UNDP Jobs - 49626- COMMUNICATION OFFICER: Joint Integrated Local Deve

COMMUNICATION OFFICER: Joint Integrated Local Development Programme

Location :

Chisinau, MOLDOVA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

10-Oct-2014

Application Deadline :

22-Sep-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

until 31 December 2014

Languages Required :

English Russian

Expected Duration of Assignment :

16 months

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

On April 5, 2012 the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova adopted the National Decentralization Strategy that represents the main policy document in the field of local public administration and establishes the national mechanisms in the field of decentralization to ensure genuine local autonomy.

Prior to Strategy’s approval, the Government has benefited from the support provided by the Joint Integrated Local Development Programme (JILDP) implemented by UNDP and UN Women and funded by the Government of Sweden and UNDP. Given the stringent need to further advance with the implementation of the Decentralization Strategy, and building on the successful cooperation with the Joint Integrated Local Development Programme, the State Chancellery together with United Nations have designed a new Programme phase of the Joint Integrated Local Development Programme to support the implementation of the Decentralization Strategy at policy and local levels.

The Overall Objective of the Programme is to support better and equitable service provision and sustainable local development, facilitated by the improved legal and institutional framework resulting from the implementation of the National Decentralization Strategy.
The Programme is implemented and advocates for using Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA) and Gender equality (GE) which calls for greater participation, accountability, transparency and non-discrimination in all national and local development processes. Communication on decentralization reform was acknowledged as one of the most important elements that need improvement, as efficient communication and public awareness are crucial for the success of the reform. The JILDP will assist the Government in implementing the Decentralization communication and public awareness strategy, as well as disseminate information about the progress reached in its 30 target communities across Moldova. This will ensure awareness raising and transparency of the decentralization process for all potential stakeholders, beneficiaries and concerned authorities/partners, especially the most vulnerable and affected communities and groups of population.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Communication Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager. He or she will closely work with representatives of the Decentralization Policies Division of the State Chancellery, JILDP team, UNDP and UN Women Communications Specialists to carry out the tasks. The Communication Officer applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with UNDP programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems.

Main Functions:

Ensure JILDP visibility and promote programme results:

Elaborate, implement and continuously monitor the communication and awareness plan of JILDP, including appropriate feedback mechanisms and monitoring tools;
Develop a professional media package to provide background information about the project and establish regular communication with media;
Design concepts of various communication products such as TV and radio programmes, websites, publications and other promotional or information materials in cooperation with State Chancellery and JILDP;
Promote the programme results in national mass media by organizing and facilitating interviews with experts in the area;
Organize press trips in JILDP target communities and ensure media coverage; coordinate organization of open days and launching events at local level;
Write articles, success stories, press releases and news about the programme’s most important achievements to be placed in the national media as well as in the local and regional media/websites;
Prepare and conduct communication trainings for JILDP team, consultants and target communities;
Identify appropriate suppliers for the provision of goods and services for activities stipulated in the communication plan;
Follow the UNDP, UN Women and SC guidelines on Communication and Visibility, efficiently cooperate with the UNDP, UN Women and SC Communication Officers;
Prepare periodical reports on communication/media activities and expenses; provide inputs to the quarterly and annual JILDP work plan and progress reports;

2. Support national counterparts in promoting the decentralization reform:

Update the Decentralization communication strategy, including communication activities and actions, timeframe, estimated budget etc;
Support the State Chancellery in the implementation and monitoring of the decentralization communication strategy and action plan;
Conceptualize and coordinate awareness campaigns, public debates, consultations, forums and conferences on decentralization issues in strong coordination with State Chancellery representatives and JILDP;
Provide support to the State Chancellery staff in maintaining the web site on decentralization and social media sites;
Support the promotion of the decentralization reform in national mass media by organizing and facilitating interviews with experts in the area.

Key results

The key results have an impact on the overall successful implementation and achievement of the objectives of the Project. Accurate analysis and presentation of information enhances UNDP’s position as a strong development partner. The information provided facilitates decision-making of the Project Steering Committee, the Beneficiary and UNDP management.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values.
Exerts strict adherence to corporate rules, regulations and procedures. Familiarity with the internal control framework and results-based management tools is a must.
Adheres to the core values of the United Nations; in particular, is respectful of differences of culture, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, language, age, HIV status, disability, and sexual orientation, or other status. Ensures that programmes and projects are consistent with UN/UNDP values.
Treats peers fairly by maintaining consistent values inspiring trust and confidence through personal credibility.
Accepts responsibility and accountability for the quality of the outcome of his/her decisions.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

Shares knowledge and experience.
Focuses on tasks/activities which have a strategic impact on programme and capacity development activities.
Promotes a supportive environment to enhance partnerships, leverages resources and build support for UNDP’s strategic initiatives.
Collaborates with regional, national and local partners to create and apply knowledge and concepts that will help partners achieve UNDP’s development objectives within the country and regional context.
Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.
Strong research and networking skills.
Intellectual curiosity.

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.
Serves as internal consultant in the area of expertise and shares knowledge with staff.
Continues to seek 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.
Interested in social entrepreneurship, ideas and innovation.
Creative flair and originality.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks related to Results-Based Management, including support to design, planning and implementation of Programme, managing data, reporting.
Ability to provide input to business processes, re-engineering, implementation of new system, including new IT based systems.
Ability to engage with various partners and stakeholders at different levels, to establish and maintain contacts with senior-level officials of the host government and represent UNDP in national and regional fora.
Ability to obtain, evaluate and interpret factual data and to prepare accurate and complete reports and other documents.
Ability to write and communicate orally with accuracy and professionalism, as well as sensitively across different constituencies.
Capacity to implement the strategic vision and programmatic goals as laid down in the Project Document.
Proven performance in organizing and coordinating major initiatives, events or challenging inter-organizational activities.
Adapts flexibly to changing situations, overcomes obstacles and recovers quickly from set-backs.

Leadership and Self-Management

Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback.
Ability to achieve results and meet strict deadlines in an effective manner, maintaining a high quality standard throughout.
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive and collaborative attitude.
Tolerates conditions of stress, uncertainty or ambiguity and continues to maintain a positive outlook and to work productively.
Demonstrated ability to manage a team and to foster team spirit and synergy.
Ability to show initiative and work independently.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree or equivalent in Journalism, Communication/Media Studies or other closely related field, international relations or others.

Experience:

At least five years of experience in media. Experience in developing and implementing media/communications strategies and plans, including organizing awareness campaigns.
Good knowledge of the government institutions and PR agencies, news agencies in Moldova and abroad. Knowledge of decentralization and local development issues would be an asset.
Experience in similar positions in development programmes is an advantage.

Language Requirements:

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

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.