Individual Contractor (IC) – Communications Specialist

Contract

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Background

Background:

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP's policy work carried out at HQ, Regional and Country Office levels, forms a contiguous spectrum of deep local knowledge to cutting-edge global perspectives and advocacy. In this context, UNDP invests in the Global Policy Network (GPN), a network of field-based and global technical expertise across a wide range of knowledge domains and in support of the signature solutions and organizational capabilities envisioned in the Strategic Plan.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, working in over 170 countries and territories. In Saudi Arabia, UNDP is committed to helping the country through strengthened national and local capacities to carry out political, economic and social reforms and development. UNDP annually spends nearly USD 30 million in BIH through its four key focus areas: Justice and Security, Social Inclusion and Democratic Governance, Rural and Regional Development, and Energy and Environment. Additionally, UNDP is the custodian of the Resident Coordinator system, thereby collaborating closely with other UN Agencies.

The intention of UNDP Saudi Arabia in Riyadh is to hire one communications specialist as (IC) Individual Contractor for three (3) months, with possibility of renewal based on:

• Satisfactory evaluation of performance, which will be conducted through an internal survey and performance assessment;
• Needs/Requirements of services;
• Availability of funding;

Project Title:

Support to UNDP communications and publication strategies with a view to influence the development agenda, to promote public and media outreach and to mobilize political and financial support for UNDP.

Project Description:

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Management Support, the Communications Specialist in the Saudi Arabia Country Office implements the corporate communications strategy, designs, manages and facilitates the implementation of the Country Office communications and publication strategies with a view to influence the development agenda, to promote public and media outreach and to mobilize political and financial support for UNDP.

The Communications Specialist utilizes and examines current appearance status and assess possible actions to enhance overall image. The Communications Specialist will provide technical and strategic support to maximize media outreach within the region throughout the year. The Communications Specialist also works in close collaboration with the Communications team, Programme and team members, ensuring successful UNDP communication strategy implementation increasing.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Work:

Planning and design of internal and external strategies for communications and outreach:

• Planning and elaboration of communications needs assessments for the Country Office (projects, country programme and corporate change initiatives, etc.)
• Elaboration of the Country Office communications and outreach strategy based on corporate strategic priorities and UNDP External Communications Action Plan.
• Constructive and timely advice on inclusion of communications components in programme and projects formulations to integrate advocacy and communication strategies into all aspects of UNDP’s development programmes.
• Highlighting the Country Office major success stories based on knowledge and experience in the media industry to produce digital items showcasing the achievements.
• Planning to produce a (1-3) minutes video on projects outcomes and UNDP’s contribution to several projects lead by Saudi entities:
• Look at and examine UNDP initiatives.
• Produce a product for each initiative (press release, video, blog). Two stories per initiative shall be finalized. (total is 48 products) Abiding by UNDP communications guidelines.
• 16 stories to be completed per month.
• Sit with the programme team to review material with the communication assistant.
• Meet with project manager and counterparts with the communication assistant.
• Meet with governments focal points with the communication assistant.
• Work on raising public awareness of UNDP’s work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and share light on the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Elaboration and implementation of the CO publications strategy and plan:

• Supervises the design and maintenance of the UNDP web site, intranet, the Country Office web-based knowledge management system
• Work on social media platforms by enhancing content and image. Design of the office web sites based on corporate requirements in cooperation with the ICT staff.
• Supervision and preparation of the content for the web sites and social media platforms ensuring consistency of the materials.
• Translate our complex messages for the public ensuring understanding UNDP’s role without negating the role of national stakeholders,
• Strengthen the Country Office capacity to communicate effectively nationally and globally.
• Visualize the impact of UNDP projects.

Supports the business development:

• Strengthening corporate visibility and articulate a strategy that will guide the Country Office in its public outreach.

  • Promotional activities to position UNDP as a leader within the development space.

• Increased coverage and understanding of the UNDP’s work in the country or practice area through development and maintenance of media contacts and providing newsworthy information to national public and donors.

• Work on generating awareness for the areas covered by UNDP using country level awareness.
• Innovative and creative solutions to sensitive or corporately strategic public communications issues.
• Advocacy and promotion of UNDP mandate, mission, and purpose.
• Indicate services needed to a build better communication team.

Competencies

Competencies:

• Innovation: Ability to make new and useful ideas work. Creates new and relevant ideas and leads others to implement them
• Leadership: Ability to persuade others to follow. Plans and acts transparently, actively works to remove barriers
• People Management: Ability to improve performance and satisfaction. Models high professional standards and motivates excellence in others

Communication: Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform. Gains trust of peers, partners, clients by presenting complex concepts in practical terms to others

• Delivery: Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement. Critically assesses value and relevance of existing policy / practice and contributes to enhanced delivery of products, services, and innovative solutions

Functional Competencies:

Advocacy: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Building Strategic Partnerships: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Job knowledge: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Client Orientation: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English and Arabic (written and spoken) is essential

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Degree in Mass Communications, and/or Media Relations, Journalism, Publishing

Experience:

5 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in public relations, communications or advocacy. Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization is helpful but not mandatory. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based management systems. Knowledge in storytelling and social media branding

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English and Arabic (written and spoken) is essential