Communications Specialist - Public Relations and Outreach

Mid Senior Communications & PR

Overview

Develop communication strategies to enhance UNOPS's outreach and public relations

You have:

• Master's Degree preferably in Communication, Journalism, Public Administration, Economics, International Development, Political Science, or International Relations or related field.
• A first University degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Administration, Economics, International Development, Political Science, or International Relations or related field with a minimum of seven (7) years of qualifying experience may be accepted instead of the advanced university degree.
• A minimum of five years of experience in communication, public relations, outreach and/or related fields is required.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience with United Nations agencies/government/international cooperation and/or international organizations is required.
• Experience managing or preventing communicational and reputational crises is desirable.
• Experience leveraging online communication tools and methodologies (such as online monitoring, web analytics, or other online measurement tools) is desirable.
• Fluency in English and French (both written and oral) is required.

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

The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners' peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects worldwide. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to various governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

UNOPS Africa Region (AFR) has approximately 300 operational projects in 40 countries and counts over 800 personnel, with an annual delivery value of more than US$400 million. The regional portfolio of programmes and projects focuses mainly on supporting fragile and conflict-affected African states in infrastructure development and procurement in support of health, peace and security as well as social infrastructure interventions.

The office of the Regional Director - Africa provides strategic leadership, technical guidance, and advisory support and oversight to the operations across offices within the Africa region. The region’s operations are divided into five sub-regional Multi-Country Offices (MCOs). The Office of the Regional Director is based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Senior Partnerships Advisor, the Communications Specialist - Public Relations and Outreach, will have the following key responsibilities:

a. Strategic positioning of UNOPS in Africa - Monitor new initiatives from key partners in Africa and advise how UNOPS should position ourselves in relation to those. - Monitor crisis and disaster, whether man-made or natural, in Africa and coordinate with the Regional Director, relevant MCOs and PLG, what UNOPS’ response should be. - Develop positioning and business development communication materials – including in Infrastructure, renewable energy and procurement – to help showcase the expertise and experience of UNOPS in AFR and the successful implementation of projects in line with UNOPS mandated areas.

b. Outreach - Identify events at regional and global levels that are of strategic importance to UNOPS and where UNOPS AFR should take part. - Identify and/or contribute to organizing side events or panel discussions at key events for UNOPS related to Africa. Additionally, provide communications guidance to UNOPS personnel speaking at or participating in events organized by partner organizations - including preparing talking points, background research and other relevant information. - Support and provide recommendations on outreach activities with key partners, particularly those that also have regional offices based in Nairobi.

c. Management and implementation of strategic external communication - In coordination with the Senior partnerships advisor, the AFR communication specialist and the Communications Group, the specialist will oversee the implementation of the external communication strategy and the implementation action plan for the region. - Review and support the implementation of the Multi-Country Office communication strategies to ensure alignment with the regional communication strategy. - In close collaboration with the AFR Communication Specialist, the Communications Group and MCO/CO colleagues, coordinate and/or support updates to relevant pages on UNOPS website on a regular basis. - Develop, monitor and implement protocols to prevent and manage potential reputational or media communications crisis situations in coordination with the Senior partnerships Advisor, the AFR communications personnel and the Communications Group and other relevant stakeholders.

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.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) 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 - A Master's Degree preferably in Communication, Journalism, Public Administration, Economics, International Development, Political Science, or International Relations or related field; or - A first University degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Administration, Economics, International Development, Political Science, or International Relations or related field with a minimum of seven (7) years of qualifying experience may be accepted instead of the advanced university degree.

Experience - A minimum of five years of experience in communication, public relations, outreach and/or related fields is required. - A minimum of 2 years of experience with United Nations agencies/ government/ international cooperation and/or international organizations is required.

Desired qualifications (none of the below limits candidates' eligibility)

• Experience managing or preventing communicational and reputational crises is desirable.
• Experience leveraging online communication tools and methodologies (such as online monitoring, web analytics, or other online measurement tools) and developing and analyzing online communications performance indicators is desirable.
• Excellent understanding of the intersection of technology, web, design, editorial, digital, social media and multimedia platforms to tell engaging, impactful and informative stories is desirable.

Language Requirements - Fluency in English and French (both written and oral) is required.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement (IICA) Contract level: IICA-2/ ICS10 Contract duration: 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

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.

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Potential interview questions

Added 2 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: jobs.unops.org