Communications Expert

Contract

This is a UNV International Expert contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Expert contracts.

This is required at a time when the UN system can face a lot of criticism from those who perceive its presence is not justified and legitimizes the de facto military authorities, and its impact is insufficient due to poor access.

Communications has a key role to play in showing the impact of UNDP across its seven projects in spite of the challenges and criticisms faced.

Under the direct supervision of UNDP Resident Representative, the International UN Volunteer will carry out the following tasks:

• Provide strategic direction and guidance for UNDP’s communications in Myanmar, including implementing and revising (when necessary) the communications framework/strategy. • Develop communications content for social media, the UNDP website, and media publications that reflect the challenges faced by people in Myanmar, and the impact UNDP is having on addressing those challenges. • Support the resident representative and deputy resident representative with communications materials targeting the donor community. • Monitor news publications and social media for developments that pose an opportunity for UNDP to communicate about issues related to its mandate. • Produce communications content to coincide with select international days, such as Human Rights Day and International Day of Disaster Risk Reduction. • Manage the UNDP Myanmar website, ensuring news content and publications are uploaded, and project pages are kept up to date. • Manage media outreach with journalists, including developing relationships, responding to enquires, and drafting press releases and lines. • Together with the national communications officer, upload bilingual content in English and Burmese on the Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages of UNDP Myanmar. • Build the communications skills of the national communications officer. • Where possible, visit project sites to collect audio-visual content and interview people who have been reached by UNDP’s programme. • Together with the national communications officer, draft and design brochures and factsheets for public and donor audiences. • Attend and contribute to the UN Communications Group meetings to ensure UNDP’s perspective is represented and the wider UN communications network is aware of UNDP content updates. • Develop and implement comprehensive crisis communication strategies to effectively respond to and manage emergencies, including coordinating with other UN agencies and relevant partners. • Coordinate with the UNDP Bangkok hub to ensure Myanmar is represented in regional communications products, including the monthly email digest.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: • 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 in-stance in events that mark International Volunteer Day). • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country. • Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities. • 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, org encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

Results/Expected Outputs • One feature story on UNDP’s impact on the website every month. • At least four cross-platform social media post every month. • Develop content for four international UN days in one year. • Myanmar referenced in each Bangkok regional hub monthly newsletter. • Secure four feature stories or op-eds in international and regional media in one year.

☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Communication ☒ Creativity ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Professionalism ☒ Respect for Diversity ☒ Self-Management ☒ Technological Awareness ☒ Working in Teams

communications and outreach at the national and/ or international level, including at least one year in web content editing/ publishing (relevant experience); Proficiency in the use of content management systems, HTML coding, photo editing tools, and other web publishing tools; Good knowledge of internet communications, marketing and outreach activities; Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; Ability to work effectively a multicultural team of international and national personnel; Excellent oral and written skills; Excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing.

Myanmar, officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, is a sovereign state in Southeast Asia bordered by Bangladesh, India, China, Laos and Thailand. One-third of Burma's total perimeter of 1,930 km (1,200 miles) forms an uninterrupted coastline along the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. The country has an estimated population of 51 million people. Myanmar's capital city is Naypyidaw, and its largest city is Yangon. The country is ethnically diverse. The government recognizes 135 distinct ethnic groups, but the Bamar form an estimated 68% of the population. Temperatures in Myanmar can vary from place to place. In general, the Myanmar climate is hot throughout the year, with temperatures averaging 27 degrees Celsius or 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The months of March, April, and May the weather in Myanmar can be very hot and humid, especially around the coastal regions. This increase in temperature is caused by the onset of the rainy season. Despite the hot temperatures, there are areas that can be quite pleasant. The interior areas such as Inle Lake and Bagan can be quite a bit cooler than the coastal regions. The mountainous areas can also be cooler as they have a much higher altitude. Yangon is the busiest and most populous city in Myanmar. Yangon served as the capital of Myanmar until 2006, when the military government relocated the capital to the purpose-built city of Nay Pyi Taw in central Myanmar. With over 7 million people, Yangon is Myanmar's largest city and its most important commercial Centre. Yangon boasts of all modern amenities, malls, hotels, cafes and a well-served international/domestic airport.