Special Assistant to the Country Director

JOB TITLE:

Special Assistant to the Country Director

TYPE OF CONTRACT:

Consultant I

UNIT/DIVISION:

ROC – CD

DUTY STATION (City, Country):

Brazzaville, Republic of Congo

DURATION:

11 months

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT:

The Consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Country Director. She/He will supervise the Communication Unit and will work in close collaboration with the Deputy Country Director.

The purpose of this consultancy is to support the CD through a combination of project management, writing and editing, research, and high level administrative and relationship support functions.

ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Support to the Country Director

• Ensure dissemination and follow-up of information about new RB/HQ initiatives within the CO team, as well as dissemination of recommendations and best practices
• Draft talking points and develop presentations ahead of CD/DCD meetings and missions, when needed
• Carry out research and analysis of documents and data in a wide range of areas (drafting and editing of documents, tables and presentations)
• Provide support with the development of strategic papers
• Coordinate support to high-level missions to RoC and to CD/DCD missions abroad, when needed;
• Support the CO Beneficiary Feedback Mechanism by ensuring that i) complaints from category 1 to 3 are handled by relevant colleagues and feedback is provided to beneficiaries; ii) complaints from category 4-5 are directed to the CD;
• Facilitate the ACR clearance through ensuring CD determined priorities are considered, managing timelines, gaining cooperation of various stakeholders at CO level, monitoring progress, problem-solving, adjusting plans and serving as interface with RB.

Supervision of communication activities

• Support the elaboration of the ROC communications strategy as well as Management of the allocated resources to the Communications unit
• Supervise the Communications focal and ensure documented and effective capacity transfer is implemented
• Ensure CD and WFP Congo social media platforms are properly fed

• Maintain regular and quality contact with the Communication and Protocol officers in the partner government entities and UN agencies

• Perform any other tasks as required by the CD

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Education:

A university degree in Development Studies, in International Affairs, Economics, Social Sciences, Public Administration or Business Administration.

Experience:

At least one year of professional experience, preferably in the International Humanitarian/Development field

Knowledge & Skills:

Desirables:

• Excellent writing skills with demonstrated ability to write concise and analytical reports under time constraints
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally
  • Ability to establish priorities, plan and organise work programme with minimum supervision
  • Tact, persuasiveness and ability to work in multicultural and diverse settings
  • Understanding of political dynamics and decision making and proven ability to establish and maintain good working relations with internal and external stakeholders
  • Willingness to travel
  • Willingness to engage in skill transfer activities

UN/WFP experience.

Languages:

Proficiency in writing and verbal communication in French and English