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.
UNDP’s presence in Senegal consists of both its sub-regional and country-level teams supporting both its efforts in Senegal and across 24 countries in the sub-region.
At the sub-regional level, the UNDP Sub-Regional Hub for West and Central Africa (UNDP WACA) is at the forefront of accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in West and Central Africa. Our multidimensional approach encompasses promoting good governance, fostering sustainable livelihoods, tackling climate change, enhancing community resilience, driving structural transformation, and eradicating poverty.
Through a tailored blend of strategic policy support, innovative programming, robust partnerships, and comprehensive capacity-building initiatives, UNDP WACA plays a pivotal role in shaping a more resilient and prosperous future for the sub-region.
It is one of three regional hubs couched within UNDP’s Regional Service Centre for Africa (RSCA) and the Regional Bureau for Africa, providing specialized support to 24 countries which range from high and middle-income economies to least-developed countries and those in crisis and post-crisis settings.
At the country level, UNDP Senegal works in close partnership with the Government of Senegal, communities, civil society, and international partners to help address the country’s unique challenges and support the unlocking of the country’s full potential.
By focusing on critical areas such as inclusive and sustainable economic growth, environmental sustainability, and governance, UNDP Senegal works to strengthen institutions, enhance social cohesion and support resilience building. Through innovation and strategic partnerships, UNDP Senegal helps implement effective, context-specific development solutions that drive long-term sustainability, empower communities and build a prosperous and resilient Senegal.
The UNDP in Senegal team plans to recruit a Communications and Media Relations Associate to support the communications efforts of both the Country and Regional Office.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Communications and Media Relations Associate will support the Communications Unit of the UNDP team in Senegal and shall be responsible for leading UNDP’s media relations efforts and supporting overall communications activities and functions at the country and regional level.
The Communications and Media Relations Associate scope of work will include, but will not be limited to, the following responsibilities:
- Support the implementation of UNDP WACA and UNDP Senegal’s communications and digital engagement strategy based on corporate communications goals and priorities.
- Support the Integration of issue-based advocacy into communications around crucial thematic areas relevant to the sub-region.
- Support in maintaining and strengthening UNDP’s relations with national and international media.
- Ensure key results and relevant success stories are incorporated into communications and outreach efforts.
Ensure placement of stories, op-eds, video content and advocacy materials in national and international media. - Prepare succinct communications pieces of varying lengths for internal and external audiences.
- Prepare a range of materials, including press releases & advisories, news briefs, and fact sheets for inclusion in media kits and further public outreach.
- Support in increasing coverage and understanding of UNDP WACA and UNDP Senegal’s work through strategic media outreach.
- Support capacity and relationship building of media and journalists in Senegal and across the region.
- Support country, regional and global public campaigns that promote UNDP as a development partner in Senegal and West and Central Africa and influence the development agenda based on current programmes and new initiatives.
- The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
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
Business Development
- Knowledge Generation : Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for content, or responsive to a stated need
Business Management
- Communication : 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
Digital and Innovation
- Behaviour change communication/ communication for development: Knowledge of appropriate digital communication methodologies for development and behaviour change and ability to apply them practically.
External Relations and Advocacy
- Advocacy strategy and implementation : Ability to create and implement advocacy strategies which lead to impactful change.
- Media Relations : Ability to develop media relations across all aspects of media work, including relationships with media and preparing media materials such as press releases, key messages etc.
- Digital Strategy: Ability to plan the use of resources through digital channels to reach and engage target audiences effectively and to achieve particular objectives
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Secondary education is required, or Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism or related field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.
Experience:
- A minimum of 6 years (with secondary education) or 3 years (with bachelor’s degree) in providing communication support to projects and programmes in the UN, international organizations or non-profit organizations is required.
- Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems, and advanced knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages.
- Previous knowledge and experience in Communication with UN/UNDP and other development organizations is desirable.
- Previous journalism experience will be an advantage.
- Having a training in social media will be an asset.
- Experience in working in a demanding environment is an asset.
- Fluency in French is required.
- Knowledge of English is an asset.
Disclaimer
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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