC7

The World Food Programme is the world's largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide. The mission of WFP is to help the world achieve Zero Hunger in our lifetimes. Every day, WFP works worldwide to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry and that the poorest and most vulnerable, particularly women and children, can access the nutritious food they need.

JOB TITLE: Communications Associate

TYPE OF CONTRACT: Service Contract (SC7)

UNIT/DIVISION: Communications and Fundraising

DUTY STATION (City, Country): Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

BACKGROUND

Currently designing the next 5-year-plan, WFP contributes to the objectives of the UNDAF/UN Cooperation Framework and the work of the United Nations in the Kyrgyz Republic with its current Country Strategic Plan for 2018–2022, which focuses on five Strategic Outcomes:

1. Providing hot school meals for primary school-aged children (SO1);
2. Supporting vulnerable and food insecure smallholders to enhance their livelihoods (SO2);
3. Strengthening resilience to shocks and climate change for vulnerable communities (SO3);
4. Capacity-strengthening of government institutions for a comprehensive food security and nutrition management system (SO4);
5. Emergency support and early recovery (SO5).

The communications and fundraising unit in the Country Office, which includes delivery of a high-quality support from the unit to maintain and enhance the visibility and reputation of WFP, timely preparation and distribution of information products to target audience(s) and position WFP with donor community and wider public to attract resources and foster support by raising the WFP profile and exploring new opportunities for collaboration.

PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

To perform specialised communications activities, and contribute to the development of communications products/services and campaigns that maintain and enhance the visibility and reputation of WFP and supports fundraising activities.

Supervision received: The Communications Associate is directly supervised by the Head of Unit.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES (not all-inclusive, nor exhaustive):

1. Coordinate and deliver specialised communications processes and activities, in order to support the timely preparation and execution of communications campaigns for target audiences.
2. Liaise with the media and other key constituents, providing and facilitating a regular flow of information and messages on WFP activities, policies and operations to key audiences.
3. Coordinate and make recommendations on event planning, ensuring appropriate services, equipment, plans and suitable materials are made available.
4. Provide substantive, specialised support, coordination and recommendations that ensure the efficient production of video/film, photographic and radio projects.
5. Monitor traditional and social media and report relevant information to senior staff to inform the development and/or evaluation of communication activities and strategies.
6. Prepare content for use on traditional and social media platforms, and networks, as well as ensure provision of outgoing messages through traditional and social media to enhance coverage and support of WFP’s activities, ensuring consistency with corporate messages.
7. Generate donor specific visibility content including text, photos, videos and audio for various communications purposes, including social media, reporting and fund-raising activities.
8. Support the implementation of country specific donor relations and fundraising activities ensuring alignment with overall WFP strategies and policies (at least 30 percent of tasks).
9. Research, recommend and assist with the development of content used on traditional and social media platforms and networks to enhance coverage and support of WFP’s activities, ensuring cost effectiveness and consistency with corporate messages.
10. Promote and provide advice on communications guidelines, to ensure that core procedures and policies are followed.
11. Ensure that relevant information is collected, and maintained in appropriate files and databases, by self or others, so that accurate records are available for others to access.
12. Support other units with proofreading high-level letters and other documents in Kyrgyz, Russian and English.
13. Manage a broad range of day-to-day questions and information requests from internal and external stakeholders, using specialised knowledge to respond to these in a timely, appropriate manner.
14. Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, in order to keep abreast of relevant information, and deliver aligned, coherent Communications processes and activities.
15. Contribute to the development of communications methods and processes in order to improve their effectiveness and increase awareness of WFP’s work to the media and stakeholders.
16. Under guidance, perform the focal point role for WFP’s Russian language website - www.wfp.org/ru by producing tailor-made material and translating/adapting the corporate content including videos, animated graphics, photo materials, web banners, info graphics and other multimedia features on regular basis.
17. Other as required.

DESIRED EXPERIENCES FOR ENTRY INTO THE ROLE:

• Has demonstrated a strong understanding of WFP communication techniques and activities and awareness of the socio-political context in which WFP operates through day-to-day work.

• Has provided coaching or training to new staff members within area of expertise.

FUNCTIONAL CAPABILITIES:

Capability Name

Description of the behaviour expected for the proficiency level

Media and Influencer

Relationship Management

Demonstrates ability to respond to and/or escalate needs of media and influencers within own scope of responsibility to raise the profile of WFP, build relationships and further organisational aims.

Media and Communication Expertise

Collates accurate and timely information presented in required format (i.e. written or visual materials) as well as verbally, to enable information flows and informed decision making on communications issues.

Specialised Knowledge in Communications

Demonstrates specialised knowledge of technical communications best practice. Contributes directly to the development of effective communication materials in various media through defined specialised processes and activities, which supports defined communication work plans and strategies.

Sociopolitical Contextual Understanding

Shows good understanding of the multilateral/interagency environment and the dynamics in which WFP operates to formulate recommendations to management which will inform decision making.

Communication Strategy and Planning

Demonstrates good understanding of WFP communications strategy. Effectively develops, evaluates, updates and implements tailored media and communications plans within area of responsibility which support delivery of the strategy.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Excellent computer and web literacy, general understanding of UN system policies, rules and regulations.
• Experience in all aspects of communications ‐ from planning to design and production, event management and brand management
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with traditional, digital and emerging communications platforms. Social media experience essential.
• Strong networking capabilities and good contacts with national media, including media agencies in the regions.
• Strong presentation and writing skills and demonstrated ability to calibrate communications to resonate with internal and external target audiences
• Photography, videography and editing skills preferred
• Demonstrated abilities to manage multiple priorities, projects and internal/external resources in a fast‐paced environment, while meeting deadlines and budget requirements.
• Relevant experience in media relations for United Nations or NGO organizations.
• Expertise in web editing and web promotion.

Education: Completion of secondary school education. A post-secondary certificate in the related functional area.

Language: Fluency (level C) in both oral and written communication in English and in the duty station’s languages (Kyrgyz and Russian).

TALENTED WOMEN ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

We look for applicants with the highest integrity and professionalism who share our humanitarian values. We commit to promote diversity, gender parity and equality between men and women.

WFP strives to build a work environment that is safe and respectful, and free of sexual harassment and abuse of authority. We believe in open communication, and every individual at WFP is treated with respect regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, religious and political beliefs, etc.

Closing date: 14 June 2022

This position is open ONLY to Kyrgyz citizens or those authorized to live and work in the Kyrgyz Republic according to national regulations. Applicants who do not meet this criterion will not be considered for this position.

WFP does not charge any fees at any stage of its recruitment process.

Only candidates who are short-listed will be contacted.