Communications Officer

Contract

This is a LICA Specialist-8 contract. This kind of contract is known as Local Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally only for nationals. It's an external contract. It usually requires 0 years of experience, depending on education. More about LICA Specialist-8 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

Background Information – Philippines

UNOPS Philippines was established in early 2016 to support, develop and oversee UNOPS' growing portfolio of programmes and projects in the Philippines. The office currently provides implementation services to a range of projects where UNOPS works closely with development partners, the Government and the Supreme Court focusing on the Governance/Justice, health and infrastructure sector.

The office is based in Manila, Philippines with project sites in Manila and Cotabato.

UNOPS Philippines is in the process of expanding its area of engagement in cooperation with its development partners and is looking for qualified and committed personnel to join its growing country/project teams.

Background Information – Project Background

Over recent years, the Philippines has demonstrated a high potential for development. In 2013, in spite of Typhoon Haiyan, its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 7.2%, a net increase from 6.8% in 2012. The country thereby became the fastest growing amongst the five largest economies in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (also including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand) and the second in Asia after China. However, the Philippines still faces some challenges to ensure inclusive growth for its population.

With the specific aim of promoting inclusive growth by generating mass employment and reducing poverty, the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2011-2016 sets out nine key priorities. Good governance and anticorruption constitute one of the nine distinct priorities, as well as being an overarching theme to each and every intervention. Within the governance chapter, the PDP gives a particularly prominent place to the rule of law, emphasizing its function as a key driver for both economic and social development.

Despite some exceptions, traditional governance indicators for the rule of law are on an upward trend. The country's percentile rank in the general rule of law measurement of the Worldwide Governance Indicator has been steadily improving since its lowest score of 34.1 in 2009, to 36.5 in 2012 and 41.7 in 2013, although it is still far from its highest score of 52.2 in 1998. Likewise, the more detailed 2014 World Justice Project Rule of Law Index shows major gains with regard to the absence of corruption and order and security, and slight improvements regarding regulatory enforcement, constraints on government power, and fundamental rights since 2010. On the other hand, the Index also indicates some lags in the standard of civil and criminal justice, might be partly due to the contrast with improvements in other sectors more than to an actual worsening. However it nevertheless addresses the need to emphasize the areas in most need of attention.

To support the reform agenda for the rule of law as part of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2011-2016, the Government of the Philippines (GoPh) and the European Union (EU) started to implement a Justice Sector Reform Programme to contribute to a better delivery of justice services. The Justice Sector Reform Programme: Governance in Justice (GOJUST1), was implemented from 2016-2020, focused on four interrelated components laid the ground for reforms such as: strengthened sector coordination and policy-making; implementation of case decongestion and automation; improvement of administrative and financial management; and sustainability of reforms through enhanced accountability.

Building from the success of GoJUST I, EU in partnership with UNOPS and British Council agreed to support another five-year (2020-2025) Justice Sector Reform Programme: Governance in Justice II (GoJUST II). This successor project aims to strengthen the Rule of Law through a two-pronged approach by combining improved administration of justice and enhanced promotion and protection of human rights. The GoJUST II will build on the experiences and lessons learnt from the work done in the previous GoJUST I and previous EU-Philippines Justice Support Programme in the sector.

UNOPS is one of the implementing partners of GOJUST II under Indirect Management and will be responsible for the provision of logistical and administrative support, which may include the organization of training, workshops, seminars and study tours; procurement of goods and services; small works; grants management and communication and visibility.

Role Specific

Working closely with the Senior Project Manager and the Technical Assistance Teams, the Communications Officer will be responsible for the development and implementation of the Communication and Visibility Plan of the Action. Taking into consideration EU Requirements for Communications and Visibility, the Communications Officer will also facilitate both the development and dissemination of internal/external communication relating to the project’s activities, events and engagements in order to facilitate greater exposure of the project as well as to support the enhancement of community engagement knowledge as a means of bolstering public opinion and trust.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Project Manager, the Communications Officer will be responsible for all communications aspects of GoJUST II in close collaboration with the Technical Assistance Team members. He/she will also actively liaise UNOPS Philippines focal point/s and UNOPS communications units to ensure cohesiveness and internal knowledge sharing.

Accordingly, the incumbent will be required to perform the following duties and responsibilities:

Stakeholder Management

• Establish and cultivate relationships with the counterparts in GoJUST2 Project key stakeholders, Donors, Government departments, development organizations and programmes.
• Establish and cultivate partnerships with the key national, regional and local media.
• Collate and develop reports and presentations about the GoJUST2 Project & UNOPS and its activities for key stakeholders.
• Assist the UNOPS’ Focal Point for the United Nations and Communications Group in Philippines and take active part in the UNOPS Philippines Communications Unit.
• Maintain relationships with communications officers in MCO Cambodia, Asia Region, as well as with HQ CPG and external partners to gather information and advice on communications products and outreach.

