Background
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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 project “Enabling an Effective National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Process for Tajikistan” addresses identified gaps and barriers to implementation and is consistent with the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan’s vision for the NAP process. The overall goal of the project is to establish the institutional arrangements and human/institutional capacities to develop and execute National Adaptation Plans (NAP) to implement Tajikistan’s National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (NCCAS).
The result of the project will be the establishment of the institutional arrangements which will empower the Committee for Environmental Protection under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan (CEP) to lead the process of translating the country’s adaptation priorities as articulated in the NCCAS and other documents into implementation plans. As part of the NAP process, the project will also capacitate responsible agencies for the four priority sectors which have been identified by the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan as being particularly vulnerable (energy, water resources, transportation, and agriculture) and advance mainstreaming of climate change adaptation considerations in these agencies. The agencies will also develop sectoral adaptation plans, which will be compiled as part of the national NAP. Lastly, the proposed project will address barriers and gaps with respect to financing of priority adaptation measures and implementation capabilities at the subnational level. By addressing these barriers and gaps the project will begin to establish the enabling conditions which will allow for the NAP to be effectively implemented.
The project has three outcomes, each consisting of three sub-outcomes, which are in turn each implemented by a number of activities.
Within this context, UNDP in Tajikistan is seeking a Communications Assistant who is responsible for the overall support of implementation of communications strategy, plan and activities for the NAP project to ensure effective and efficient communication of UNDP with its partners, the media and targeted audiences.
Duties and Responsibilities
The purpose of this position is to support a variety of communications activities within the project framework ensuring high quality and accuracy of work. She/he works in close collaboration with Project and Communication staff to ensure relevant requirements are fulfilled and reported against in a timely manner with required quality, following the highest standards in line with UNDP and donor guidelines and procedures.
Summary of Key Functions:
- Supporting implementation of the communications strategy and plans by conducting various communications-related activities, producing communications products and quality assurance;
- Contributing to development of project reports and information on NAP process
- Supporting facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing.
Goal 1. Support implementation of the communications strategy and plans by conducting various communications-related activities, producing communications products and quality assurance control
- Identify and propose communications activities in line with the Communications strategy and project communication work plans;
- Ensuring all communications activities are in accordance with UNDP and GCF visibility guidelines and coordination with project partners for dissemination including publishment in social pages;
- Support in preparing content for social media platforms and networks and printed materials to enhance coverage through close collaboration with the project staff;
- Developing appropriate communications products and conducting activities that ensure effective communication with targeted audiences ensure gender perspective;
- Prepare media advisories and press-releases on the activities of the project in English and oversee and quality assure translation into local languages;
- Disseminating communications products to appropriate recipients, drafting of speeches delivered by Management;
- Drafting success stories (human interest stories) and other communications products for distribution to external audiences;
- Maintaining close contact with the media representatives, providing support to building partnership with the media;
- Providing background information and briefing materials per request;
- Producing periodical and ad hoc reports on communications activities, including media analysis;
- Supporting organization of events and campaigns;
- Support national partners to showcase their work and further develop good practices;
- Work with production and printing agencies involved in creation of audio/video/animation/print products on the request of the project;
- Coordinate the communication, information and outreach activities with selected companies within the project to ensure timely and quality delivery of tasks and deliverables;
- Support in the preparation of visual briefing notes and presentations, including steering committee presentations;
- Support in development of one-pagers for introducing the knowledge products developed within the project;
- Support in production of well-presented and effective publications and other knowledge products to communicate key lessons learnt and best practices;
- Support with translation communications materials from English to Russian and Tajik, and from Russian and Tajik to English.
GOAL 2. Contribute to development of project reports and information on NAP process
- Assist in soliciting timely qualitative and quantitative input for developing progress and final reports;
- Assist in preparing, editing and revising other reporting requests from government partners and programme/operation documents such as project documents, presentations, etc.;
- Prepare of specifications for the communication services;
- Support filing and archiving of project documents;
- Undertakes any other relevant duties delegated by the supervisor
Goal 3. Support knowledge building and knowledge sharing interventions
- Prepare timely communication and visibility reports for partners that highlight the impact of donor funding;
- Develop and update project communication plan to ensure enhancing the knowledge on NAP process and climate change adaptation measures among public and key audiences through dessimination in social media on regularly basis;
- Oversee the production and dissemination of digital products ensuring consultation with stakeholders and quality assurance;
- Collect data, information and support development and communications of project ‘human interest stories’ of persons impacted by project;
- Assist with maintaining COs web/online presence;
- Develop and maintain a communication/photo database that contains images expressive of the issues, actions and results UNDP is working;
- Maintains the monthly calendar of events
4. Institutional Arrangement
The direct supervisor is the Project Manager for UNDP/GCF Project “Enabling an Effective National Adaptation Plan (NAP) Process for Tajikistan”. Organigramme is attached below
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- Campaign management- Ability to produce and implement communications and advocacy campaigns which lead to impactful change
Communications- Creative direction and copywriting- Ability to creatively communicate concepts in an engaging and simple way
Communications- Digital strategy- Ability to plan the use of resources through digital channels to reach and engage target audiences effectively and to achieve particular objectives
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– Marketing research and data analysis- Ability to create actionable marketing intelligence based on primary and secondary research and data analysis
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.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Secondary Education is required. or
- University Degree in Social Sciences, Communication, International Relations, Cultural Management, English Literature, or relevant related field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.
Experience:
- Minimum five years (with secondary education) or 2 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of experience in delivering communication services to promote the activities of international development organization and or NGO at the national or international level.
- Proven experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
Languages:
- Fluency in English, Tajik and Russian is required.
Desired skills:
- Previous work experience in UNDP is an asset
- Training in communications will be an advantage.
- Experience in facilitating and designing communication materials on environmental issues, and awareness raising activities is an asset.
- Previous experience in working in environment field is an asset.
Professional Certificates:
- Certification on communications is an asset.
Other:
- Nationals or permanent residents in Tajikistan are eligible.
- Women candidates and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
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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