Communications, Advocacy and Partnerships Specialist – P3  

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. The Pacific Multi-Country Office (MCO) covers ten countries including Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu as well as provides support to regional initiatives.

UNDP in the Pacific has developed its multi-country programme document (MCPD, 2023-2027) to guide its interventions in the next five years in full alignment and directly to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF, 2023–27). The UNSDCF and UNDP MCPD are designed in full alignment with the 2030 agenda, Samoa Pathway, and 2050 Blue Content Strategy, which is endorsed by the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) among others. The UNDP Pacific Office’s five-year plan strategic priorities are encapsulated under three outcome areas: (i) Planet, (ii) Prosperity, and (iii) Peace. The programme portfolio includes mutually reinforcing work streams crafted around two clusters (i) Resilience and Climate Change; and ii) Inclusive Growth and Effective Governance, supported by a Policy and Innovation team, an Operations team, a Communications Team, and a Management and Oversight team. The work of UNDP in the Pacific conducted through country specific and regional projects across the 10 countries. Management of these 10 countries is done by the MCO’s three offices, with the main office in Fiji and sub-offices in the Solomon Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia.

The Communications, Advocacy and Partnerships Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting UNDP Fiji MCO’s strategic positioning, fostering partnerships, and advocating for key development. This personnel also leads the Communications Unit .

The role of the MCO Communications Unit is to adopt UNDP’s global communication strategy to a local context and the MCO 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.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks. UNDP is the leading United Nations organization in fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. Learn more at undp.org or follow at @UNDP (Information on the project)

Position Purpose

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Resident Representative, the Communications, Advocacy and Partnerships Specialist of the MCO implements the corporate communications strategy, designs, manages and facilitates the implementation of the MCO’s communications and publication strategies with a view to influence the development agenda, promote public and media outreach and mobilize political and financial support for UNDP.

The Communications, Advocacy and Partnerships Specialist supervises and leads the communications team of the MCO and has a strong regular working relationship with the Regional Communications Adviser. He/she works in close collaboration with the MCO Policy Advisor, Programme, Operations and project teams, staff of other UN Agencies, UNDP Communications staff in the Region and HQ, government officials, international and local media, subject matter experts, donors, and civil society to ensure successful implementation of UNDP’s communication strategy.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities

1) Lead Strategic Advocacy and Campaigns
Develop and implement advocacy strategies to advance UNDP’s mission and strategic goals.
Identify key advocacy opportunities and platforms at national, regional, and global levels.
Coordinate and facilitate the production of advocacy materials, including policy briefs, reports, and multimedia content.
Manage and promote advocacy activities and disseminate corporate advocacy materials to publicize UNDP mandate/mission, flagship initiatives, and key publications.
Create, promote, and maintain public information campaigns on issues including UNDP activities, Sustainable Development Goals, and UN Reform.
Push UNDP’s Campaign and Advocacy Agenda in MCO’s UN Communications Group to ensure alignment with the “One UN” agenda

2) Develop Partnership Engagement and Donor Relations
Identify, establish, and maintain strategic partnerships with stakeholders including governments, civil society organizations, private sector, academia, and other UN agencies.
Foster relationships with donors, ensuring continuous engagement and communication to secure funding and support for UNDP projects.
Develop and maintain close contacts with government officials, donors, civil society, and private sector as part of the MCO communication strategy

3.) Lead on the Communication Strategies and Outreach
Plan and elaborate communication needs assessments for the MCO (projects, country programme, and corporate change initiatives).
Lead the communication programme in the MCO and work closely with MCO senior management and communications personnel in Fiji, Solomon Islands, and the Micronesia offices.
Develop a yearly communications action plan in line with the overarching strategy.
Provide constructive and timely advice on the inclusion of communications components in programme and project formulations.
Promote and facilitate increased coverage and understanding of the UNDP’s work in the Pacific through local and global media stories.

4.) Lead the Publications and Digital Communications
Elaborate and implement the MCO publications strategy and plan based on the corporate publications policy.
Identify and develop storylines for publications and substantive articles that contribute to and generate conversations on key development issues.
Coordinate and manage all MCO publication activities, including content management in line with corporate guidelines.
Liaise with journalists and other communication counterparts for better UNDP visibility.
Design the MCO strategy for digital communications.
Maintain close contact with the global web management team to ensure the design of the MCO’s website is in line with corporate requirements.
Supervise the content for different digital platforms, including the MCO website and social media, to ensure consistency of materials.
Monitor public engagement on different social media platforms.•

5.) Oversight on Knowledge Management and Dissemination
Identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme country goals and activities.
Provide substantive and sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice, including corporate communications repositories.
Organize and provide training, consultancy, and advice to UNDP staff on internal and external knowledge management.
Oversee maintenance of UNDP’s Intranet on MCO activities for internal knowledge sharing.
Share relevant knowledge products with external stakeholders through the corporate website.
Work with the Programme teams to ensure all knowledge products are captured, updated, readily available, and in the right order as necessary

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: Provide supervision and performance management of Communications team across the MCO.
• Direct supervision of NOB Communications Analyst and indirect supervision of Communications Specialists in the Solomon Islands and Micronesia sub offices
• Coordination of Communications Analysts in all projects in the MCO

Competencies

Core Competencies

Achieve Results-LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact

Think Innovatively-LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems

Learn Continuously-LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences

Adapt with Agility-LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands

Act with Determination-LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results

Engage and Partner-LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration

Enable Diversity and Inclusion-LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

People Management

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Business Direction & Strategy – System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system
Business Management – Portfolio Management: Ability to select, prioritise and control the organization’s programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management
Business Management – 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. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.
External Relations & Advocacy, General (across the functions) – Event Planning and Execution: Ability to plan, manage and execute 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.
External Relations & Advocacy, Communications – Advocacy Strategy and Implementation: Ability to create and implement advocacy strategies which lead to impactful change
External Relations & Advocacy, Communications – Brand & Quality Management: Ability to position a UNDP brand and uphold it to a high level of quality
ExternalRelations & Advocacy, Communications – Campaign Management: Ability to produce and implement communications and advocacy campaigns which lead to impactful change.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Communication, Journalism, International Relations, Public Administration, or related field is required, or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the fields of study mentioned above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at the national or international level in public relations, advocacy, or communications.
• Previous communication experience with multilateral or international organizations is an asset.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with international media and organizations involved in evidence-based research on social policy and development programmes, and advocacy efforts is required.
• Experience in the use of computers and office software packages, multi-media technologies in creating multimedia content and working with graphic and video production tools is required.
• Experience in creating and implementing advocacy strategies which lead to impactful change is desired.
• Experience in managing communications internally and externally, through media, social media, and other appropriate channels is desired.
• Experience in working in a multicultural environment is highly desirable.
• Experience in working with multiple stakeholders including government, donors, media and public is an asset.
• Experience in journalism and public relations is an asset.

Language:

• Fluency in English is required, (Exceptional written and verbal communication skills are required (in English), with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively to various stakeholders. 
• Knowledge of another UN language is desirable.

Note: Please upload copies of your academic qualifications and 3 latest Performance Evaluations (if applicable)

Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing communication and outreach strategies is desired

Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. 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.

Non-discrimination

UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.

UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.

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