Somalia: Communications Specialist, Mogadishu, Somalia, ICS-10 (P-3)

We are pleased to advertise the following vacancy:

VACANCY NO.: Job ID 2437
CLOSING DATE: 13 March 2014 ( 5:00 p.m, New York time)
POST TITLE: Communications Specialist
CATEGORY: ICS-10 (equivalent to P-3)
DUTY STATION: Mogadishu, Somalia
POST TYPE: Non-rotational
DURATION: One year (renewable)
ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: Arab States Region (ASRO)

ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING:
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Representative, the Communications Specialist is located in Mogadishu, with frequent travel to other parts in Somalia and Nairobi.

MAJOR ACTIVITIES/EXPECTED RESULTS:

1. 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 UNFPA’s development programme.

2. 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.

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

   • Maintain 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.

4. 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 UNFPA and influences the UNFPA 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 UNFPA activities, results of 16 days of activism, End Fistula Day, CARMMA Launch, WPD, SWOP, etc.
     Outreach
   • Promotional activities to position UNFPA as a leader within the development space.
   • Increased coverage and understanding of the UNFPA’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, and common services. Organization and implementation of joint UN information campaigns (UN Day, Int’l Women 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 UNFPA mandate, mission and purpose.

5. 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 UNFPA documents
     -Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice including corporate communications repositories.
     -Organization and provision of training, consultancy and advice to UNFPA staff on communications.
   1. 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 work plan, management of translations and contractual matters.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

i) Values: Exemplifying integrity, Demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, Embracing cultural diversity, Embracing change
ii) Core Competencies: Achieving results, Being accountable, Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen, Thinking analytically and strategically, Working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships, Communicating for impact
iii) Required Skillset:
• Internal and external communication and resource mobilization
• Advocacy/advancing a policy oriented agenda
• Leveraging the resources of national governments and partners/building strategic alliances and partnerships
• Creating visibility for the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPEREINCE:

• Advance degree in media relations, journalism, publishing, or social sciences.
• 5 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in public relations, 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.
• Experience in communication strategy development, and excellent media contacts and proven success pitching stories to media outlets;
• Excellent research and writing skills, with experience writing reports, newsletters and programme updates, video production and developing web content
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Arabic or Somali is an asset.

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender quality, teamwork, respect for diversity, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply. We offer an attractive remuneration package commensurate with the level of the position. The package includes a competitive net salary plus health insurance and other benefits.

UNFPA has established an electronic application management system. This allows applicants to create a candidate profile, which can be updated regularly and submitted for more than one vacancy. Download the Step by Step Guide to Applying in the E-Recruit System of UNFPA at https://erecruit.partneragencies.org/erecruit.html
Please print out the Guide for your reference during the registration and application process. Notice: There is no application, processing or other fee at any stage of the application process. UNFPA does not solicit or screen for information in respect of HIV or AIDS and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.