UN Communication Officer

Background

The UN reform aims to bring the 21 different UN agencies working in Mozambique better together to improve the effectiveness of their work in support of poverty reduction in Mozambique. By working closer together the agencies can use financial and human resources more efficiently and effectively. Hence strengthened UN coordination and collaboration are priorities for the UN in Mozambique especially as it has been one of the pilot countries pushing the reform forward. The UN Resident coordinator’s office is a key part in these changes. It has a responsibility to help coordination of strategic decision making and improve UN’s coherence on development issues in Mozambique. Also, within the system there are number of working groups to help coordinating the different agencies and composed of staff members from the various UN agencies. One of the areas is communication and advocacy that UN strives to be coherent and coordinated. For this purpose the UN in Mozambique has formulated a common communication strategy “One Voice” to support achievement of the objectives stipulated in the UNDAF and contribute the advancement of the UN reform. The strategy implementation is expected to be led by the UN communication officer in coordination with the communication group and under the strategic leadership of the UN communication group chair. The One Voice Strategy is the Communication Strategy for the United Nations in Mozambique. It focuses on the UN’s joint external communication at the country level, which aims to support the achievement of development results, programme objectives and UN leadership in the area of development assistance. Through the One Voice strategy the UN pools resources, coordinates efforts and sharpens its focus to seek stronger impact of key messages that are common to the UN system. The One Voice Strategy consists of two elements, both of which are externally oriented and directed; communication for public awareness and communication for public advocacy. Public awareness:     Aims to inform the general public about (a) the work of the UN system and (b) issues that are important to the UNDAF agenda. Public advocacy:     Aims to influence decision-makers on public policy and resource allocation on issues that are important to the UNDAF agenda.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Functions: Lead and advise the planning and design of plans and initiative for common communications, advocacy and outreach initiatives in line with the UN communication strategy. Advise and support the UN Resident Coordinator in her capacity as spoke person of the UN in Mozambique. Editor of the UN web site and intranet to ensure credible and reliable running and maintenance. Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing within the UN in Mozambique and UN system globally. Lead and advice the planning and design of activities and initiative for common communications, advocacy and outreach initiatives in line with the UN communication strategy Plan, elaborate and execute activities in line with the communication strategy. Quality control UN’s common interventions and advice UN communication group members, UN country team and UN resident coordinator on outreach activities to ensure a coherency and accuracy. Identification and development of storylines for publications and substantive articles to be published on web and in other media. Constructive and timely advice the internal programme coordination groups “Development Results Groups” on communications and advocacy aspects of the programme in line with the objectives of the communication strategy. Advise and support the UN Resident Coordinator in her capacity as spoke person of the UN in Mozambique Prepare and support formulation of background notes, speeches and talking points for public appearances. Advice  on outreach activities with press and other communication target groups. Draft and disseminate common press releases commemorating international days and other major events. Editor of the UN web site and intranet to ensure credible and reliable running and maintenance Lead the upgrading of the UN website in terms of design, content and raise the public awareness of the site. Supervision and preparation of the content for the web sites ensuring consistency of the materials. Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing within the UN in Mozambique and UN system globally Analyze and support monitoring of communication activities and assessment of impacts and results. Effective respond to inquiries for information material and knowledge products. Advocacy and promotion of UN mandate, mission and purpose in the country. Innovative and creative solutions to sensitive or corporately strategic public communications issues. 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. Organization and provision of training and advice to UNCG staff on communications.

Competencies

Values: Integrity/Commitment to mandate: Maintains consistent values and performance standards and expresses UN core values in all functions and roles.  Exercises critical judgment in analyzing institutional directions, procedures, and guidelines in order to contribute to the improved fulfillment of the mandate. Valuing diversity: Demonstrates inclusive behavior towards all colleagues and stakeholders, successfully developing cross-cultural relationships.  Adapts programme project implementation to take account of the political, religious and cultural context.  Actively promotes gender equity in all programme activities as well as in office management. Managing Relationships: Working in teams: Promotes teamwork and harmony collaborating with team members integrating others’ ideas into his/her thinking.  Leverages the different experiences and expertise of members to achieve better, more innovative outcomes. Communicating information and ideas: Encourages open communication in the team demonstrating the ability to see issues and situations from team members’ perspective.  Frankly expresses ideas and concerns and encourages dialogue to develop an optimal solution without jeopardizing rapport with colleagues. Conflict and self management: Surfaces conflicts and addresses them proactively acknowledging feelings and views of all sides and redirecting energy towards a mutually acceptable solution. Creates a climate of enthusiasm and flexibility where people feel encouraged to be innovative and give their best. Personal Leadership and Effectiveness: Results orientation commitment to excellence: Ensures that work methods and processes are effective and appropriate for the achievement of desired results and seeks ways to maximize the efficient use of resources. Redirects staff activities to ensure timely completion of workplan using tact and sensitivity. Appropriate and transparent decision making: Makes decisions in a fair, transparent and expeditious manner in light of available information and commits to a position. Personal skills Excellent communication, writing and drafting skills required. Able to work and follow-up independently Diplomacy, tact and patience Ability to focus on a variety of tasks within a deadline-driven environment Ability to communicate and work closely with a variety of people within a multicultural environment Takes initiative/self-starter Ability to work under stress Strong work ethic and commitment Concise and analytical thinking Organized and resourceful Team player

Required Skills and Experience

Education:     University degree (Masters’ preferable) in communications, Journalism, Publishing or related fields. Experience:    5 years experience at national and international level in public relations, communications and advocacy. In depth knowledge of the local and international media represented in Mozambique. Understanding of development paradigms and socio-political situation of Mozambique and the sub-region. International experience an asset, especially with the United Nations System, familiarity with UN Reform agenda, MDG’s and other global initiatives. Language Requirements:     Fluency in Portuguese and excellent writing and oral skills in English. FC: 11900

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.

http://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?cur_job_id=35928