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Communications Officer, Cox's Bazar Sub-Office

Cox's Bazaar

  • Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
  • Location: Cox's Bazaar
  • Grade: Consultancy - SB-3 (SC6/SC7), Service Contract, Local Contractors Agreement
  • Occupational Groups:
    • Operations and Administrations
    • Communication and Public Information
    • COMMUNICATIONS
  • Closing Date: Closed

Background

A total of 700,000 Rohingya have fled violence across the border from Myanmar into Cox’s Bazar and the Chittagong Hill Tracts since August 2017. They have joined the over 300,000 Rohingya who took refuge in Bangladesh in earlier - but smaller scale – crises.
 
The majority of the forcibly displaced Rohingya have settled in Ukhia and Teknaf, two of Bangladesh´s poorest sub-districts (Upazilas), whose population has tripled as a result of the influx. The total population of Cox’s Bazar district has increased by 50% and population density has now reached 1,500 people per square kilometer, well above the already comparatively high national average of 1,100 people. The district is characterized by above national average levels of poverty (40%) and environmental vulnerability. The influx has further increased the stress on social and productive infrastructure. 
 
Under the supervision of the Head of Sub-office, the Communications Officer will fulfill the communications needs of the Sub-office. He/she will work closely with Project Managers and other project staff to ensure the quality and visibility of UNDP’s work in Cox’s Bazar. He/she will act as a focal point person for the media relation in Cox’s Bazar.
 

Duties and Responsibilities

Key Functions:
  • Leading all communication efforts of the UNDP Cox’s Bazar sub-office, in collaboration with the UNDP Bangladesh Country Office.
  • Support Cox’s-Bazar team, and occasionally the UNDP Bangladesh Comms Team to set up mechanisms to receive and compile relevant information for Rohingya crisis response in a timely manner. 
  • Work closely with Project Managers and Head of Communications to formulate communication related strategies, plans and monitor their implementation. Set-up and manage UNDP CXB Facebook page; highlighting activities and results of different projects as well as ensuring visibility for relevant donors in English and Bangla languages.
  • Document project activities in different phases and ensure that they are properly filed for future use.
  • Work closely with the M&E Officer to ensure that reports are of high quality.
  • Maintain and update information resources relevant to all UNDP CXB’s Programs/Projects.
  • Ensure that all visibility items developed by UNDP CXB are of high quality and maintain UNDP standards.
  • Act as the key communications focal point person for any high-profile visit in Cox’s Bazar. Document the visit with photo, audio-visuals and interviews.
  • Coordinate with UNDP Bangladesh Comms Team to publish CXB project achievements, events, and visits in social media (Facebook, tweeter, etc.).
  • Train/orient project staff on communication and documentation Including photography, preparation of field reports, etc.
  • Support in organizing any event like media briefing in Cox’s Bazar, as and when required.
  • Develop working relation with local media to ensure that UNDP events are properly covered in print and electronic media.  
  • Represent UNDP CXB at meetings of Inter Sectoral Communications Working group as well as contribute UNDP contents to ISCG campaigns. 
  • Keep the UNDP Head of Sub-office updated of any important events, high level visits, etc.
  • Monitor local media and report to the head of Sub-office any relevant reporting.
  • Initiate and develop links with local media for advocacy and for events.
  • Work with vendors for printing and other communications activities in line with UNDP Branding guidelines.
  • Any other task assigned by the Head of Sub-office.

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on implementation of communications strategy and plan, positioning UNDP as leader in the crisis response space and secure funding for resilience building and/or early recovery programmes.
 

Competencies

CORE COMPETENCIES:
 
Innovation: Ability to make new and useful ideas work.
 
Leadership: Ability to persuade others to follow.
 
People Management: Ability to improve performance and satisfaction.
 
Communication: Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform.
 
Reporting: Ability to write very high-quality reports for donors 
 
Delivery: Ability to get things done in a challenging environment.
 
TECHNICAL/FUNCTIONAL:
 
Primary:
 
Communications: Ability to take the lead in developing and implementing communications strategies
 
Media Relations: Ability to form and maintain meaningful working relationships with various members of the media.
 
Donor Reporting: Excellent research and report/drafting skills;
 
Multimedia writing/editing: Ability to take photos, capture short videos, originate or edit written content for media, online and the general public to be disseminated through press or other online outlets.
 
Marketing: Ability to communicate the value of a product or service.
 
Partnerships: Ability to engage with other agencies and forge productive working relationships.
 
Public Relations: Ability to manage the spread of information between the UNDP and the public.
 
Secondary:
 
Knowledge Management: Ability to efficiently handle and share information and knowledge.
 
UN System: Knowledge of the UN humanitarian system and ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations. Familiarity with emergency appeals and other planning processes in emergency contexts.
 
Strategic Planning:  Ability to make decisions that align with strategy, vision, and mission.
 

Required Skills and Experience

Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, media relations, social sciences or related field.
Experience:
  • Minimum five years of relevant experience in public relations, communications and advocacy. 
  • Proven critical thinking, creativity, innovative, analytical and drafting skills.
  • Previous experience with a multilateral and/or international organization and crisis communication experience is helpful.
  • Internet and social media publishing along with photography is required, videography and infographic editing is desirable. 
  • Experience in the use of Microsoft Office software is essential and knowledge of graphic design and video editing software is useful. 
  • Good understanding of and experience in working with web-based content management systems (CMS). Excellent knowledge and command of online social media.
  • Creativity and strong proven skills in photography and basic videography.
  • Ability to draft and develop human-interest stories for online and print publications.
Language Requirements:
  • Fluency in Bangla and English (spoken and written). Knowledge of the Chittagong and/or Rohingya language is an advantage.                                                  

Disclaimer

Important applicant information

All posts in the SC 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 workforce diversity in terms of gender, ethnicity and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and people living with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
 
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks. 
 
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

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This vacancy is now closed.
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