Communications Officer ( Partnerships)

Contract

This is a IICA-1 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 2 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-1 contracts.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner. Within these three core areas of expertise, UNOPS provides its partners with advisory, implementation and transactional services, with projects ranging from building schools and hospitals, to procuring goods and services and training local personnel. UNOPS works closely with governments and communities to ensure increased economic, social and environmental sustainability for the projects we support, with a focus on developing national capacity.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices in development, humanitarian and peacebuilding contexts, always satisfying or surpassing partner expectations. With over 8,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it. A flexible structure and global reach means we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.

Background Information - Job-specific

THMCO

The Thailand Multi Country Office (THMCO) , established in 2017, supports, develops and oversees UNOPS’ portfolio of projects in South East Asia and Pacific. With its head office in Bangkok, the Hub comprises of three main offices: THOH Thailand, THOH Indonesia and the THOH Pacific Cluster, and its current portfolio spans HR transactional services, financial management services, procurement services and project implementation services currently being provided to a wide range of other UN entities, INGOs and Governments/Government agencies in South East Asia and the Pacific.

THMCO Thailand delivers HR Transactional services on behalf of Global clients. Through this service provision stream, THOH Thailand enhances the operational capacity of UNOPS to serve partners with large-scale and high volume HR services through need-driven corporate level project services. In support of, and to best serve client's needs, THMCO Thailand has developed and utilizes standardized and unified systems and processes born of extensive experience that ensures the highest quality of services and cost-effectiveness for partners. THMCO Indonesia on the other hand focuses on the implementation of programme management and grant management activities largely focused on promoting environmental sustainability. The THMCO Pacific Cluster, established in early 2018, was formed to support the implementation of infrastructure design, procurement, construction of infrastructure, training, programme management, and facilitate access to funding sources across 12 Pacific Small Islands Developing States (PSIDS). Activities currently explored to support Pacific Small Islands Developing States (PSIDS) deal with challenges and constraints associated with a combination of Pacific countries’ remoteness, availability of resources, demography, weather or a combination of all these factors.

In the contexts of THMCO’S ongoing operations in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Pacific, UNOPS currently is looking for a highly motivated Communications and Outreach Analyst to support THMCO’S outreach and communication activities within UNOPS and with external stakeholders.

The incumbent will report to the THMCO Senior Partnerships Development Manager and will support the implementation of THMCOs partnership and business development strategy and THOH’s communication and outreach strategy with specific focus on South East Asia and the Pacific, liaising extensively with colleagues at THMCO as well as relevant offices at UNOPS Asia Regional Office and UNOPS Headquarters.

Functional Responsibilities

The main functions of Communications Officer will be twofold, outreach and communications and shall include the following:

• Align the communications and outreach strategy to THOH’s ambitions as outlined in the THMCO’s strategic plan
• Provide support in preparing background materials for high level discussions with funding partners and with government counterparts;
• Prepare communication materials to improve the visibility of the hub;
• Identify requirements related to corporate marketing materials and the distribution thereof, as well as any reports/publications required for existing and potential clients and partners
• Share information and knowledge, and provide proactive support and follow-up in building and maintaining effective client relations
• Develop articles to increase THMCO’s visibility
• Provide support to UNOPS staff to do media outreach through publications to improve UNOPS visibility in THMCO’s countries.
• Build network and advise on best practices to increase THMCO branding and outreach
• Support the implementation of the THOH partnerships strategy for Thailand, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Pacific countries;
• Provide regular support in updating the THMCO partnerships strategy and provide suggestions to improve its functionality and usage;
• Investigate economic conditions surrounding relevant business activities, for instance industry trends and competition and prepare briefing notes as needed;
• Conduct extensive market research into the life cycle of business ideas and projects;
• Provide support in identifying critical inputs for high level proposals and concept notes to be delivered to a wide range of funding partners;
• Backstop the THMCO partnerships team in Thailand, Indonesia, PNG, and the Pacific when and as needed
• Draft concept notes, project documents, project briefs, proposals, presentations for further discussion with clients and donors.
• Active participation in the identification, design, formulation and negotiation of new projects and programs and development of appropriate engagement proposals through a targeted approach.
• Any other partnership tasks and duties within the purview of the Communications and Outreach Analyst as directed by the supervisor to ensure the support to THOH’s communications and resource mobilization activities.

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:

• Bachelor's degree in political sciences, journalism international relations, development studies, social science, or related fields is required.
• Master’s degree in the above mentioned field would be a strong asset.

Experience:

• Minimum two (2) years of experience in communications, branding, outreach or related fields is required;
• Minimum one (1) year of relevant work experience in resource mobilization, marketing, research or related fields is required;
• Experience in developing knowledge products and articles for a wide range of audiences desired;
• Strong networking, communication, negotiation and presentation skills desired;
• Excellent communication skills required;
• Excellent research and drafting skills required;
• Good time management skills required; and
• Experience of working in the UN system is an added advantage.

Language: - Fluency in English is required.

Certifications:

Certification in PRINCE2 Foundation is desirable.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual contractor Agreement (LICA) Contract level: ICS-8, IICA-1 Contract duration: Open-ended.

The position is based in a family duty station.

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 Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.