Background Information - Sri Lanka
UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations helping a wide range of partners in delivering peace, security, humanitarian and development projects across the world.
UNOPS Sri Lanka implements tailored socio-economic development projects that benefit vulnerable communities and supports the Government national capacities. UNOPS has been working across Sri Lanka managing education, public health, roads, water and sanitation, fisheries, agriculture and solid waste infrastructure projects. UNOPS also provides expertise in procurement, fund management and human resources management services.
As part of its programme implementation and advisory capacity, UNOPS will work closely with members of the Government of Sri Lanka and its representatives, and the Sri Lankan civil society to deliver agreed sets of projects and activities to support the work of Sri Lankan civil society in assisting the people and communities of Sri Lanka.
Background Information - Job-specific
The Communications Associate will be responsible for all communications activities related to the Vriddhi project.
As such, s/he will work with UNOPS project teams located in field offices and in Colombo in protection, project management, financial management, advisory services, grants management, ICT services, GIS, supporting artistic creation and other related areas of work.
In addition, s/he will have extensive working relationships with members of the civil society in Sri Lanka whose activities will be monitored by the incumbent as part of the grants awarded and services provisions by UNOPS. Under the supervision of the Programme Manager, the Communications Associate will ensure all communication activities are delivered as per UNOPS agreed policies, processes and standards.
S/he will have a high sense of integrity, confidentiality and the ability to engage sensibly with local stakeholders including local authorities, local partners and communities. This position is based in Colombo with extensive travel to field and project locations.
Functional Responsibilities
Media Outreach & Information, Education & Communication (IEC) management
Support to the digital and other media outreach of the program in a strategic manner
To provide support in visibility to the Programme and its activities to stakeholders and the public.
Provide support to manage all print, electronic and social media platforms to effectively disseminate the project activities and process documentation, reports for events and project activities conducted for donors.
To provide support to the country manager in the collection of success stories from the field with good pictures and videos.
Support in preparing press briefs, notes, releases and liaise with the media wherever required.
Documentation Support
Assist in the development of technical specifications and terms of references for purchase of services and goods needed for delivery of print, and audio-visual communication materials.
Assist in the preparation of requisitions, payment requests and other administrative documentation related to the communication activities.
Support in preparation of project reports/ brochures/ fliers and other communication materials as necessary.
Maintain physical inventory of all communication material procured and disseminated by the project.
Support in incorporation of gender mainstreaming into the communication activities in accordance with the project objectives.
Any other communication and/or related administrative support tasks.
Impact of Results
Publications are delivered to relevant audiences in a timely manner.
An efficient filing and tracking system is maintained.
Actions are followed up promptly and efficiently.
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education:
High School Diploma is required. Bachelor or Masters degree in communications or related field (Media Studies, Journalism, Political Science, or International Relations) would be an asset and may substitute some of the required years of experience.Experience:
Minimum 6 years of cumulative experience in communications and operations, preferably with an international organization are required. Good communication, confident writing, and good analytical skills are essential. Experience in creating and distributing e-newsletters and/or producing content for websites and social media in English is an asset. Experience /knowledge of web-based applications and Google Suite products especially google forms, sheets, docs and slides is an asset.Language Requirements:
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Sinhala or/and Tamil is an asset.Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: ICA (Individual Contractor Agreement)
Contract level: L-ICA Support - LICA 6
Contract duration: Retainer ICA - 3 Months, with the possibility of extension subject to organization requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
This vacancy is designed to specifically recruit professionals who are nationals of Sri Lanka.
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
Additional Information
Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and Conditions
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.