Strategic Communications Specialist

Volunteering Communications & PR

Overview

Support UN communications and build strategic messaging capacity in Bangladesh.

You have:

• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in the non-profit sector, especially in a developing country.
• Solid experience and proven skills in strategic communications, including the development of crisis communications plans or products.
• Excellent writing & editing skills with good command in English language.
• Proficient in computer applications: MS Office, PowerBi, etc.
• Experience in producing high visibility communications products.
• Knowledge of UN & non-profit terms, language, and style is preferred.
• Prior communication and knowledge management work experience with UN is considered a strong advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
• Respect for diversity and culture.

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 UN Resident Coordinator (RC) is the designated representative of the Secretary General, and the highest-ranking representative of the UN Development System at the country level. The RC leads the UN Country Team and coordinates the support of the UN support to the country in implementing the 2030 Agenda.

The RC Office (RCO) in Bangladesh consists of a core capacity (strategic planner, economist, partner-ships officer, and data, monitoring, and reporting officer), and advisory teams for Humanitarian Affairs.

The position is located within the RCO and will be part of the Development Coordination/Communication Team, that works closely with and provides secretariat support to the RCO teams.

The assignment will involve strengthening strategic communications within RCO to highlight and showcase better the UN’s work in Bangladesh for the development community within and outside the country, where key stakeholders include the Government of Bangladesh, people of the country, civil society, as well as donors and the greater international development community. The assignment will also focus on developing and honing key messaging and a Crisis Communications Plan for the UNCT ( United Nations Country Team) in Bangladesh, and support capacity building on communications and strategic messaging within the RCO. Key deliverables will include the drafting of stories, articles and social content, support with media relations, and development of the UNCT Crisis Communications Plan in close consultation with the UN Communications Group (UNCG).

Under the direct supervision of the Head of RCO, the incumbent will undertake the following tasks:

• Support the RC and Head of RCO as well as the RCO core team and advisory teams with the production of strategic communications materials, media relations and other strategic communications initiatives as required.

• Consult with UN agency colleagues and draw on existing SOPs to develop a dedicated Crisis Communications Plan for the UN in Bangladesh.

• Further develop the UNCT package of key messages on priority issues, including: 1) Communicating on Impact and Results; 2) Electoral preparedness, good governance and reforms; 3) Humanitarian-development priorities for Bangladesh; ensure knowledge management and dissemination of/access to key messages as appropriate.

• Provide capacity building sessions for the existing communications team and RCO colleagues as re-quired on the development of social media content, stories, website maintenance.

Results/Expected Outputs:

• High quality communications outputs across multiple platforms, with expanded and sustainable capacity built within the RCO. • Package of key messages is updated and consolidated and made available on the appropriate common platform for access by the UNCT/UNCG. • UNCT Crisis Communications Plan is endorsed by the RC and heads of agency.

• Integrity Accountability • Adaptability and Flexibility • Commitment and Motivation • Commitment to Continuous Learning • Working with teams • Communication • Integrity • Judgement and Decision-making • Planning and Organizing • Professionalism • Respect for Diversity

Required Experience:

• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience in the not-profit sector, especially in a developing country.

• Solid experience and proven skills in strategic communications, including the development of crisis communications plans or products.

Experience Description:

• Relevant professional experience in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Business Management, Development Studies, Media Studies, English Language and Literature, or related studies.

• Expertise in Strategic Communications and Knowledge Management

• Excellent writing & editing skills with good command in English language

• Experience in producing high visibility communications products.

• Knowledge of UN & non-profit terms, language, and style is preferred

• Prior communication and knowledge management work experience with UN is considered a strong ad-vantage.

• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.

• Respect for diversity and culture.

• Proficient in computer applications: MS Office, PowerBi, etc.

Dhaka is in central Bangladesh along the Buriganga River. Not only is it the capital city, but it is also the largest in the country. It is the center of political, cultural, and economic life in Bangladesh. The official language is Bengali, while English is the working language of UN Agencies. In recent decades, Dhaka has seen the modernization of services, communications, and public works. The city is attracting large foreign investments and greater volumes of commerce and trade. It is also experiencing an increasing influx of people from across the nation; this has reportedly made Dhaka one of the fastest-growing cities in the world. Good English-speaking medical, dental services, and educational centers are available for internationals. Dhaka is connected to other cities by rail, road, and by air and internationals can move easily from one city to another.

Dhaka has venerable green spaces, including many gardens and parks, historical places, and nice restaurants. The weather is tropical - hot and very humid during the summer monsoon season (April-September) and drier and cooler in the winter (October-March).

Historically, Bangladesh has been a safe country so far. While Dhaka is not categorized as a hardship station, the volunteer should be prepared for limitations in freedom of movement on foot, by public transport, and to certain locations.

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Potential interview questions

Added 9 months ago - Updated 9 months ago - Source: unv.org