Knowledge Management and Communication Specialist

Volunteering Communications & PR Elections & Governance

Overview

Manage knowledge and communication strategies for the DSZ project in Zambia.

You have:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in knowledge management or communication-related roles.
• Bachelor's degree in communications, social sciences, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of desktop publishing and effective communication strategies.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications and database management.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Contract

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.

The Democracy Strengthening in Zambia (DSZ) project, initially designed as a three-year (2022–2023) multi-donor initiative, was developed following recommendations from the United Nations' Needs Assessment Mission (NAM) conducted in 2018. The project aligns with Zambia's Sustainable Development Partnership Framework (2023-2027), the UNDP Strategic Plan (2022 – 2025), and the Country Programme Document (CPD). Initially designed under the 7th National Development Plan (2017-2021), DSZ has since been aligned with the 8th National Development Plan (2022 – 2026). Strategic Development Area 4: Good Governance Environment emphasizes the importance of respect for human rights and freedoms, transparency, accountability, participation, and strengthening the democratic process as precursors to transforming the economy, sustaining growth, and promoting human dignity.

The outcomes, outputs, and activities of DSZ are informed by in-depth consultations with the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ), cooperating partners, and other national stakeholders.

The DSZ project is structured around two interlinked result areas: 1. Strengthening electoral institutions and processes, and 2. Programming for Peace in support of the Zambian electoral cycle.

These result areas contribute to the following six key outcomes: 1. Inclusive and participatory decision-making, 2. Strengthened responsive and accountable institutions, 3. Transparent institutions with improved access to information, 4. Enhanced technical and organizational capacities of national electoral stakeholders, 5. Credible and legitimate institutions operating with integrity, and 6. Improved conflict prevention and mitigation mechanisms.

Based on the evaluations of previous electoral assistance programmes by UNDP in Zambia, the DSZ emphasizes effective programme management, particularly focusing on the project's impact on beneficiaries and the overall electoral process. The project aims to ensure sustainable institutional development support, complementing existing knowledge and expertise throughout the electoral cycle. To achieve this, a Project Management Unit (PMU) has been established to manage all project-related activities, adhere to best practices, and advise institutional partners on electoral issues. The Knowledge Management and Communications Specialist will be part of this exciting team.

Under the direct supervision of the DSZ Senior Advisor/Project Manager, the UN Volunteer will perform the following tasks:

Knowledge Management and Coordination: • Develop and implement a knowledge management strategy for the Democracy Strengthening in Zambia Project, ensuring that knowledge assets are well-documented and shared effectively and in a time manner; • Operationalize and maintain a multi-channel dissemination strategy using the latest information technology, when appropriate, to reach key stakeholders at national and international levels; • Facilitate knowledge-sharing events and create platforms to disseminate key project findings and results, thereby enhancing the overall visibility of the project; • Maintain an up-to-date database of lessons learned and best practices, making sure they are integrated into future planning and implementation processes; • Support the identification of knowledge gaps and recommend targeted learning initiatives to address capacity-building needs within the programme; • Collaborate with other UN Volunteers and relevant stakeholders to enhance best practices in democracy strengthening, encouraging a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Content Development and Documentation: • Produce and update knowledge products, such as policy briefs, fact sheets, and reports related to the project’s achievements, ensuring that all content aligns with UNDP communication standards; • Support the preparation of advocacy and communication materials to highlight the impact of project interventions, tailoring messages to resonate with target audiences; • Collect and document success stories from the field to demonstrate the practical impact of project interventions on communities; • Develop and disseminate news stories, success stories, blogs, abstracts, articles, social media, presentations, video concepts, photo stories, technical briefs, key messages, website content, and donor reports; • Develop multimedia content, such as infographics, videos, and presentations, to communicate complex information in an engaging and accessible manner for a wide range of audiences; • Ensure that all knowledge products are appropriately stored and catalogued in a centralized repository, allowing easy access for project teams, partners, and stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement: • Lead in the documentation of the Technical Committee and Steering Committee related documents, including the preparation of meeting agendas, compiling, and distributing supporting materials, and taking comprehensive minutes during meetings; • Ensure timely dissemination of minutes and follow-up on action points to facilitate effective decision-making and coordination among committee members; • Establish and maintain a network of stakeholders, including governmental bodies, media, and civil society organizations, to strengthen collaboration in knowledge sharing and capacity building; • Organize and facilitate workshops and training for stakeholders, focusing on effective information management and information integrity, fostering stronger multi-sectoral partnerships; • Provide guidance and technical support to partners to enhance their capabilities in knowledge management and information sharing.

