Development Coordination Officer, Programme Communications and Advocacy

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Monday 20 Mar 2023 at 00:00 UTC

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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.

Lao PDR has been at the forefront of SDG localization under the leadership of the Prime Minister, who chairs the national SDG Steering Committee, and with lead support by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Lao Statistics Bureau. Nearly 60 per cent of the indicators of the 8th National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2016-2020) is linked to the SDG indicators. Lao PDR has also adopted an 18th national SDG on Lives Safe From UXO. The inter-sectoral objectives of the Agenda 2030 are also promoted by the National Round Table Process – the national policy and development coordination mechanism, which is led by the Government with lead support from the UN Country Team.

The Development Coordination Officer, Programme Communications and Advocacy, is as a team member of the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) in Lao PDR and reports to the RCO Head of Office.

The UN Country Team (UNCT) is led by the UN Resident Coordinator (RC), the designated representative of the UN Secretary-General in the Lao PDR. The RC leads the UN’s overall engagement and cooperation with Lao PDR, and strategic guidance and coordination for the operational activities of the UN System and its agencies, funds and programmes at the country level, ensuring that the UN System is able to provide efficient and effective development support. Lao PDR is a Delivering as One Country, where UN agencies work closely together, building on the diversity of expertise and respective comparative advantages.

The RCO serves as the secretariat to the RC and UNCT, providing organizational, advisory and management support, and facilitating the UN System’s joint strategic planning. The RCO draws on the expertise and experience of the entire UN family, promoting information exchange, cooperation and collaboration among UN agencies, and supporting joint initiatives, for instance on the localization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The RCO is charged with supporting the RC to coordinate the many UN agencies operating in Lao PDR. The office supports strategic and day-to-day coordination among UN agencies, as well as the overall engagement of the UN with the Lao Government and development partners. The work of the RCO includes joint communication and outreach on behalf of the UN system in Lao PDR.

The UN Communications Group (UNCG) in Lao PDR was established in 2008 to ensure a joint approach to UN messaging, communication and outreach in Lao PDR. The UNCG is comprised of members from various UN agencies, funds and programmes, and the group aims to increase the knowledge and visibility of the UN and the development priorities of Lao PDR among UN agencies, government, civil society, national media and international development partners as well as in the private sector.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of The RCO Head of Office or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Development Coordination Officer, Programme Communications and Advocacy will:

  1. Plans and facilitates strategy advocacy and programme communications in support of the Lao PDR –UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2022-2026: • Provides substantive support to the RC and UNCT in designing, implementing and monitoring the UN joint advocacy and communication strategy, promoting the UNSDCF 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 to boost the impact of programmatic objectives under the UNSDCF; • Plans and facilitates the promotion of advocacy and communications as a tool for a participatory approach to UNSDCF implementation and monitoring, reflecting the views and priorities of people, including those left furthest behind; • Monitors and analyzes the media in areas related to the UN’s mandates and programmes in Lao PDR, as well as other issues relevant to 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, the UN Programme Oversight Group, Results Groups and other UN groups; • Facilitates the work of the UN Communications Group (UNCG) throughout the stages of the UNSDCF cycle; • In collaboration with the UNCG, and in coordination with the RCO colleagues supports the 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 positively, 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 UNSDCF cycle.

  2. Coordinates and supports the UN Communication Group activities and members: • Facilitates cooperation among the UNCG members and supports formulation, implementation and reporting on the UNCG annual work plan and budget under the UN Joint Communication Strategy (2017-2021); • Facilitates communication between the UNCT and UNCG and leads the UNCG joint activities, including facilitating the monthly meetings.

  3. 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 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; • Compiles and analyzes communication experiences and shares findings with country, regional and HQ communication colleagues so that best practices benefit 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.

  4. Plans and facilitates digital communications: • Develops and maintains digital external platforms such as the UN country team website as well as UN social media presence (Facebook, Twitter account etc.); • Plans and facilitates the development and implementation of a digital content strategy and contributes to the development of key communication products (e.g. human-interest stories, photography, video, animations, etc.).

  5. 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; • Prepares inputs for the RC and UNCT on the use of the UN joint brand at the country level across UN products, both offline and online.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UN; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UN procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UN’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

media, development communications, advocacy or cooperation, or other relevant programmes; experience with working in LDC countries and in the Asia Pacific region is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization; • Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge • 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; • Have affinity with or interest in the coordination of effective integrated development cooperation, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Overview: Lao PDR is a landlocked country bordering Myanmar, Cambodia, China, Thailand, and Vietnam. Approximately 6.5 million people live in its 18 provinces, with the majority, or 68 percent, living in rural areas. The country is largely mountainous, with the most fertile land found along the Mekong plains. The Mekong River flows from north to south, forming the border with Thailand for more than 60 percent of its length.

Climate: Lao PDR has a tropical and subtropical climate, with a rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April. The weather is warm and humid year-round. The warmest month in Vientiane is April (34°C), the month with the lowest average high temperature is December (28°C).

Security: Vientiane is a relatively safe city, with violent crime incidents rare. However, single females should remain vigilant when traveling alone in the evening. The biggest hazards are related to traffic accidents; utmost care should be exercised when in traffic, especially when riding a motorbike.

Health: As of 2020, medical facilities and services in Lao PDR are limited. Minor health issues may be treated in several international clinics in Vientiane, including the UN Clinic. For life-threatening emergencies and surgical operations, UN employees (including UNVs) are evacuated to Thailand. Some vaccinations and medications for vaccine-preventable diseases are recommended before visiting the country.

Diet, Food, and Water: Most staple foods can be found in the markets, including rice, meat, vegetables, fruits, cooking oil, salt, and sugar. Many supermarkets in Vientiane are stocked with imported goods, mainly from Thailand, China, Vietnam, Australia, and the Republic of Korea. Vientiane has a relatively large number and variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars. There is a variety of food ranging from Western to Southeast Asian.

Telecommunications: The telecommunications sector in Lao PDR has five leading service companies providing fixed-line, mobile cellular, and 3G/4G/LTE Internet access services. Internet is available for computers through USB wireless, Internet modems, and mobile phone users, through sim cards. Many public places in Vientiane have WiFi services available.

Hotels: The UN RCO will help arrange UNV’s initial accommodation in a hotel, at his/her expense. Many hotels in Vientiane cater to international visitors and offer a good level of comfort with air-conditioned rooms and en-suite bathrooms.

Permanent Accommodation: Permanent accommodation ranges from very basic to adequate. Private houses in Vientiane are considered to offer a reasonable level of comfort.

UN House: The UN House is located in the center of Vientiane, near Patuxay monument and That Foun Temple. It is partially powered by solar energy and is generally accessible by persons with physical disabilities. The UN Clinic is located on the premises of the UN House.

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