UNDP Jobs - 62739- Communications and Campaigns Associate

Communications and Campaigns Associate - Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR)

Location :

Chisinau, MOLDOVA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

01-Feb-2016

Application Deadline :

12-Jan-16 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-3

Duration of Initial Contract :

till 31 December 2016, with possibility of extension

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

1 additional year

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. 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.

Background

The National Human Rights Coordinator under the umbrella of OHCHR field presence in Moldova assists the UN RC Office, UN Country Team in Moldova, Government and civil society in strengthening human rights and human rights based approaches, working closely with the UNCT on capacity building and mainstreaming human rights in their work, as well as providing support in their engagement with national actors on human rights, including advising national authorities upon request. Thematic priorities for work are: Countering discrimination, in particular racial discrimination, discrimination on the grounds of sex and gender, religion, disability and against others who are marginalized; Combating impunity and strengthening accountability and the rule of law; Strengthening the effectiveness of international human rights mechanisms and the progressive development of international human rights law and standards.

The Office’s Work Plan for 2016 includes the following programmatic activities, which require support under the current Job Description: (1) advancement of rights of persons with disabilities in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and (2) promoting human rights reforms in the Transnistrian region, pursuant to the recommendations of UN Senior Expert Thomas Hammarberg. The Communications and Campaigns Associate shall work closely with the National Human Rights Coordinator in these areas.

In particular, beginning with January 2016 OHCHR in partnership with other UN agencies will start implementation of two projects targeting deinstitutionalization and social inclusion of persons with disabilities. These are:

the second phase of the project funded by the United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD), namely “Paradigm Shift: UNCT Moldova Strategic Action Supporting CRPD Implementation”. The UNPRPD Project is a unique collaborative effort that brings together UN entities, governments, disabled people’s organizations and the broader civil society to advance disability rights around the world. The UNPRPD supports the full implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) by facilitating coalition-building and capacity-development at country, regional and global level. In doing so, it leverages the comparative advantage of multiple stakeholders to contribute to the realization of a “society for all” in the 21st century.
the second phase of the Joint Action to Strengthen Human Rights in the Transnistrian Region of the Republic of Moldova aimed at promoting the rights and well-being of all persons with disabilities via supporting implementation of the 13 related recommendations issued by the UN Senior Expert on Human Rights Hammarberg in his report of 2013.

Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will work under the guidance and direct supervision of the National Human Rights Officer and the National Human Rights Coordinator.

In their work the incumbent will apply and promote the principles of human rights based approach and results-based management (RBM).

The incumbent will work in close collaboration with other members of the OHCHR country team for effective achievement of results, anticipating and contributing to resolving complex program/project-related issues and information delivery. The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with applicable programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems.

Within the delegated mandate, the Communications and Campaigns Associate will be responsible for Office’s communications and campaigning activities on the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities nation-wide, including in the Transnistrian region, in particular will:

Ensure that OHCHR's work is promoted through timely, news-worthy and quality on-line content inter alia through:
Initiating and drafting web and social media content according to established editorial standards;
Editing draft inputs;
Coordinating all actions required for the timely publishing of web and social media content;
Enhance OHCHR's outreach through social and media campaigns aiming at informing and educating people about the rights of persons with disabilities;
Advise the OHCHR team on methods of communication that will reach effectively the relevant audiences and assist in organizing, conceptualizing and arranging events, writing scripts, dissemination materials and documenting success stories;
Assist the OHCHR team in organizing press conferences/briefings and help building the relations with the press;
Provide advice to the OHCHR team to ensure optimal accessibility of the information and communications;
Building-up photo and video content on OHCHR platforms;
Regularly liaising with communications and campaigns officers from other UN agencies to keep abreast of UN communication initiatives/campaigns and ensure mainstreaming of the human rights of persons with disabilities;
Enhance the OHCHR’s team understanding and effective use of on-line and social media communication. This is done through: - Organizing informal, small group briefing sessions to OHCHR staff; - Assisting content providers to translate complex information into effective social media communication; - Providing strategic guidance on appropriate communications tools; - Participating in UN Communications Group;
Support the OHCHR team in drafting a comprehensive communications strategy, coordinating efforts, monitoring, taking appropriate follow-up action, and analyzing the outcome;
Monitor and analyze current events, public opinion and press, identifies issues and trends, and advises management on appropriate action/responses;
Develop and constantly update a media list with the names and contact information of media outlets and reporters who write about human rights or need to be invited attend at events;
Identify and manage opportunities to advocate and campaign for the rights of persons with disabilities, e.g., UN Human Rights Gala, International Day of Persons with Disabilities etc.;
Actively assist the Office on its other communications & mass media, diversity & accessibility external and internal activities.
In addition, the incumbent will support other Office’s communications and campaigning, as requested by the National Human Rights Coordinator.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of the full range of communications approaches, tools, and methodologies essential to planning and executing effective campaign strategies and programmes, e.g. campaign management, audience outreach, message targeting. Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

CREATIVITY: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; thinks "outside the box"; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

University degree in communications, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field.
Additional work experience in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities would be an advantage.

Experience:

A minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible work experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area.
At least one year of experience of working on human rights advocacy in the area of disability is required.
Experience of working for international organizations, particularly UN, is a considerable advantage.
Experience in campaigning is desirable.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in oral and written English, Romanian and Russian.
Working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian or sign language would be an asset.

Assessment Method:

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

This is a local position, therefore only citizens of the Republic of Moldova or others legally authorized to work in the country are eligible to apply.
Applications should be submitted on line and include fully completed Personal History Form (P11) as attachment instead of CV/resume.
Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted.