Communications Analyst

Under the overall guidance of the Resident Representative and direct supervision of the Deputy Resident Representative, the Communications Officer / Analyst implements the Country Office ommunications 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 Communications Analyst may supervise and lead the communications staff of the country office and maintains a regular working relationship with the Regional Communications Manager as well as the UN Communications Group in country. The Communications Analyst 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.

A communications strategy tightly linked to program priorities helps position the Country Office in key development markets as a leader in ways that boost demand for various service lines and increase overall business opportunities.

Summary of Key Functions:

• Planning and design of internal and external strategies for communications and outreach
• Implementation of the publications strategy and plan
• Supervision of the design and maintenance of the UNDP web site, intranet, CO web-based knowledge management system
• Support to business development
• Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing
• Effective management of the Communications unit and supervision of Communications staff

1. Ensures planning and design of internal and external strategies for communications and outreach focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Preparation and conduct of communications needs assessments for CO (projects, country programme and corporate change initiatives, etc)
• Drafting/editing of CO communications and outreach strategy based on the corporate communications strategy.
• Analysis of requirements and synthesis of proposals on ways to integrate advocacy and communication strategies into all aspects of UNDP’s development programme during programme formulations.
• Support to the UN Communications Strategy led by the Resident Coordinator’s Office.

2. Ensures implementation of the CO publications strategy and plan focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Implementation of the CO publications strategy and plan, based on the corporate publications policy.
• Identification of storylines for publications and drafting of substantive articles contributing to debates on key development issues.
• Coordination and management of CO publication activities, such as content management, norms for publishing, design, etc.
• Contact with printers and other suppliers to ensure production and ensure publications dissemination.

3. Supervision of the design and maintenance of the UNDP web site, intranet, CO web-based knowledge management system focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Supervision of the design and maintenance of the office web sites based on corporate requirements in cooperation with the ICT staff.
• Preparation of the content for the web sites to ensure consistency of the materials.

       4.   Supports the business development focusing on achievement of the following                     results:

Launches and campaigns

• Promotion and maintenance of public information campaigns on UNDP activities, UN Reform, SDGs, in association with other relevant implementing / other partners.
• Promotion and dissemination of corporate advocacy materials for launching flagship initiatives and publications such as the Human Development Report.
• Packaging and submission of programme initiatives for donor review in collaboration with programme staff and supervisor.

Outreach

• Maintenance of increased coverage and understanding of the UNDP’s work in Lao PDR through regular media contacts and provision of newsworthy information to national public and, where possible, donors.
• Organization of panel discussions, press conferences, briefing sessions, interviews, launches, etc.
• Forging of a “one UN” image through publicizing the significance of local UN reform efforts, joint programmes, common services. Organization and implementation of joint UN information campaigns (UN Day, World AIDS Day, etc.); in collaboration with and support of the UN Communications efforts.
• Ensure access for journalists to subject matter experts.
• Drafting/production of regular communication / newsletter to donors.
• Preparation of donor reports, civic education and community awareness to support projects

Public information

• Effective responses to inquiries for public information materials.

        5.    Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on                        achievement of the following results:

• Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme country goals and activities.
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice including corporate communications repositories.
• Provision of training, consultancy and advice to UNDP staff on communications for development

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on creation of effective communications and dissemination of information on UNDP as UN’s global development network. In particular, the key results have an impact on implementation of UNDP communications and publication strategies, as well as reaching resource mobilization targets.

Functional Competencies:
 

• Core – Leadership - Ability to persuade others to follow

     Level 4 - Generates commitment, excitement and excellence in others

•     Creates new opportunities for team, not just self to learn and take on new responsibilities

•     Actively shares  knowledge

• Core – Communication and Relationship Management- Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform

    Level 4 - Synthesizes information to communicate independent analysis

•     Communicates ideas and positions with command and confidence

•     Finds common ground to solve problems

• Core – Innovation - Ability to make new and useful ideas work

     Level 4 - Adept with complex concepts and challenges convention            purposefully

•     Critically assesses established methods

•     Contributes to prototyping, piloting, and evaluating lessons / feedback

• Core – People Management - Ability to improve performance and satisfaction

     Level 4 - Models independent thinking and action

• •     Demonstrates behaviors of teamwork, collaboration, knowledge sharing, maintaining relationships
• Core – Delivery - Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement

    Level 4 - Meets goals and quality criteria for delivery of products or services

•     Embraces complex challenges and opportunities for getting work done

•     Ability to embrace challenges with minimal supervision

•     Works to develop organizational awareness of UNDP’s approach to client service delivery and integrity and accountability

• Technical Competency Aggregate

     Level 4 - Apply & Adapt

• Contributes skills and knowledge with demonstrated ability to advance innovation and continuous improvement, in professional area of expertise

Education:

Master's degree in media relations, journalism, publishing, English or related fields.

Bachelor’s degree in same fields plus 2 additional years of experience is also accepted.

Experience:

2 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in public relations, communications or advocacy. Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization is helpful but not mandatory. Experience in the management of social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter etc.,) and usage of computers and office software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based management systems.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in English & Lao essential.

Important applicant information

All posts in the GS categories are subject to local recruitment.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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