Job: CONSULTANT - COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Location : Astana, KAZAKHSTAN

Application Deadline : 22-Oct-13

Type of Contract : Individual Contract

Post Level : International Consultant

Languages Required : English Russian

Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 01-Nov-2013

Duration of Initial Contract : 1 year

Expected Duration of Assignment :1 year

Background

From 2015 UNDP Country Office is shifting to a new modality of work, with new Country Office Model in place. One of the key tasks of this model is to ensure Country Offices' own sustainability.

To implement this shift, there is a need to mobilize resources from our key stakeholders: Government, Donors and private sector (potentially).

One of the important steps in this direction is strong and targeted communications.

The challenge for the UNDP CO is therefore to communicate more effectively with its stakeholders/partners in order to generate support and new resources.

Under the guidance of Communications Associate Communications Consultant will support UNDP CO communications in line with New Country Office Model and Communications strategy for 2013 – 2015.

Duties and Responsibilities

Conceptualizing, designing and carrying out the communication strategy, focusing on:

• Preparation of success stories, media packets and reports on successful UNDP – Government, Donor and Private Sector cooperation in relevant areas and disseminate them in line with the Action Plan of the Communication Strategy;
• Prepare bi-monthly newsletter for stakeholder and disseminate it among the list;
• Prepare information materials for Government Authorities and mass media regarding best international practices of development cooperation ;
• Prepare and pitch news stories for International Media (donor-media) on successful results of UNDP activities.

Support to Web-site and Social media, focusing on:

• Provisioning and proof-reading project press-releases and informational materials;
• Placing news/publications/press-releases on the UNDP CO web-site;
• Support migration of the Russian version of the new web-site;
• Development and distribution of information posts for Facebook/Twitter to engage more followers;
• Following Facebook/Twitter insights to monitor successful practices and increase their use.

Internal Communications, focusing on:

• Identifying communications needs of the staff and providing relevant peer-to-peer coaching and workshops on the relevant topics including presentations skills, basic knowledge on UNDP, effective negotiations;
• Improve donor-government reporting by training staff on effective report techniques.

Competencies

Professionalism:

• Has in-depth and substantial technical knowledge and expertise in all aspects of counter-narcotics issues;
• integrity and reliability;
• Is able to align external relations with internal programme objectives;
• Has knowledge of practices in communication planning and strategy, including the respective impacts of different communicative products;
• Has proven conceptual and analytical skills that lead to the formulation of policies, programmes, strategies and recommendations;
• Is able to plan, execute and monitor public communication campaigns, e.g. campaign management, market research, message targeting and impact evaluation;
• Is able to research and analyse issues and topics related to current events;
• Is able to draft and compile a variety of written communication products in a clear, concise style.
• Is able to interact with the public to build and maintain effective business connections;
• Ability to draft and write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively orally;
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective work relationships with counterparts and external partners; Excellent interpersonal and communication (spoken, written and presentational) skills, including ability to express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written and oral form;
• specific skills in writing press releases and articles/stories for traditional and electronic media;
• Shows pride in work and in achievements;
• demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
• is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
• shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges;
• remains calm in stressful situations;
• Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Communication:

• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
• Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
• Tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience;
• Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Client Orientation:

• Considers all those to whom services are provided to be 'clients' and seeks to see things from clients' point of view;
• Ability to identify clients' needs and develop appropriate solutions; ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships with clients. Proven ability to effectively manage relationships with government officials, UN and donor representatives; and members.
• Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect;
• Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems;
• Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field, is required;
• A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area, is required;
• Proficiency in relevant office computer applications: Word, Excel, Desktop Publisher, and Photoshop is required;
• Work experience in communication and programme implementation activities is desirable;
• Previous experience of working with the United Nations, is an asset;
• Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first-level university degree recognized by the United Nations.

Languages requirements:

• Fluency/proficiency in English (oral and written) and Russian is required.

Important note:

For detailed information please refer to UNDP Kazakhstan web site.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

More Info and Application