Communications Officer

Volunteering Admin Interpretation & Translation Communications & PR

Overview

Support communication activities for awareness-raising and public service delivery.

You have:

• 3 years of experience in communications, public relations, journalism, or related fields.
• Experience with digital communication platforms, content creation, and media relations is an asset.
• Knowledge of strategic communication approaches, media outreach, and social media management.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; strong drafting, formulation, and reporting abilities.
• Familiarity with communication for development tools and approaches.
• Solid computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with design tools is an asset.

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.

This United Nations Volunteers (UNV) assignment is part of the USAID-funded LEAP project, or LAO PDR Efficiency and Accessibility of Public Services (LEAP) Project, which aims to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, accessibility, and inclusivity of public services, ultimately improving the quality of service delivery and development outcomes for the public. The project is delivered in a context characterised by societal change, including rapid digital transformation, and various challenges, including macroeconomic instability and ongoing recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The overall aim of the project is to improve governance outcomes and people’s involvement and satisfaction with them. This will be done by partnering with the Ministry of Home Affairs (especially with the Department of Public Administration Development) to strengthen public service delivery, and with Lao PDR citizens and their organisations. • Outcome 1: Public administration meets the needs of citizens through a more efficient and effective service delivery in Lao PDR and local governance is more accountable and transparent. • Outcome 2: Civil society of Lao PDR plays a strong role in promoting effective, inclusive, and accountable public services while acting as a key stakeholder in national-level policy discussions.

The project will strengthen the One Door Service Centers (ODSCs), a modality of delivering different public services in one place at the local level, including supporting the standardization of operational procedures and the digital transformation of ODSC functions. ODSCs face sustainability challenges, such as closures and resource shortages, thus the project will also focus on supporting local authorities to improve ODSCs’ financial stability. Well-functioning local government is pivotal in ensuring effective and equitable service access, particularly in remote areas. However, ODSCs’ effectiveness is currently impacted by high regulatory burdens, excessive fees, and limited government capacity. Thus, the implementation of this strategy presents a key opportunity for modernizing, improving, and making more inclusive service delivery nationwide. Non-profit organisations have played a vital role in contributing to the development of the government’s public services agenda, promoting citizen participation, and helping improve clarity of national and local governance. The project will also work with some non-profit organisations in promoting improved and more equitable public service delivery.

Under the supervision of the Project Manager for the LEAP Project and in coordination with the Governance Unit, the Communications Officer will be responsible for supporting the implementation of communication and outreach activities to raise awareness of One-Door Service Centers (ODSCs), online applications, and Mobile ODSCs, as well as acting as the communications focal point for the Governance Unit. Key tasks will include:

LEAP Project Awareness-Raising Campaign Implementation • Create a LEAP communications plan 2025 and translate it into monthly and/or quarterly communications plans based also on USAID communication plans and guidelines. • Support the design and execution of a national awareness-raising campaign to promote ODSC services, online applications, and Mobile ODSCs. • Develop multimedia content such as videos, radio spots, social media posts, and website updates to engage diverse audiences coordinating also with the MEL consultant for evidence-based products. • Coordinate with the contracted national communications expert or enterprise to produce and disseminate advertisements and promotional materials.

Stakeholder Engagement and Workshops • Organize workshops to educate stakeholders, including service users, about ODSC services, online applications, and Mobile ODSCs. • Collaborate with the Ministry of Technology and Communications and other line ministries to leverage expertise in advertising digital services. • Assist in close coordination with the procurement team, printers, and other suppliers, as needed to for printing and production, and dissemination of communication materials and publication. • Support to gain access to journalists and subject-matter experts. • Support in responding to inquiries for public information materials.

Content Development and Management • Contribute to the creation and management of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA)-run Public Services Information Portal to provide accurate and accessible service information. • Ensure consistency and quality of communication materials, aligning with UNDP’s Communication & Outreach Strategy. • Support the identification and the development of storylines for publications and draft substantive articles that contribute to and generate conversations on key development issues targeted by the project.

