Communications Specialist

Contract

This is a IICA-2 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 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-2 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

Background on South East Asia and the Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO):

UNOPS South East Asia and Pacific Multi Country Office (EAPMCO) supports, develops and oversees the UNOPS portfolio of projects in South East Asia and the Pacific. EAPMCO was established in January 2023 following the merger of the Thailand Multi-Country Office, which covered 20 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific, and the Cambodia Multi-Country Office, which covered 4 countries South East Asia - 3 countries in the Mekong Sub-region (Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam) and the Philippines. EAPMCO currently covers 24 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific. With its head office in Bangkok, the Multi-Country Office comprises nine EAPMCOs: EAPMCO Thailand, EAPMCO Indonesia, EAPMCO Pacific Operations Cluster, EAPMCO Papua New Guinea, EAPMCO China, EAPMCO Vietnam, EAPMCO Lao PDR, EAPMCO Philippines and EAPMCO Cambodia.

In 2022, the UNOPS EAPMCO implemented projects worth more than USD 95.7 million, in the areas of Energy Transition, Digital Transformations, Sustainable Environmental Management, Climate Change, Waste Management, Rule of Law and Access to Justice, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Post Conflict Reintegration, Emergency Relief, Post COVID19 Economic Transformations, and Health, through HR, procurement, construction, contract management, fund and program management services.

The Multi Country Office head office in Bangkok provides strategic direction, operational support, delivery oversight and assurance of the excellence of business processes and quality standards across all of the entire Multi Country Office locations. It is also responsible for developing, delivering and managing the portfolio of engagements in the country of the MCO location itself.

Background on EAPMCO Papua New Guinea

The EAPMCO Papua New Guinea was formed in early 2020 to support the implementation of design and construction of infrastructure, sustainable procurement, capacity development to support technical and governance excellence, programme management, and to facilitate access to funding sources in Papua New Guinea.

As an established office since 2022, EAPMCO PNG is demonstrating significant growth and portfolio diversification potential in a short period of time. Working with an increasing number of development partners, in 2023 EAPMCO PNG is quickly being recognised as a responsive and quality partner in climate change resilient infrastructure, sustainable procurement and governance support to the Government of PNG in its service delivery obligations to the people.

EAPMCO Papua New Guinea Project Information

Ongoing Projects

Renewable Energy Projects are funded by the Australian government (DFAT) and implemented by UNOPS. The project’s main objectives are to develop practical and sustainable solutions to the provision of energy access in Telefomin, Daru, Buka and Baiyer. The Communication role will work closely with the Project Managers to understand key messaging for the communities involved and develop consistent and reliable representation of the projects across a range of media platforms for the broader stakeholder cohort.

New Projects

UNOPS PNG office has a number of new projects that are currently being established across the country. Activity is expected to start immediately and a solid platform of multimodal communication to reach various stakeholders is required. These projects have the potential to significantly develop UNOPS profile in key service lines of renewable energy, health infrastructure and sustainable procurement, climate change resilient infrastructure and community development infrastructure projects in PNG.

Background information - Job specific:

The UNOPS Papua New Guinea (PNG) Country Office is responsible for supporting the implementation of UNOPS projects in the country. The office works closely with national counterparts and partners to deliver infrastructure, procurement, and project management services.

The Communications Officer will be based in Port Moresby and will support the PNG Country Office in strengthening its communication and outreach efforts. The position will be responsible for enhancing internal and external communication, increasing visibility, and promoting the work of UNOPS in Papua New Guinea.

The position will also collaborate closely with the broader UNOPS EAPMCO Communication team, to increase the profile of UNOPS PNG and advance the overall visibility and outreach ambitions of EAPMCO.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Project Manager IICA3, the Communications specialist will undertake the following duties and responsibilities:

1. Content development:

• Develop and disseminate high-quality multimedia communication products.
• Draft high-quality copy for external news stories, newsletters, factsheets, and web content.
• Draft and post social media content for UNOPS PNG-owned channels, in line with UN and UNOPS requirements.
• Identify and amplify communication content from UNOPS PNG to the EAPMCO communication level.
• Develop PNG focused content for the EAPMCO communication level as required.
• Assist with monitoring social media analytics and adapting content as required.

2. Coordinate project-based communications:

• Advise on and coordinate project-level communications, in collaboration with the Senior Project Manager, EAPMCO Partnership Specialist and relevant project teams.
• Actively identify and capitalize on communication and outreach opportunities to enhance the visibility and recognition of UNOPS PNG among partners.
• Work closely with development/donor partners to understand diplomatic protocols and expectations in event management and implement these demonstrating attention to detail.
• Systematically amplify project and country level content to the EAPMCO level.
• Ensure data and visualization quality in internal and external communications, such as intranet, presentations, monthly newsletters, and brochures.
• Support the organization of promotional events and high-level meetings in coordination with the HQ Communication Group and other units, as directed.
• Provide guidance and support to all UNOPS PNG personnel on effective media outreach, positioning, and strategic visibility.
• Share information and knowledge, and provide proactive support and follow-up to build and maintain effective project-communications unit relations.

3. Strategic communications planning:

• Develop and implement the communication strategy and plan for UNOPS PNG in collaboration with the UNOPS team and in support of achieving its strategic objectives.
• Assist in the development of a communication network and best practices across UNOPS PNG project locations.
• Contribute to the implementation of EAPMCO strategic communications, and planning on the MCO level.
• Develop and maintain the editorial calendar based on project and Country Office needs.
• Coordinate and collaborate with EAPMCO level communication teams.
• Identify and implement opportunities to increase partnerships and resource mobilization through effective communications and visibility.

4. Support to stakeholder management:

• Represent UNOPS in relevant communication groups and develop joint agency communication opportunities, including organizing events, meetings, and workshops.
• Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to increase the visibility of UNOPS PNG, as directed.

5. Knowledge management:

• Participate in UNOPS communities of practice and contribute to knowledge management and sharing.
• Contribute to the identification and sharing of lessons learned and best practices.
• Collaborate closely with project staff to share project-related information and knowledge.

6. Other:

• Mainstream Gender Equality and Social Inclusion principles in all communications.
• Monitor and report on the impact of communications, tailoring the approach as required.
• Perform any other communications tasks as directed by the supervisor to support UNOPS PNG's communications and resource mobilization activities.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization. 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. 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:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in social sciences, journalism, international relations, development studies, political science, or related fields.
• A first university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the above-mentioned fields with two (2) additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree or higher degrees.

Experience:

• Minimum five (5) years of relevant experience in communications, branding, outreach, or related fields in combination with a relevant advanced university degree is required.
• Minimum one (1) year of relevant work experience in international development communications content development is required.
• Experience in developing, disseminating, and monitoring the reach of knowledge products, social media content, and articles for a wide range of audiences is an asset.
• Experience working with graphic design and video production, and familiarity with creating slide decks, info sheets, social media content, and other standard communication products is desired.
• Experience of working in an international context is desirable.
• Understanding of local contextual knowledge in Papua New Guinea is an advantage.
• Experience of working in the UN system is an added advantage.

Languages:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Working knowledge of Tok Pisin is an asset.
• Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.

Contract type, level and duration

1. Contract type: IICA
2. Contract level: ICS 10 / IICA-2
3. Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’

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

Disclaimer: If the selected candidate is a national of the duty station, a Local Individual contractor Agreement will be issued.

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.
• Port Moresby is a family duty station.

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.