Delivery and performance:

• Coordinate the development, review and updating of the Communications and Visibility Plan for the GoJUST II.
• Support in the effort to ensure timely development and implementation of activities related to the communication strategy to publicize priority issues and/or major events, to include drafting information strategies, coordinating efforts, monitoring and reporting on progress, taking appropriate follow-up actions, and analyzing the outcome.
• Assist in and coordinate all event activities in relation to the project from inception to implementation and evaluation.
• Work in close collaboration with the Project Manager to monitor and analyze current events and produce news and news media writing and proofing. Gather content and coverage of relevant efforts to further promote GoJust activities.
• Contribute to produce and manage the production of all information communication products (editorial writing, news writing, proofing, pitching, placement, branded items etc.).
• Recommend appropriate information and communication materials for use in media and other communication activities.
• Act as a focal point for all project related queries, and focal point for all communications (internal and external concerning the project, and between relevant organizations, including but not limited to: European Union, UNOPS, Philippines Supreme Court and Department of Justice and Justice Sector Coordination Council (JSCC).
• Assist in the preparation and release/dissemination of project related information is carried out in a timely, message and audience appropriate and consistent manner.
• Participate in selecting the new and media related information transmitted to key constituencies.
• Maintain and update the GoJUST project website, ensuring accurate and timely dissemination of information; Provide substantive content for the project website, highlighting project achievements and other relevant evidence-based information generating through monitoring process;
• Support the GoJUST II project team and the JSCC in the development and implementation of communication strategies.
• Support the organisation of the officials visits, press conferences and public events.
• Collaborate with mass media through activities such as organizing project site visits, facilitating photo coverage and TV footage and utilizing both web-based and traditional media as appropriate;
• Ensure monthly qualitative and quantitative analysis of project media coverage.
• Liaise and supervise the graphic designers’ work on visibility/promotional material and ensure or enhance the quality and relevance of Project and country-specific communication materials, activities, processes and messages for sharing with partners.
• Produce fact sheets for GoJUST II as well as success stories and UNOPS services in Philippines.
• Prepare briefing materials, reports, analysis of political, socio and economic trends relevant for UNOPS Philippines.
• Prepare materials for business development activities pursued by the Office, customising to specific stakeholder needs and interests.
• Contribute to development of a communications strategy for the Philippine Office covering both internal and external communications as maybe requested.
• Lead and supervise organisation of internal Office events as directed.
• Assist the UNOPS communications focal point to maintain the media contact database and the library of UNOPS Philippines media coverage.
• Contribute to the updates of UNOPS website and social network accounts; ensure that they are systematically updated and maintained.
• Support the UNOPS communication focal point in the development of key messages on UNOPS programming in the region, including for partners, local and international media.
• Ensure a well maintained and continually developed contact list of individuals, groups, organizations and fora (including Government, UN, and bilateral counterparts) for purposes of communication.
• Ensure gender mainstreaming , gender equality and diversity principles and practices are incorporated into the communications products, in accordance with the UNOPS objectives.

Procedures:

• Ensure respect of project management, procurement and communications requirements/procedures.
• Ensure efficient and effective management of the communications budget and compliance with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations (FRR).
• Ensure that communications and visibility are in line with the approved legal agreement on communication and branding for the Project.
• Contribute to identification and assessment of risks and implement mitigation measures in accordance with the UNOPS Risk Management Approach and the GoJUST II Communications & Visibility strategy.
• Contribute to planning activities and timely delivery of approved work, procurement, and financial plans for the communications activities.
• Provide accurate and quality inputs needed for monitoring of the projects’ performance, outputs , benefits and reports.
• With the guidance of the Procurement Officer, support preparation of tenders for the publicity and communication material (including print, graphics, web, audio and video).

Knowledge management:

• Participate in the UNOPS’ communities/contribute to the knowledge management and sharing in Currents.
• Contribute to identification and sharing of lessons learned and the best practices.
• Close interaction with Programme/Project staff to share information and knowledge as related to projects and communications.

Personnel management:

• Supervise external consultants/service contractors.
• Draft Terms of Reference for communications consultants/ services.
• May be asked to lead or assist with other activities in the Office as 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.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:- Advance university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent), preferably in communications, journalism, public relations, international development, linguistics, social sciences, business administration, international relation, or other relevant discipline, is required. - First-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in combination with two (2) years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advance university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent).

Experience:- Minimum one (1) year of experience (or more based on academic credentials) in a communication , public relations, journalism or relevant role is required - Experience in research and analysis, reporting, external relations, communications, advocacy, business administration, and/or outreach in international organizations is an asset. - Experience in producing analytical reports and communications products is an asset. - Experience in the humanitarian and/or development sector is an asset. - Experience in the Philippines is an asset. - Experience in international organizations and/ or the UN system is as asset. - Experience in preparing, coordinating, and leading donor reporting processes is an asset. - Proficiency in the usage of computers and G-Suite applications as well as web-based management systems is desirable. - Excellent understanding on the intersection of technology, web design, editorial, digital, social media and multimedia platforms is desirable. - Knowledge of digital media, visual communications and interactive storytelling methods is desirable. - Ability to analyze online communications using performance indicators is desirable.

Language: - Fluency in both written and spoken English is required. - Fluency in Tagalog is required - Knowledge of other regional dialects is desirable.

Contract type, level and duration

• Contract type: LICA
• Contract level: ICS-8/LICA-8
• Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
• Duty Station: Manila, Philippines. Manila is a family duty station.

****The position is open for application only for Philippines nationals and those who hold valid permission to work in the country.****

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.