Strategic Marketing and Outreach • Assist in the planning and deployment of a strategic marketing campaign to increase community awareness and encourage the use of ODSC services. • Carry out assessments to identify key messages and target audiences, ensuring the representation of diverse perspectives, particularly focusing on gender and inclusivity, including disability-inclusive communications. • Monitor the effectiveness of communication campaigns and provide regular updates to the Project Manager and Governance Unit.

Governance Unit Focal Point Responsibilities • Act as the communications focal point for the Governance Unit, supporting internal and external communication needs, including those based on CO strategic priorities and the UNDP External Communication Action Plan • Support and participate in the UN Communication Group and other relevant technical working group. • Develop communication materials, including reports, newsletters, and presentations, to highlight the Governance Unit’s initiatives and achievements. • Maintain relationships with media outlets, stakeholders, and partners to enhance the visibility of Governance Unit activities.

General Responsibilities • Ensure alignment of communication efforts with UNDP’s branding guidelines and values and with USAID branding guidelines for the LEAP project. • Support the development and implementation of communication strategies for other projects within the Governance Unit as needed. • Work closely with the Communications Analyst and country office management to ensure communication strategies support achievement of CPD targets. • Perform other related duties as required to ensure the success of the LEAP Project and the Governance Unit’s communication goals.

• Accountability • Adaptability and flexibility • Creativity and innovation in communication strategies • Judgement and decision-making in sensitive communication contexts • Planning and organizing communication campaigns and events • Professionalism in dealing with media and stakeholders • Self-management and ability to work independently • Cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in messaging and communication materials • Teamwork and collaboration with internal and external partners

• 3 years of experience in communications, public relations, journalism, or related fields; experience with digital communication platforms, content creation, and media relations is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organizations. • Knowledge of strategic communication approaches, media outreach, and social media management. • Excellent oral and written communication skills; strong drafting, formulation, and reporting abilities. • Accuracy and professionalism in producing and editing documents, press releases, and visual materials. • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including grassroots community members, local authorities, and other development partners. • Familiarity with communication for development tools and approaches. • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a dynamic and challenging environment; capacity to perform effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel. • Solid computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), email, and internet; familiarity with design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) is an asset. • Self-motivated, capable of working independently and meeting tight deadlines. • Sound security awareness. • Have affinity with or interest in communication for development, volunteerism as a mechanism for sustainable development, and the UN system.

The position will be based in the capital, Vientiane. Living conditions in Vientiane are comfortable but residents must make concessions due to the tropical climate and underdeveloped infrastructure, including health facilities.

Vientiane is a relatively safe place to live in, with violent crime incidents very rare. However, single females should be vigilant if moving alone during the dark and it is best advised to move in groups. The biggest hazards relate to traffic accidents; hence utmost care should be exerted when in traffic, especially when riding a motorbike. Volunteers must have a motorbike licence to ride a motorbike in Lao PDR. The Vientiane entertainment scene is still quiet and to avoid feeling lonely, the person should be proactive in forming friendships and hence should be ready to make the best of e.g. the UNV Buddy Programme.

There is a wide range of housing options in Vientiane located within easy reach of the UNDP office. Houses or apartments are usually of good standards. All basic commodities can be bought in Vientiane and its immediate vicinity. The UNV Office in Laos will assist the UNV in finding adequate accommodation. House shares with 3-4 people are most common, but single apartments are also available. Vientiane’s city centre is full of restaurants, shops, bars, and internet cafes with many lined up along the Mekong River.

Laos is a former French colony but is looking towards modernism despite its huge historical and cultural legacy. Surrounded by China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, Laos has established a business-friendly environment over the years. It thus attracts foreign investment and provides many professional opportunities to expatriates. Lao people are friendly and show tolerance and an open-minded approach to visitors in their country, but their culture and values should always be respected. Lao is a unique and mysterious country. It provides an interesting and enriching environment but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as some commitment to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and will to adapt are necessary to live in a lovely yet developing country.

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Potential interview questions

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