Monitoring and Evaluation Support: • Support the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist on documentation of the project's progress by collecting and analyzing relevant data, thus contributing to evidence-based decision-making; • Maintain an updated database of information, project documents, and related resources, ensuring timely and easy access for project teams and partners; • Assist in preparing progress reports and contribute to the evaluation of project impact by identifying key learning areas and making recommendations for improvement.

Training and Capacity Development: • Support capacity building initiatives for partners on knowledge management, tailoring approaches to meet the diverse needs of participants; • Assist in training partners in information management best practices and techniques for addressing information pollution, empowering them to implement effective counter measures; • Provide follow-up coaching and mentoring to ensure that training participants can effectively apply their new skills in practice.

• Accountability • Adaptability • Flexibility • Creativity • Decision Making • Planning and Organizing • Professionalism • Self-Management

Democratic Governance, Human Rights Initiatives and International Development; • Strong knowledge of desktop publishing, infographics and effective communication strategies; • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.), email, and Internet applications; experience with database management and office technology equipment; • Experience in document production and editing, designing brochures, flyers, and other promotional materials to engage stakeholders; • Familiarity with project management and implementation methodologies; • Excellent oral and written communication skills; proven ability to draft reports and other documentation effectively; • Excellent interpersonal skills: culturally and socially sensitive, with the ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with various partners, including local communities, governmental bodies, and non-governmental organizations; • Ability to adapt and perform professionally and effectively in a challenging environment, especially in multicultural teams with international and national personnel; • Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and manage tight deadlines; • Have affinity with or interest in democratic governance, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the United Nations system;

Zambia is a land-linked, resource-rich country with sparsely populated land in the centre of Southern Africa. It shares its border with eight countries (Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe) that serve as an expanded market for its goods.

Lusaka is the capital of the Republic of Zambia. The climate is sunny and temperate, but it can be very cold during few months, with freezing temperature at times especially during the night. It is therefore advisable to bring warm clothing and foresee using heaters and other heating options when necessary. As the commercial and cultural centre of Zambia, Lusaka has seen rapid development in recent decades, with reasonable transportation connections and widely spoken English making the city highly attractive to vacationers and experts alike. Unemployment and poverty are issues in the city, and beyond. Key industries for the region and Zambia as a whole, include mining, agriculture, and tourism. Like most Southern African cities, life in Lusaka will require some adjustments for a person moving from outside the region, but the potential rewards and opportunities for experiences are well worth the effort.

Lusaka hosts several international organisation and embassies/diplomatic missions, therefore there is a very large community of expatriates from around the world. Housing is most of the time readily available and of good standard options are available. Most foodstuffs, beverages, household goods, furniture, and clothing, mostly imported from South Africa, Europe, and China while some ranges of local brands are available at a competitive price to imports. Meat, fish, fresh fruits, and vegetables are reasonably priced and abundantly available.

The basic infrastructures roads, utilities, and telecommunications are of reasonable standard, although the city experiences power outages from time to time. Medical facilities are still largely inadequate, although several private clinics and hospitals provide reasonably good routine care. Several restaurants around the city serve local or international cuisine and there are numerous social and sports facilities (fitness, tennis, swimming, riding, golf, etc.) in the major hotels or in different establishments around the city. There are no major or special security concerns within Lusaka city limits. For more information, please visit http://zambiatourism.com.

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Potential interview questions

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