Background
UNDP is the UN's global development network and assists countries to build and share solutions to the challenges of globalization and human development. UNDPโs support to countries on climate change and disaster resilience is shaped by three important global agreements: the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the Sendai Framework on Disaster Risk Reduction, and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. UNDP works with countries to help them reduce greenhouse gases and advance a long-term goal of zero-carbon development. At the same time, we work together with partners to adapt to the impacts of climate change, enhance access to clean energy, reduce the risk of disasters and, where needed, support resilient disaster recovery. Taken all together, these efforts are the path towards sustainable development that is risk-informed, zero-carbon and resilient.
The project โEnhancing Urban Resilience to Disaster Risk and Climate Change in Central Asiaโ (hereinafter โthe Projectโ) is funded by the Government of Japan and expected to be implemented by UNDP in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The overall objective of the project is to support all five Central Asian (CA) countries in building climate resilience, focusing on urban areas. The project will specifically focus on enhancing regional cooperation and partnership through the existing coordination platforms, while introducing innovative approaches in urban planning based on practical experiences from other countries, including Japan.ย
The Regional Communications Associate will be based in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Reporting to the Regional Project Manager (also based in Almaty), the Regional Communications Associate will work closely with UNDP Istanbul Regional Hub (IRH) and UNDP Kazakhstan staff, as well as with national project teams in all five UNDP programme countries responsible for the implementation of the project: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
Duties and Responsibilities
Regional Communications Associate will be responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies to enhance the visibility of the Project. Regional Communications Associate will report directly to the Regional Project Manager, and will operate as a member of the Project Management Unit, to ensure close coordination and strong information flow between the communications and knowledge management aspects of the project and the other technical components of the project. Regional Communications Associate will coordinate closely with theย the UNDP CDT team, all 5 country offices, Communications focal points in UNDP IRH, Project National partners, and other key project partners to ensure a whole-project approach to communications and knowledge management.ย
Overall tasks:
Prepare and disseminate all project-related visibility materials including the news posts, press releases, newsletters, infographics, success stories and promotional materials to ensure projects visibility with COs, national partners, civil society, donors, national and international mass media;ย Ensure that information and visibility materials including the success and human stories demonstrates impact of Donor (Government of Japan) and UNDPโs initiatives on the most vulnerable groups and ultimately contribute to enhancing inclusiveness and transparency;ย Create and ensure the coverage/update of the project activities/events on the partnersโ resources, UNDP national and global web-portals, national and international media sources, including social networks (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, messengers channels) with relevant news and posts;ย Supports the Regional Project Manager to develop the Scaling Up and Replication Strategy of the Project.ย Collect all the project data and integrate them in periodic documents (Newsletters) with Project results, including follow-up and updates related to the Results Framework. Ensure wide coverage of the events in the media through involvement of representatives from print and broadcast mass media to these events;ย In cooperation with CA Country offices ensure translation of the main project press-releases, news, bulletins, follow-up stories to following languages (Mandatory: English, Russian, optional: Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Tadjik, Turkmen and Uzbek languages); Ensure that all communication materials adhere to branding guidelines, maintaining a consistent and professional image for the project and its partners; Support project events and workshops, including materials and promotion to ensure successful execution and visibility. Create engaging content for various platforms, including videos, logos, podcasts, and blogs, to showcase project activities and success stories in diverse formats;ย Support any other relevant tasks as required by the project manager and the UNDP IRH CDT team. The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning ofย the Office and the Organisation.Institutional Arrangement:
Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Regional Project Manager, Regional Communications Associate renders operational and thematic services ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work. Regional Communications Associate will work in close collaboration with all Central Asian Communications country offices, Communications focal points in UNDP IRH, national partners, local and international consultants, projects, operations, and Programme staff to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery and undertake day-to-day responsibility for thematic support services for the satisfactory achievement of the related project deliverables.
Competencies
Core Competencies:
Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvementsย Learn Continuously:ย LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexibleย Act with Determination: 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: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discriminationยCross Functional and Technical Competencies:
Communication: Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.ย Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels Media relations: Ability to develop media relations across all aspects of media work including relationships with media and preparing media materials such as messagesย Social Media management: ย Ability to represent and promote the UNDP brand in virtual communities and networks Writing and editing: Ability to create and/or edit written content in different UN languagesย Gender: Gender Equality Seal for public institutions Data storytelling and communications: Skilled in building a narrative around a set of data and its accompanying visualizations to help convey the meaning of that data in a powerful and compelling fashion. Digital wareness and Literacy:ย Ability to monitor new and emerging technologies, as well as understand their usage, potential, limitations, impact, and added value.ย Ability to rapidly and readily adopt and use new technologies in professional activities, and to empower others to use them as needed.ย Knowledge of the usage of digital technologies and emerging trends.Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Experience:
Minimum 7 years (with secondary education) or 4 years (with bachelorโs degree) of relevant work experience in the field of Public Relations , Outreach and Media Communication is required.Language:
Fluent English and Russian is required.ย Good command in any of Central Asian languages is desirable.Required Skills:
Proven track record of excellent verbal and written communication skills; Experience in developing visual and multimedia content Prior experience in the Central Asian region in a similar position and understanding of regional cultural sensitivities and nuancesDesired Skills:
Experience and knowledge of branding and messaging consistency; Experience working in/with local and international journalismย Demonstrated ability to work in stressful conditions and to meet tight deadlines; Demonstrated ability to use information technologies as a tool and resource; Familiarity with design and multimedia tools (Canva, Adobe Suite, etc.) Demonstrated experience in speechwriting.ย ยEqual 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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