POSITION : Communications Specialist

Background
Under the guidance and direction of the RC/RR, and direct supervision of the Country Director, the Communications Specialist in Nigeria implements the corporate communications strategy, designs, manages and facilitates the implementation of the Country Office communications and publication strategies with a view to influence the development agenda, to promote public and media outreach and to mobilize political and financial support for UNDP.  
 
The Communications Specialist supervises and leads the communications staff of the country office and has a strong regular working relationship with the Regional Communications Advisor. The Communications Specialist also works in close collaboration with the Business Development, Programme and Operations teams, staff of other UN Agencies, RC Office, UNDP HQs staff (Bureau for External Relations and Advocacy) 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 thought leader in ways that boost demand for various service lines and increase overall business opportunities.
 
Duties and Responsibilities
 
Summary of Key Functions:

Planning and design of internal and external strategies for communications and outreach 
Elaboration and 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 Office and supervision of Communications staff
 
Ensures planning and design of internal and external strategies for communications and outreach focusing on achievement of the following results:

Planning and elaboration of communications needs assessments for CO (projects, country programme and corporate change initiatives, etc)
Elaboration of the CO communications and outreach strategy based on the corporate communications strategy.
Constructive and timely advice on inclusion of communications components in programme formulations to integrate advocacy and communication strategies into all aspects of UNDP’s development programme.

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

Elaboration and implementation of the CO publications strategy and plan based on the corporate publications policy.
Identification and development of storylines for publications and substantive articles contributing to debates on key development issues.
Coordination and management of all CO publication activities, including content management, norms for publishing, design, liaison with printers and other suppliers to oversee production and supervision of publications dissemination.

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

Design of the office web sites based on corporate requirements in cooperation with the ICT staff;
Supervision and preparation of the content for the web sites ensuring consistency of the materials;
Management and supervision of social media platforms ensuring consistency with corporate guidelines and policies.

 
Supports the business development focusing on achievement of the following results:
 
Launches and campaigns

Creation and promotion of campaigns to local and regional media that position UNDP and influences the development agenda based on current programme and new initiatives.
Management, promotion and dissemination of corporate advocacy materials for launching flagship initiatives and publications such as the Human Development Report.
Creation, promotion and maintenance of public information campaigns on UNDP activities, results of SDGs, UN Reform, etc. in association with Programme and Operations Team Leaders.

Outreach

Promotional activities to position UNDP as a leader within the development space.
Increased coverage and understanding of the UNDP’s work in the country or practice area through development and maintenance of media contacts and providing newsworthy information to national public and donors. 
Formatting, packaging and submission of programme initiatives for donor review in close collaboration with programme staff.
Development and maintenance of close contacts with government officials, multilateral and bilateral donors, civil society and private sector for implementation of the communications strategy, organization of roundtable 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.)
Ensured access for journalists to subject matter experts.
Regular newsletter to donors, donor reports, civic education and community awareness where appropriate to support projects

Public information

Effective responses to inquiries for public information materials.
Innovative and creative solutions to sensitive or corporately strategic public communications issues.
Advocacy and promotion of UNDP mandate, mission and purpose. 

 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.
Monitor practices, and project-specific news and developments in order to ensure guidance to the office that reflects the best and most current available information. 
Provides advice and support to UNDP inputs to CCA, UNDAF, CPD and other documents
Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice including corporate communications repositories.
Organization and provision of training, consultancy and advice to UNDP staff on communications.

Ensures effective management of the Communication Office and supervision of the Communications team focusing on achieving the following results:

Effective management of the Communications Office, including preparation of the workplan, management of translations and contractual matters.
Management and supervision of communication support towards engagements undertaken by RC/RR.

 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. Communications becomes a strong component of business development in the CO.
 
Competencies
Functional Competencies:  
 
Advocacy/Advancing a Policy-Oriented Agenda 
 
Analysis and creation of messages and strategies

Creates effective advocacy strategies
Contributes to the elaboration of advocacy strategies by identifying and prioritizing audiences and communication means
Uses the opportunity to bring forward and disseminate materials for advocacy work

Building Strategic Partnerships 
 
Identifying and building partnerships

Sensitizes UN Partners, donors and other international organizations to the UNDP’s strategic agenda, identifying areas for joint efforts
Promotes UNDP’s agenda in inter-agency meetings 

Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing 
 
Developing tools and mechanisms

Makes the case for innovative ideas documenting successes and building them into the design of new approaches
Identifies new approaches and strategies that promote the use of tools and mechanisms

 Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise 
 
In-depth knowledge of the subject-matter

Understands more advanced aspects of primary area of specialization as well as the fundamental concepts of related disciplines
Continues to seeks new and improved methods and systems for accomplishing the work of the unit
Keeps abreast of new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally
Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments

 Creating Visibility for UNDP/Supporting UNDP’s Capacity to Advocate
 
Developing promotional projects and organizational messages

Develops promotional activities based on monitoring/evaluation information identifying areas requiring higher visibility
Develops messages for use by UNDP staff when working with partners, internationally and nationally
Reviews documents and materials intended for use within and outside the organization in order to ensure consistency and validity of messages

Conceptual Innovation in the Provision of Technical Expertise
 

Developing innovative and creative approaches

Leverages different experiences and expertise of team members to achieve better and more innovative outcomes

Core Competencies:

Promoting ethics and integrity, creating organizational precedents
Building support and political acumen 
Building staff competence, creating an environment of creativity and innovation 
Building and promoting effective teams
Creating and promoting enabling environment for open communication
Creating an emotionally intelligent organization
Leveraging conflict in the interests of UNDP & setting standards 
Sharing knowledge across the organization and building a culture of knowledge sharing and learning. 
Fair and transparent decision making; calculated risk-taking

 
Required Skills and Experience
Education:

Master's degree in media relations, journalism, publishing, or any development related field. 

 
Experience:

5 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in public relations, knowledge management, communications or advocacy. Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization is helpful but not mandatory. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based management systems (e.g. Adobe CQ5).

 Language Requirements:

Fluency in the UN and national language of the duty station

 
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