GCF Communications Assistant

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

The Government of Zimbabwe received funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for the project, “Building climate resilience of vulnerable agricultural livelihoods in southern Zimbabwe.” The objective of the project is to strengthen resilience of agricultural livelihoods of vulnerable communities, particularly women, in southern Zimbabwe in the face of increasing climate risks and impacts. The project will contribute to the following GCF Fund-level impacts for adaptation: 1.0 “Increased resilience and enhanced livelihoods of the most vulnerable people, communities and regions” and 2.0 “Increased resilience of health and well-being, and food and water security” for vulnerable smallholder communities in southern Zimbabwe. The project outcome will strengthen the adaptive capacities of vulnerable smallholder farmers, especially women, to climate change-induced impacts on their agroecosystems and livelihoods through revitalization of irrigation schemes, upgraded water and soil moisture management and water use efficiency, climate-resilient agriculture, improved access to climate information and markets, and partnerships with public and private sector actors.

To achieve these outcomes the project proposes to overcome the identified barriers through implementation of the following three interlinked Outputs, using GCF and co-financing resources: (i)Increased access to water for climate-resilient agriculture through climate-resilient irrigation systems and efficient water resource management; (ii)Scaled up climate-resilient agricultural production and diversification through increased access to climate-resilient inputs, practices, and markets; and (iii) Improved access to weather, climate and hydrological information for climate-resilient agriculture. The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development (MLAFWRD) is the implementing partner, and the project will be implemented for 7 years from June 2020 to May 2027 under a National Implementation Modality (NIM). The Green Climate Fund provides flexible, coordinated and predictable funding of USD 26, 574, 567.00 to support the achievement of building climate resilience for vulnerable agriculture livelihoods through climate proofing of 21 irrigation schemes, supporting half a million direct beneficiaries and climate information systems for the small holder farmers.

The GCF project is seeking the services of a UNV Communication Assistant to support the implementation of the communications and advocacy strategies of the project to increase the standing and awareness of UNDP with partners, the media, and the public. The Communications Assistant promotes a client-oriented approach in UNDP. S/he works under the guidance and direct supervision of the Project Manager with oversight support role from the Poverty Reduction, Environment and Climate Change (PRECC) team leader . The Communications Assistant works in close collaboration with the PMU, UNDP Country Office Communications Unit and UNDP Regional Communications Adviser, as required.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Project Manager or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Communications Assistant will: 1. Supports the implementation of CO communications and advocacy strategies and CO publications policy a. Writing of news articles, stories and other information for websites and various social media platforms; b. Dissemination of information and publications; assistance at public events such as roundtable discussions, seminars, press conferences, briefing sessions, interviews. c. Assist with preparations and provide logistics support for conferences, publicity/outreach events, campaigns and promotional opportunities, especially UN events. d. Maintenance of information database and photo library. e. Extraction of data from various sources. f. Research and retrieval of statistical data from internal and external sources. g. Arrangement of briefings and regular meetings with other UN agencies in the CO and with national and international media. h. Administrative and logistical support to the communications team, including for initiatives such as media workshops, press briefings, project visits, report launches, etc. i. Engage and manage relations with service providers, including printers, multimedia consultants and other suppliers to ensure production. j. Closely work with GCF communication experts within the region for cross learning.

2. Facilitation of knowledge building and management a. Identification, documenting and drafting of best practices and lessons learned. b. Participation in training for the communications personnel from the Responsible Partners on effective communications and advocacy.

 Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to UNDP; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to UNDP 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 and UNDP 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;

 Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.

 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 UNDP mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Value

At least 3 years of professional work experience in marketing, communications, journalism, public relations, or other relevant programmes;  Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills.  Experience in working with Adobe multimedia products (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, etc)  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.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.