Background
The primary role of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is to support country-led efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The work of UNDP in 177 countries around the world is anchored in diverse and effective partnerships, which are vital to our two critical roles at country level: (a) as an integrator across policy, programmatic and organizational silos; and (b) as an operational backbone for the United Nations and other partners.
Over the last 14 years, the population in Syria suffered catastrophic losses; the displacement of 14 million people from their homes and a collective grief for the half a million lives lost in conflict. Syrians have lived through the severity of a protracted crisis with no real signs of a political solution, existing within a complete lack of accountability for the suffering endured.
In response to the evolving situation in Syria after 08 December 2024, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has developed its Programmatic Offer, outlining targeted activities to address the needs of the immediate and mid-term transition period (1 to 3 years) in the following three priority domains: (1) Governance and Basic services, (2) Socio-economic Recovery, and (3) Infrastructure Rehabilitation.
In this context, UNDP Syria is looking for a communications Associate, stationed in Aleppo, who can support UNDPโs communications and partnership efforts, particularly in the Northern Region of Syria.
Duties and Responsibilities
Support implementation of UNDPโs internal and external communications and partnership strategies and plans by conducting various communications-related activities, producing communications products and quality assurance control
Identify storylines and achievements and propose communications activities in line with the UNDP Communications Strategy and work plans of UNDP sectors, projects and programmes in the Northern Region (Aleppo and Idlib) Support in the drafting of success stories (human interest stories), press releases, and other communications and advocacy materials related to UNDP projects in the Northern Region that ensure effective communication with targeted audience(s) Provide background information and briefing materials per request Support the implementation of joint UN events and campaigns in the Northen Region Support and contribute to the creation of visual communication products โ infographics, videos etc. Technical support for the translation/adaptation/rewriting of information received from the Northern Region, printing and dissemination of publications and audio-visual materials including coordination with printers and other suppliers to ensure production Manage the publication of materials produced in the Northern Region for final approval by CO Communications Follow UNDP corporate editorial and branding guidelines, while ensuring that UNDP, the donor and the Partnerโs corporate identities, visibility and communication rules and regulations are applied in all materials produced by the project, including social networks and other online platforms Develop partnerships with various individuals, groups and organizations, whose support is essential to the achievement of communication objectivesSupportย communications and media support to the CO
Maintain and update a database of relevant press in the Northern Region Monitor media and inform CO Communications, Area Manager and designated staff on issues of relevance to UNDP and the UN in country, and more specifically in the Northern Region Gather relevant information to support responses to media enquiries, in close coordination with the CO Communications Specialist, as delegated Produce periodical and ad hoc reports on communications activities, including media analysis Gather and draft inputs to talking points, as necessaryย
Support facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing, and contributions to CO online platforms
Draft communications content tailored for online communication Develop weekly plans for online communications covering projects /activities in the Northern Region Support Northern Region staff in identifying, documenting and drafting of best practices and lessons learned Assist in systematic capturing of key achievements and lessons learnt of UNDP activities for knowledge sharing and improvement of the CO overall knowledge management system Maintain library/ database of reference materials and photos and digital assets relevant to the Northern Region, as necessary Support to the publicationsโ dissemination across different platformsย
Contribute to implementation of administrative and financial tasks related to Communications Unitโs work at Northern Regionย
Conduct tasks related to administrative and financial support of daily operations of the Communications Unit in the Northern Region Maintain a database of design and print companies, audiovisual support and other relevant suppliers in the Northern Region Provide support on procurement and payment issues related to services rendered for communicationsย The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Area Office and the CO The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Competencies
Core Competencies
Achieve Results:ย LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline. Think Innovatively:ย LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements. Learn Continuously:ย LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback. Adapt with Agility:ย LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible. Act With Determination:ย LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident. Engage and Partner:ย LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships. Enable Diversity and Inclusion:ย LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Secondary education is required, or a first-level University Degree (Bachelorโs degree) in communication, journalism, international relations, and/or related field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.
Experience:
A minimum of 6 years (with high school diploma) or 3 years (with bachelorโs degree) of progressively responsible experience in communications, public or media relations, and all aspects of communications work preferably with UN or international development organizations is required. Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment. Familiarity in graphic design software (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign). Experience and basic knowledge of video editing tools (e.g., Adobe Premiere, Final Cut, or mobile editing apps) and multimedia production. Familiarity with presentation design tools like Microsoft PowerPoint or Canva. Familiarity with social media platforms and tools (e.g., Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, Hootsuite, Buffer, or similar). Experience and understanding of organizational branding and communication guidelines (preferably UN/UNDP standards). Experience with media monitoring and analysis tools; ability to synthesize media content into strategic reports. Organizational skills in managing communications assets, such as digital libraries and media contact databases. Basic knowledge of procurement procedures and administrative/financial operations, ideally in UN or NGO contexts. Demonstrated previous professional experience working in the duty station (Northern Area), with strong knowledge of the local context, stakeholders, and operational environment. Experience working with UN agencies or international organizations is preferred. Proven track record of excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills. Proven track record of accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing.Language Requirements:
Fluency in Arabic and English (written and oral) is required.Female Candidates are highly encouraged to apply.ย
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.ย
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.ย
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.ย We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Scam alert
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.
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