Job: Communications Analyst

Location: Yangon
Deadline: Thursday, 21 November 2013

UNOPS mission is to expand the capacity of the UN system and its partners to implement peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations that matter for people in need. Working in some of the world's most challenging environments, our vision is to always satisfy partners with management services that meet world-class standards of quality, speed and cost effectiveness.

UNOPS provides services in sustainable infrastructure, sustainable procurement and sustainable project management, with projects ranging from building schools, roads, bridges and hospitals to procuring goods and services and training local personnel.

By assisting UN organizations, international financial institutions, governments and other development partners, UNOPS makes significant, tangible contributions to results on the ground.

We employ more than 6,000 personnel annually and on behalf of our partners create thousands more work opportunities in local communities. Through our headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark and a network of regional and country offices, we oversee activities in more than 80 countries.

UNOPS is committed to achieving a truly diverse workforce.

Background Information - Myanmar

Myanmar

UNOPS Myanmar develops, supports and oversees a portfolio of programmes and projects in Myanmar which focus on post-disaster recovery, health programmes and food security. UNOPS Myanmar ensures that synergies between programmes and projects are effectively developed. UNOPS is also expanding its infrastructure and procurement services in Myanmar.

The UNOPS Myanmar portfolio currently includes fund management of the multi-donor Three Millennium Development Goals Fund (3MDG) and the Livelihoods and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT). In addition, UNOPS is the Principal Recipient of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria grants to Myanmar (PR-FATM).

UNOPS Myanmar plays a critical role in ensuring quality services to UNOPS' partners that meet stringent requirements of speed, efficiency and cost effectiveness. It is also responsible for liaison with Government counterparts, Donors and UN Agencies.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of Head of Communications and Partnerships and in accordance with UNOPS policies, procedures and practices, the Communications Analyst will work closely with the UNOPS Myanmar team in the area of communications.

Functions will consist of the following:

• Contribution to the management and implementation of an external and internal UNOPS Myanmar communications strategy both in Myanmar and internationally. Working on the communications activities implemented by the Funds managed by UNOPS Myanmar. This would include: identifying and providing solutions for communications issues, message development; ensuring regular, adequate and accurate flow of information about the Funds UNOPS manages to its stakeholders through correct utilisation of communication channels. Alongside the reporting the achievements and progress, this includes informing in areas such as the respective Fund's objectives, operational policies and systems, and the actions it supports;
• Writing and photographing stories through field visits to project sites, for distribution to the press and upload to website.
• Distribute and liaise with the press and upload tothe website.
• Assisting Head of Communications and Partnerships to raise awareness and managing the perception of the Funds through localised messaging and brand management. Developing and maintaining strong advocacy channels, including events, briefings and online discussions to build regular interactive engagements with local authorities, partner's communications focal points, donors, relevant government departments, UN agencies, national programme representatives, media and suppliers; developing good dialogue methods, particularly with the media and partners; maintaining relevant contact lists and content libraries;
• Assisting the Head of Communications and Partnerships in developing content in English and Myanmar for the websites and other materials. Overseeing that content of the websites are current and properly maintained including preparation of new content ensuring consistency of brand message and standards set by the respective Funds. Monitoring social network accounts to encourage dialogue and respond appropriately.
• Organising logistics and preparing background information for communications related field trips and events such as the annual review, seminars, workshops, exhibitions, press briefings and interviews. This includes preparing procurement documentation for communications activities and keeping a monitoring and evaluation framework for communication activities. Maintaining accurate records of products and services procured by the Communications and Partnerships Office and inventories of merchandise and materials;
• Liaising with partners and the Programme units in order to prepare project implementation fact sheets to be used by: donors, interested visitors and the media (including media outreach material). Also, preparing materials needed for workshops, seminars, briefings organised by Communications and Partnerships Office or respective Funds managed by UNOPS Myanmar; Working in cooperation with partner communications focal points to draft achievement and human interest stories for use on the website and newsletters. Supporting and assisting partner communications focal points within an agreed framework to promote achievements and work out solutions BCC issues.
• Drafting a specific type or types of information communications products for large audiences including speeches, press releases, media packs and reports, brochures, briefings, video clips, newsletters, websites etc.
• Assisting in coordination and management of all project publication and promotional activities (e.g. print/media, audio/video, etc) including content management (including translators and editors), design, liaising with printers and other suppliers to oversee production and supervision of its dissemination; Ensuring technical oversight and quality assurance of translation/adaptation of relevant information in Myanmar language;
• Tracking, researching and analysing information on assigned topics/issues; gather information from diverse sources and help to assess news value and/or potential impact;
• Evaluation of effectiveness and impact of the respective Fund's publicity campaigns and the websites;
• In consultation with the Head of Communications and Partnerships and other relevant parties, identifying and proposing information opportunities, activities and approaches, taking into account the situation/topic and target audience;
• Other duties requested by the Head of Communications and Partnerships.

Competencies

Knowledge Management and Learning

• Promotes a knowledge-sharing and learning culture in the office
• In-depth knowledge of development issues
• Ability to advocate and provide policy advice
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
• Ability to lead implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects,
• Ability to lead implementation of new systems (business side), and affect staff behavioural/ attitudinal change
• Excellent conceptual and analytical abilities and an analytic approach to information management.

Management and Leadership

• Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
• Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
• Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities
• Ability to go beyond established procedures and models, creation of new approaches.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

• A Bachelor Degree in communication, media studies, journalism, international or public relations.
• Must have at least 2 years of relevant work experience in journalism.
• Experience monitoring, working with and talking to both Myanmar and international media.
• Has prepared strategy plans for communications and helped in the organisation of publicity and communications related workshops and presentation materials
• Previous work in a similar position with media organisations would be an asset;
• Previous successful involvement with a good knowledge of NGOs and civil society sector is an asset;
• Excellent writing and analytical skills, with an understanding of drafting press statements and speeches
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Fluency in both written and spoken English and Myanmar Language

Contract type, level and duration Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement (LICA) Contract level: LICA-5 Contract duration: 1 year (possible extension subject to fund availability and satisfactory performance) THIS IS A LOCAL POSITION. ONLY MYANMAR NATIONALS ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY. ALL OTHER APPLICANTS WILL BE REJECTED. For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: http://www.unops.org/ENGLISH/WHOWENEED/CONTRACT-TYPES/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements-ICAs.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

More Info and Application