Communication Associate

Position Information:

Title: Communications Associate
Level: NPSA 6
Duty station: Beirut, Lebanon
Expected starting date: As soon as possible
Expected Duration: One year, with possibility of extension

Project Description:

The role of the Country Office Communications Unit is to adopt UNDP’s global communication strategy to a local context and the Country Office development priorities. Through the production of high-quality communication materials and innovative use of relevantly targeted communication channels (internal and external), the communications team works collaboratively to position UNDP as a leader in the development arena, promote visibility of UNDP program outcomes/development results, mobilize support for Sustainable Development Goals in the country, and practice delivery as one UN.

The UNDP Country Office in Lebanon frequently produces publications pertaining to its different projects for local and international audiences, to raise awareness on its activities as well as a part of its capacity building process. The UNDP is seeking to hire a Communications Associate to support to formulation and implementation of communications and advocacy strategies to increase the standing and awareness of UNDP with partners, the media and the public.

The Communications Associate works in close collaboration with the Management Support and Business Development, Programme and Operations teams in the CO, staff of other UN Agencies, UNDP Communications Group staff (the Regional Communications Adviser and HQ) Government officials, media, multilateral and bilateral donors and civil society. The Communications Associate promotes a clientoriented approach in UNDP.

Scope of Work:

Supports the formulation and implementation of CO communications, outreach and advocacy strategies, supports business development: 

• Provision of inputs and information for elaboration of CO communication strategy based on corporate communications strategy and UNDP External Communications Action Plan.
• Support to increased awareness of UNDP’s mandate and goals through dissemination of information, organization of public and media events.
• Assist in preparing of media advisories and press releases for dispatch to national, regional and international media;
• Enhance the Communication section’s current monitoring mechanism on media outreach, and ensure that UNDP Lebanon’s media coverage is consistently monitored, analyzed, and reported;
• Under guidance, development and preparation of materials for marketing and awareness-raising including briefing materials and media materials.
• Organization of publicity, advocacy, knowledge-sharing events and promotional opportunities. Provision of logistics support to the events as the case may be.
• Review of reference materials, identification of reference materials for retention. Maintenance of information database and photo library in coordination with the Digital Content Associate.
• Research and retrieval of data from internal and external sources.
• Organization and implementation of joint UN information campaigns (UN Day, World AIDS Day, etc).
• Coordinate with UNDP area field offices any communiation activity related to human interest stories, video production and communication missions , and prepare the relevant administrative procedures;
• Provide translation and interpretation when needed in the field and assist in the preparation of written scripts, press releases and media related documentation in Arabic as appropriate;

Ensures implementation of the CO publications policy:

• Suggestions, inputs, content development, coordination of production and dissemination of media materials, publications, articles and sharing of CO knowledge and successes.

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and management:

• Support to CO staff and project teams/personnel in identification, documenting and drafting of best practices and lessons learned.
• Organization of training for the CO staff and project personnel on effective communications and advocacy.

Institutional Arrangement:

The Communications Associate works under the direct supervision of the Senior Communications and Media Officer and in close coordination with UNDP programme and project staff.

Competencies:

Core:

• 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 improvements
• Learn Continuously: 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 flexible
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

• Communications: Writing and Editing: Ability to create and/or edit written content in different UN languages;
• Communications: Media relations: Ability to develop media relations across all aspects of media work including relationships with media and preparing media materials such as messages;
• Communications: Campaign management: Ability to produce and implement communications and advocacy campaigns which lead to impactful change;
• Business Management: Customer Satisfaction/Client Management: Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and delivery timely and quality results and/or solution to fulfil and understand the real customers’ needs; Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy; Look for ways to add value beyond clients’ immediate requests; Ability to anticipate clients’ upcoming needs and concerns.
• Communications: Events Planning and Execution: Ability to plan, manage and execute of public and private events to ensure that they support and amplify individual communications and advocacy initiatives, as well as UNDP's overall brand and mandate.
• Knowledge Generation: Business development: Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need.
• Communication: Business Management: Ability to 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; Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.

Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA:

Education:

• Completion of Secondary Education is required; or
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications/Social Sciences, or other related fields.

Experience:

Minimum 6 years with secondary education or 3 years with a Bachelor’s degree of progressive relevant experience at the national level in providing communication material to promote the activities of international development organizations.

Required skills:

• Highly motivated, pleasant character, skills in oral and written communication;
• Strong organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and accurately;
• Teamwork spirit and willingness to learn and embrace additional responsibilities within the team;
• Experience in handling of web-based management systems.

Desired skills:

• Experience in handling communication material and institutional website;
• Experience with UN or international donor project(s) is an asset.
• Knowledge of French is an asset.

Required Language(s):

• Fluency in English and Arabic is required.
• Knowledge of French is an asset.