Communications Officer

Contract

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

This position is part of the Resident Coordinator Multi-Country Office in Micronesia – a new Resident Coordinator Office created as a result of Multi-Country Office Review, with the view to support efficiently the five Micronesian countries (Palau, FSM, RMI, Kiribati and Nauru). The role of the Resident Coordinator in the context of the UN Reform has changed from coordination of planning (UNDAF) to coordination of both planning and joint implementation as a primary way of effectively and efficiently delivering results. Ensuring a highly consultative planning process is just one of the steps towards good results, but implementation, monitoring, evidence-based programme management equally matter and that’s where the Resident Coordinator function is moving now to. To capacitate the Resident Coordinator Office to play a critical role in strategic joint programming takes time. In the context of the Multi-Country Office, organizing work outside the MCO hub is even more demanding of country presence and vision. In order to strengthen coordination, deploying UN Volunteers to assess the gaps, provide transitional support and help with enforcement of the reform, assisting the dialogue between the RCO, UN Country Team and counterparts and stakeholders is a business model that is highly effective for the Pacific MCOs.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Head of the Resident Coordinator’s Office or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Communications Associate will:

Summary of Functions: 1. Plans and facilitates strategic advocacy and programme communications in support of the UNCF

• Provides substantive support to the Resident Coordinator (RC) and UN Country Team (UNCT) in designing, implementing and monitoring the UN joint advocacy and communication strategy, promoting the UNCF as the primary instrument for the planning and implementation of UN development activities in the country, in support of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; • Researches, analyzes and presents inputs to the RC and UNCT on strategic advocacy and programme communications for the 2030 Agenda and to boost impact of programmatic objectives under the UNCF; • Plans and facilitates the promotion of advocacy and communications as a tool for a participatory approach to UNCF implementation and monitoring, reflecting the views and priorities of people, including those left farthest behind; • Monitors and analyzes the media in the areas related to the UN’s mandates and programmes in the country, as well as other issues relevant to the UN brand and positioning; • Provides substantive support to the RC and UNCT on public messaging and media outreach, and assists in managing reputational risks or crises around sensitive issues; • Identifies and assesses potential issues, concerns and risks related to communications and advocacy, and suggests corrective actions to the RC and UNCT, UNPS Coordination Group and Results Groups; • Plans and facilitates the work of the UN Communications Group throughout the stages of the UNCF cycle; • In collaboration with the UN Communications Group and the UNPS Coordination Group, and in coordination with the RCO colleagues responsible for data management and results reporting, prepares the annual communication plan to publicize and communicate results with a focus on the UN’s development impact; • Assists the RC and UNCT in projecting the UN’s image effectively and accurately as well as promoting transparency and accountability; • Provides substantive support to ensure that communication performance indicators are identified, incorporated, monitored and reported on throughout the UNCF cycle.

2. Contributes to partnership building and media relations

• Plans and facilitates the engagement of key traditional and non-traditional partners, including government, civil society, private sector, development partners and others new as well as traditional actors on the collective 2030 Agenda and the related role and impact of the UN’s work in country; • Provides substantive support to the RC and UNCT in significantly expanding public outreach on the 2030 Agenda and the UN’s role and impact in country; • Plans and facilitates public engagement on the UN’s role and work in country, including through programme visits showcasing the UN’s development impact; • Undertakes regular liaison with other partners for content development, information exchange, collaborative communication efforts, and innovative communication and advocacy tools, as assigned; • Compiles and analyzes communication experiences and shares findings with country, regional and HQ communication colleagues so that best practices benefit the UN’s communication work; • Develops and maintains close working relationships with the media, including editors and journalists in key national and international news outlets; develops, maintains and updates media relations contact list/database; • Prepares official briefing materials, talking points, speeches, statements, op-eds and presentations as necessary.

3. Plans and facilitates digital communications

• Develops and maintains external and internal digital communications platforms such as the UN country team website, official UN country team social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, etc.), Intranet and on-line collaboration platforms, etc.; • Plans and facilitates the development and implementation of a digital content strategy and contributes to the development of key communications and advocacy products (e.g. human-interest stories, multilingual and multimedia content, etc.). • Conducts exercises exploring the applicability of new and emerging tools and techniques to digital communications and advocacy activities to reach a wider, younger audience.

4. Provides substantive support for publications and branding management

• Provides substantive support to the RC and UNCT on joint UN publications ensuring high quality standards and the correct application of the UN branding guidelines and the UN publishing standards. • Prepares inputs for the RC and UNCT on the use of the UN joint brand at country level across UN content and products, both offline and online. • Plans and organizes launch events for joint UN publications, coordinating with author entities in the UN country team and relevant local partners, including host country authorities, media representatives, members of academia, etc. to ensure high visibility and impact.

5. Plans and facilitates the local promotion of United Nations global communications and advocacy priorities on the work of the United Nations in other key thematic areas

• Provides substantive support to the United Nations Department of Global Communications in adapting and localizing global communications and advocacy priorities promoting the work of the United Nations in key thematic areas. • Advises the Resident Coordinator on possible sources of funding and in-kind support and partnerships that could be leveraged for promoting localized global campaigns, galvanizing local, regional and global support as relevant. • Conducts educational outreach activities, including the organization of Model United Nations conferences and public-speaking engagements at local educational institutions with support from and/or the participation of the Resident Coordinator and/or the UN country team. • Evaluates results and impact of communications and advocacy initiatives promoting the work of the United Nations in key thematic areas other than development, reporting the outcome to the Resident Coordinator, the UN country team and the United Nations Department of Global Communications.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to integrate the UN Volunteers programme mandate within their assignment and promote voluntary action through engagement with communities in the course of their work. As such, UN Volunteers should dedicate a part of their working time to some of the following suggested activities:

• 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 instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); • Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; • Provide annual and end of assignment self- reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities.
• 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, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

13. Results/expected outputs

Responsibilities: Within delegated authority, the Development Coordination Officer, Programme Communications and Advocacy will be responsible for the following duties:

1. Plans and facilitates strategic, advocacy and programme communications in support of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNCF)
2. Contributes to partnership building and media relations
3. Plans and facilitates digital communications
4. Provides substantive support for publications and branding management
5. Assists in the local promotion of United Nations global communications and advocacy priorities on the work of the United Nations in other key thematic areas.

• Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

• Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

• Commitment to Continuous Learning: Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.

communications or advocacy or other relevant programmes at the national and/or international level; experience with international organisations is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization; • Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills; • Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; • Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; • Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; • Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) is considered a hardship level C duty station in terms of ICSC rankings. The country is in the centre of the Pacific Ocean, has an estimated population of around 120,000 and comprises four states: Pohnpei, Kosrae, Chuuk and Yap. The RCO/MCO is based in the state capital of Pohnpei, Kolonia, the most populated state (approx. 35,000).

Pohnpei has one international airport with flights to Guam and Hawaii, as well as to the four states. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, access to FSM and Pohnpei, in particular, is strictly controlled by the state authorities. The country has been slowly opening up and it’s expected that normal flights will resume in the first half of 2022.

Access to health services is very limited. There are two basic hospitals on Kolonia, but there are no specialists in country and complete lab analyses are not possible. There are no international schools or those that meet international standards in Kolonia, but there are several ecclesiastic secondary schools.

In terms of leisure and sports opportunities, there is a well-equipped private gym and a more basic state-run gym, as well as a track and field track. It is possible to practise all manner of water sports including diving, sailing, boat trips, snorkelling, paddling etc. There are also numerous opportunities for hiking.

Accommodation is limited but available at a range of price scales. Flats tend to be more readily available than houses. Most accommodation is within an easy distance of the UN office. Taxis are available at very little cost but they are limited in availability and not very reliable, so it is recommended to buy a car in order to ensure freedom of movement.

Nearly all goods and food stuffs available are imported. There are a few basic restaurants and bars in Kolonia and several supermarkets and large stores where all basic and imported foods stuffs and non-food items are available. Furniture and more luxury items are rarely available. Cars are difficult to purchase in country but can be imported cheaply. Only limited fresh fruit and vegetables are available seasonally and not on a regular basis.

Federated States of Micronesia is a unique country. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.