Communications Assistant

Preamble:

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development and it benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally, encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers.

In most cultures volunteerism is deeply embedded in long-established, ancient traditions of sharing and support within the communities. In this context, UN Volunteers take part in various forms of volunteerism and play a role in development and peace together with co-workers, host agencies and local communities.

In all assignments, UN Volunteers promote volunteerism through their action and conduct. Engaging in volunteer activity can effectively and positively enrich their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between themselves and the people in their host community. This will make the time they spend as UN Volunteers even more rewarding and productive

1. Country of Assignment:              Lebanon

2. Agency Name/ Host Institute:     UNDP Country Office

3. Volunteer Category:                     National Specialist

4. Number of Volunteer:                  1

5.  Duty Station, Country:                Beirut

6.  Duration (in months):                  12       

7.  Expected Starting Date:             February 2018

8. Living Conditions:    As this is a national UNV assignment, the incumbent will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in Beirut. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.

9. Assignment Type:  Family Assignment

10. Organizational Context & Project Description:

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Communication Associate, the Communication Unit at UNDP Country Office is carrying out a wide range of specialized tasks related to Media activities, Advocacy, outreach, information product and visibility material. The Unit helps to raise awareness about the work of the organization and ensure the visibility of UNDP to generate resources.

UNDP is the UN’s global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP is on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and its wide range of partners. http://www.lb.undp.org

11. Sustainable Development Goals: 16. Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

12.UNV Focus Area:  National capacity development via volunteer schemes

13.Task descriptions: Under the direct supervision of the Communication Associate, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Updating and improving UNDP website’s content in coordination with Communication Team and IT;
• Writing success stories for UNDP website including featuring UN Volunteers’ contributions;
• Assisting in the Arabic translation of the UNDP website content;
• Assisting the Communication Unit in gathering information and stories ideas from the Projects Managers during field visits;
• Collecting stories from the field and interviewing beneficiaries and UN Volunteers
• Creating a source pool of high picture of beneficiaries for UNDP publications, website and advocacy material;
• Documenting UNDP projects and events by taking photos;
• Collecting, compiling and finalizing information related to key advocacy material for the country office and projects;
• Assisting at public events such as roundtable discussions, press conferences, briefing sessions, provide assistance in the logistical preparations for public events (such as press conferences, media field visits, workshops…);
• Drafting press releases and collecting press clippings;
• Posting information on social media;
• Providing assistance to ensure media coverage to UNDP’s events;
• Posting updates on UNDP’s website: press releases, press clippings events and activities & publications;
• Maintaining & updating information databases (such as hotels, translators, graphic designers, audio equipment suppliers…);
• Providing assistance in editing and reviewing of reports & translations submitted
• Providing support in producing reports/publications;
• Undertaking any other related duties as requested by the supervisor.

Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:

• 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);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
• 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.

14. Results/Expected Outputs

• High quality information material developed and public events well-organized;
• The key results have an impact on the reputation and standing of UNDP in the country, UNDP and UNV position as a strong development player enhanced, a client-oriented and efficient approach impact on the image of UNDP in the country adopted;
• The development of capacity through coaching, mentoring and formal on-the-job training, when working with (including supervising) national staff or (non-) governmental counterparts, including Implementing Partners (IPs);
• Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment
• A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed

Qualifications / Requirements

Minimum 22 years old, Lebanese national, or legally resident in Lebanon with the status of refugee or stateless.

15. Experience Description:

• Relevant experience in Communications/Journalism/Public Relations;
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.);
• Experience in handling web-based management systems;
• Writing Success stories and news articles;
• Drafting and Posting information on Social Media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc…).

16. Areas of Expertise:  Communication, mass media and art     

17. Need Driving License:  No

18. Competencies and Values:      

• Integrity and professionalism: demonstrated expertise in area of specialty and ability to apply good judgment; high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures in a politically sensitive environment, while exercising discretion, impartiality and neutrality; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented.
• Accountability: mature and responsible; ability to operate in compliance with organizational rules and regulations.
• Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment.
• Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities.
• Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity and gender;
• Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; ability to maintain composure and remain helpful towards the staff, but objective, without showing personal interest; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;
• Flexibility, adaptability, and ability and willingness to operate independently in austere, remote and potentially hazardous environments for protracted periods, involving physical hardship and little comfort, and including possible extensive travel within the area of operations; willingness to transfer to other duty stations within area of operations as may be necessary;
• Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards the UN core values.

19. Conditions of Service: The contract lasts for the period indicated above with possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment. Moving travel to duty station (if applicable) and a Settling-In-Grant will be provided in the event duty station is not within commuting distance from the place of recruitment. A Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of LBP 1,859,375 is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Well-being Differential of 15% (WBD-A) or 30% (WBD-B) of the VLA will apply, paid on a monthly basis, depending on the ICSC classification of the duty station.

Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as return travel of (if applicable) and resettlement allowance for satisfactory service.

Disclaimer

The United Nations Volunteers programme (UNV) is an equal opportunity programme which welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture.