Media and Public Relations Assistant

Contract

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

This UNV assignment is part of SECSIP third phase. SECSIP III will focus on enhancing inclusive, informed and transparent electoral processes through accountable and effective institutions. SECSIP assistance will also contribute to enhancing and expanding social inclusion, particularly of disadvantaged segments of the population including women, young people and people with disabilities (PWD). The Project will work towards achieving the overarching outcome of ‘more sustainable and inclusive electoral institutions and practices in support of democratic governance in Solomon Islands’ through the four following outputs:

Output 1: Institutional and Operational Capacities of the Electoral Authorities Strengthened

Output 2: Capacity of national authorities and local networks to provide voter information and awareness and to encourage civic engagement strengthened

Output 3: Legal Electoral Framework Improved

Output 4: Women’s Political Participation and Leadership Around the Country Enhanced.

The Media and Public Relations Assistant will support the Solomon Islands Electoral Office (SIEO) and will implement the duties and responsibilities described in this DOA seeking the guidance of the SIEO Communication and Awareness Senior Officer and under the supervision of SECSIP CTA/Project Manager.

See https://www.pacific.undp.org/content/pacific/en/home/about-us/soi-office.html

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of UNDP SECSIP Chief Technical Adviser or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV Media and Public Relations Assistant will:

1. In compliance with UNDP Rules, Regulations and policies, the incumbent will be part of SECSIP Graduate Programme. For this assignment, the incumbent will be co-located at the Solomon Islands Electoral Office (SIEO). The incumbent general duties and responsibilities will include the following:

• Assist SIEO in the planning and development of contents in connection with media and public relations actions to enhance awareness with respect to the mandate of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) and its Electoral Office.

• Identify and plan awareness raising activities to enhance the knowledge of media professionals on the role of the SIEC and SIEO;

• Liaise and coordinate with other stakeholders as guided by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and SIEO Communications and Awareness Senior Officer ;

• Provide a monthly report on the activities carried out in support of the mandates of SIEC and SIEO and UNDP SECSIP project implementation;

• Any other task as identified by SECSIP Project Manager and the CEO and SIEO Communication and Awareness Senior Officer in consultation with UNDP Project Management.

2. The tasks expected to be performed under this assignment include:

• Assist SIEO Communication and Awareness Team to continue building and expanding the relationship with national and international media.

• Support to the strengthening and optimization of networks with media outlets to maximize dissemination of electoral related information through various platforms.

• Assist in the identification of strategies to increase voter awareness outreach and the understanding of the electorate throughout the electoral cycle.

• Assist in development of key messages, provision of contents including texts, scripts and suggestions for illustrations, video and audio productions for civic and voter education and media training materials. This can include manuals, guides, brochures, leaflets, posters, videos, radio spots and other voter awareness materials.

• Assist in the procurement of media services , in the production of contents and dissemination through different type of media channels including social media platforms.

• Support the SIEO communication and awareness team with the preparation and effective implementation of consultations, training sessions, workshops in accordance with the approved plans. This may include facilitation of media training sessions for media professionals on election and democracy related issues.

• Assist in the development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation tools to measure impact and progress as a result of the activities implemented.

• Assist in the implementation of SIEO strategies and activities related to communication and awareness pertaining to voter registration, national general election, provincial assembly elections and by-elections.

• Perform other tasks as requested by UNDP SECSIP in consultation with Solomon Islands Electoral Office Communication and Awareness Senior Officer.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:- Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day)- Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country- Provide annual and end of assignment reports on UN Volunteer actions, results and opportunities using UNV’s Volunteer Reporting Application Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.- Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.

• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Commitment and Motivation
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Communication
• Planning and Organizing
• Professionalism
• Working in Teams

public service, media or education sectors will be considered an asset.

• Experience working in the UN or other international development organization will be considered an asset.

• Good oral and written skills for drafting and reporting; ability to support document production and editing.

• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including at grassroot level with community members, religious and youth organizations, and with public authorities; familiarity with tools and communication approaches for development.

• Ability to work and adapt professionally 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.

• Self-motivated; ability to work with tight deadlines.

• Sound security awareness.

• Have affinity with or interest in democratic governance, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Living Conditions With a population of approximately 550,000, the Solomon Islands has hundreds of islands and rural villages. Between 1999 and 2003, it experienced a period of conflict that took a heavy toll on the country and left a need for peace and continued security. Approximately 70 percent of Solomon Islands' exports are forestry products, and the logging industry accounts for 10 percent of its revenue.Health facilities are very basic in Solomon Islands. The government provides free basic healthcare as well as a number of medical clinics and hospitals.The Medical History Card is a document. Permanent residents of Solomon Islands can obtain one at any medical centre. It contains details of the treatments you have received in Solomon Islands for future treatment. Solomon Islands driving licenses are required for driving. More information can be found on the Inland Revenue Division of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury website.