COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT (Temporary Job Opening)

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) Programme in the Division on Technology and Logistics (DTL) of the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Afghanistan. The incumbent reports to the ASYCUDA Regional Coordinator for Europe and Central Asia. ResponsibilitiesUnder the supervision of the ASYCUDA Regional Coordinator for Europe and Central Asia, the Communications Assistant may be responsible for the following duties: • Provides specialized assistance in the production and delivery of information communications products and services. • Researches a broad scope of information sources, printed and electronic; compile and present information for use in the preparation and production of communications products/services for external audiences. • Serves as an information focal point on ASYCUDA Afghanistan Project activities open to accredited press and coordinate media coverage of important events; compiles, produces and distributes to journalists basic information (e.g. The Media Alert) on the wide spectrum of ASYCUDA Afghanistan Project activities open to the press; briefs relevant parties on policies and procedures governing media coverage of the UN, clearance/accreditation requirements, etc.; liaises with news and publications agencies, public relations firms, photographers, etc. to provide advance notice of, and information on, upcoming meetings, briefings and special events and to ascertain coverage requirements; coordinates logistic and technical arrangements/requests and organizes and allocates space for visiting news, photo, TV and film personnel; researches, evaluates and processes applications for UN security clearances/accreditations and control media access to press briefings, etc.; • Organizes and executes special events, coordinating with diverse partners and the media to highlight and publicize key events. • Handles administrative coordination in support of special training and other programmes. • Oversees the distribution of audio and video materials; ensures the good management of the film/video archives, and the proper safekeeping/preservation of historical audio/visual materials. • Assists in the production and editing of video/film projects, radio programmes, or website projects: researches diverse print and electronic information sources for topics and materials for projects; suggests ideas on content, narration texts, audio excerpts, design elements, etc.; selects and catalogues sound/ visual materials and evaluates quality for inclusion in productions, and obtains requisite clearances and copyrights; prepares detailed “shot lists” of video and film material; transcribes audio materials available only on audio format, etc. • Assists in the electronic dissemination of programmes; prepares, maintains and updates web page, to include drafting and editing content; uploads/downs load audio files and maintains file structure. • Identifies and prepares new material for inclusion in appropriate web pages by: researching various information sources for relevant material and cross-checking information with author offices as required; identifying, retrieving and downloading pertinent documentation and other information in requisite programming languages for Web format or inserting into database after determining appropriate categorization; editing documents to conform to UN format, structure and style and preparing new pages, incorporating graphics as needed, using appropriate authoring tools and necessary programming languages; preparing and updating index of documents; posting documents on the UN web and/or development servers and ensuring the appropriate directory location; checking and testing for multiple browser support, etc. • Manages updates and further develops internal databases; update website; generates a variety of standard and non-standard statistical and other reports from various databases. • Provides guidance and training to junior staff. • Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making. • Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures. • Performs other duties as assigned. Competencies• Professionalism: Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures related to the communication, production and dissemination of public information. Ability to research and gather information from a variety of sources. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Able to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. • 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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. • Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent is required. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum 7 years of experience in public communication, international broadcasting or related area. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to five (5) years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher is required. Experience working with international organizations, such as the United Nations, is desirable. Experience in supporting United Nations or similar international organization technical cooperation programmes related to customs and international trade digitilization is required. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Dari and Pashto are desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).