National Communications Associate

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.

Under the overall guidance of the Resident Representative and direct supervision the Communications Officer / Analyst, the National Communications Associate supports the implementation of the Country Office communications strategy, as well as provides inputs to the design, management and implementation of the Country Office communications and publication strategies which are geared to influence the development agenda, promote public and media outreach and mobilize political and financial support for UNDP.

The Public Information Unit works in close collaboration with the Programme and Operations teams, staff of other UN Agencies, UNDP HQs staff (Communications Office) and Government officials, international and local media, subject matter experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful UNDP communication strategy implementation. As part of the COVID-19 response, the Public Information Unit plays a crucial part in directing reliable information internally and externally in relations the Country Office and overall response, whilst collaborating closely with the United Nations Communications Group to deliver key messages to audiences effectively.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of National Communications Associate or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UNV National Communications Associate will:

• Create design of publications, cards, flyers, banners, posters, merchandise, etc. as required; • Liaise with the local suppliers (printing houses, graphic designers, TV and radio production houses) on all required stages of production process of merchandise, publications and other communication materials, in particular, ensuring compliance of quality and design with the requested specifications and delivery terms; • Assist in managing the process and contractual matters related to procurement of merchandise, communication equipment and other payments, including archiving of the procurement documents; • Maintain and update the suppliers’ contact information. • Provide quality written translation (from English to Lao and Lao to English) for communication needs when requested by the Public Information Unit and/or manage the work of external translators where appropriate. • Provide daily monitoring of local and international media publications on relevant topics of Lao PDR development; • Maintain regular clipping of Lao media publications on the requested topics and provide information on media publications as requested by the management. • When required, contribute support to various types of events coverage (press releases, photo taking, social media); • Assist in managing events for external audience with participation of the Public Information Unit; • When required, provide support with liaising with the local media to ensure maximizing coverage of the UNDP messaging in the Lao media (press, TV, radio, etc.); • When required, handle requests received from the media and from general public (through the UNDP in Lao PDR email address and Facebook page); • Provide other communication and administrative support to the Public Information Unit as required. • Draft minutes/summary of discussions and decisions from monthly UNCG (UN Communications Group) meetings • Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

• Professionalism • Integrity • Teamwork and respect for diversity • Commitment to continuous learning • Planning and organizing • Communication • Flexibility

Journalism/Media, Public Relations, Marketing, Advertising, Graphic Design or Web Design, Communications, Media or Print Production, Events Management, or other relevant programmes; experience with Graphic Design 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; • Sound security awareness; • Have affinity with or interest in enhancing equality, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials.