Mission and objectivesThe UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Solomon Islands, on the ground since 1999, has earned a reputation as a trustworthy development partner in the collective effort of supporting Solomon Islands in achieving the objectives of the National Development Strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals. UNDP works with people and their governments to address the country's various development challenges. We support Solomon Islands in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and sustaining its growth trajectory by modernising institutions, reducing inequalities, digitally transforming communities, combating climate change and sustainably managing natural resources. As part of the UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji, which covers 10 countries in the Pacific region and guided by the Sub-regional Programme Document for the Pacific Island Countries and Territories 2018-2022, UNDP in Solomon Islands has a growing portfolio of country focused interventions in the areas of: Effective Governance Inclusive Growth Resilience and Sustainable Development UNDP also partners with the Solomon Islands Government in undertaking policy level initiatives, including the impact of COVID-19 on the economy, digital transformation, and others
ContextThe Advancing Meteorological Observation Systems for Resilient Development (AMOS-RD) project aims to strengthen the Solomon Islandsโ capacity to manage climate-related risks and natural disasters, funded through the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF). As a dispersed archipelagic nation, the Solomon Islands is highly vulnerable to extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and other hydrometeorological and geohazards, yet the Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) lacks sufficient infrastructure to deliver reliable forecasts and early warnings, particularly in remote areas. Natural disasters cost the country an estimated USD 79 million annually, equivalent to 8.69% of GDP. AMOS-RD works to upgrade eight surface weather stations and establish three upper-air stations to meet Global Basic Observing Network (GBON) standards. SIMS, under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), will be the main beneficiary, receiving technical support from the Bureau of Meteorology Australia through SOFF. Capacity-building for SIMS staff and a cost-recovery model will be key to ensuring operational sustainability, alongside a strong focus on gender equality and social inclusion to ensure weather information systems meet the needs of all communities. By improving meteorological infrastructure and capabilities, AMOS-RD will enhance resilience, reduce economic losses, and strengthen disaster preparedness across the country. This initiative supports both national and global climate action goals, contributing to resilient, inclusive, and sustainable development for the Solomon Islands.
Task DescriptionUnder the direct supervision of Portfolio Manager for Meteorological Services, the Communication Specialist will undertake the following tasks: 1. Developing Communication Strategies: โข Create and implement comprehensive communication plans that outline key messages, target audiences, and communication channels. โข Develop and maintain a project branding strategy to ensure consistent messaging and visual identity across all communication materials. โข Coordinate with project stakeholders to align communication efforts with project goals and objectives. 2. Content Creation and Dissemination: โข Write and edit various communication materials, including press releases, articles, blog posts, newsletters, and social media content. โข Design and produce visual content such as info graphics, videos, and presentations to enhance the project's visibility and engagement. โข Manage the project's online presence, including website updates and social media accounts, to ensure timely and accurate information dissemination. 3. Stakeholder Engagement: โข Organize and facilitate stakeholder consultations, workshops, and meetings to ensure active participation and feedback from all relevant parties. โข Develop and maintain a stakeholder database to track engagement activities and ensure effective communication with key stakeholders. โข Foster relationships with media outlets, government agencies, and other partners to promote the project's objectives and achievements. 4. Monitoring and Reporting: โข Track and analyze the effectiveness of communication activities using metrics such as media coverage, social media engagement, and stakeholder feedback. โข Prepare regular reports on communication efforts and their impact, highlighting successes and areas for improvement. โข Use data and insights from monitoring activities to refine and enhance communication strategy. 5. Supporting Capacity Building: โข Develop training materials and conduct workshops on communication skills for project staff and stakeholders to enhance their ability to effectively communicate project objectives and achievements. โข Provide ongoing support and mentorship to project staff in developing their communication skills and capabilities. โข Collaborate with capacity-building teams to ensure that communication training is integrated into broader project capacity-building efforts. Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to: โข Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark International Volunteer Day); โข Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country; โข Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities; โข Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.; โข Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers; โข Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.
Competencies and valuesAccountability Adaptability and Flexibility Building Trust Client Orientation Commitment and Motivation Commitment to Continuous Learning Communication Creativity Empowering Others Ethics and Values Integrity Judgement and Decision-Making Knowledge Sharing Planning and Organizing Professionalism Respect for Diversity Self-Management Technological Awareness Vision Working in Teams
Living conditions and remarksThe Solomon Islands is an archipelago of nearly 1,000 islands, with Honiara as the main administrative and commercial hub. Local markets offer seasonal produce and fresh seafood, while imported goods are available in supermarkets, often at higher prices. Housing ranges from modern apartments in Honiara to more basic options in the provinces, with utilities generally reliable in the capital though occasional disruptions may occur. With its tropical climate, rich cultural heritage, and welcoming communities, the Solomon Islands offers a unique and rewarding living and working experience. Flexibility and an open mind will help make the most of the countryโs diverse landscapes and way of life.