Communications Expert

​Requisition ID: 4488 
Grade: L3 
Country: Austria 
Duty Station: Vienna 
Category: Project-funded Professional and higher 
Type of Job Posting: Internal and External
Employment Type: Staff-Full-time
Appointment Type: Fixed Term – 200 series
Indicative Minimum Net Annual Salary: 102,081 USD 
Application Deadline: 02-Oct-2024, 11:59 PM (CEST)  

Vacancy Announcement
THE APPOINTMENT IS LIMITED TO THE SPECIFIED PROJECT(S) ONLY AND DOES NOT CARRY ANY EXPECTATION OF RENEWAL. 
Female candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.
Detailed information on the project can be found at UNIDO’s Open Data Platform: https://open.unido.org/

Organizational Context

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is the specialized agency of the United Nations that promotes industrial development for poverty reduction, inclusive globalization and environmental sustainability. The mission of UNIDO, as described in the Lima Declaration adopted at the fifteenth session of the UNIDO General Conference in 2013 as well as the Abu Dhabi Declaration adopted at the eighteenth session of UNIDO General Conference in 2019, is to promote and accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID) in Member States. The relevance of ISID as an integrated approach to all three pillars of sustainable development is recognized by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will frame United Nations and country efforts towards sustainable development. UNIDO’s mandate is fully recognized in SDG-9, which calls to “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”. The relevance of ISID, however, applies in greater or lesser extent to all SDGs. Accordingly, the Organization’s programmatic focus is structured in four strategic priorities: Creating shared prosperity; Advancing economic competitiveness; Safeguarding the environment; and Strengthening knowledge and institutions.

Each of these programmatic fields of activity contains a number of individual programmes, which are implemented in a holistic manner to achieve effective outcomes and impacts through UNIDO’s four enabling functions: (i) technical cooperation; (ii) analytical and research functions and policy advisory services; (iii) normative functions and standards and quality-related activities; and (iv) convening and partnerships for knowledge transfer, networking and industrial cooperation. Such core functions are carried out in Divisions/Offices in its Headquarters, Regional Offices and Hubs and Country Offices.

The position is located under the Office of the Managing Director of the Directorate of Corporate Services and Operations (COR/OMD), as per DGB/2024/03: UNIDO Secretariat Structure 2024.

Under the overall direction of the Director General, and in close collaboration with all relevant organizational entities within UNIDO, the Directorate of Corporate Services and Operations (COR), headed by a Managing Director, is responsible and accountable for the management of UNIDO’s human, financial and material resources, ensuring the capacity of the Organization to fulfil its mandate. The Directorate oversees a full range of corporate services to meet the support needs of the Organization, acts as a custodian for corporate management policies, and promotes a culture of cooperation, service orientation and corporate excellence throughout the Organization to deliver efficient and effective high-quality work and enable tangible impact on the ground to achieve ISID worldwide.

The Directorate manages the functions of the Ethics and Accountability Unit (COR/EAU), the Risk Management and Compliance Unit (COR/RCU), the Divisions of Financial Resource Management (COR/FIN) and Human Resources Management (COR/HRM), as well as the following Services: Procurement Services (COR/PRO); Digitalization, Innovation and TC Optimization Services (COR/DIT); Facility Management Services (COR/BMS); and Asset Management and Logistics Services (COR/AML). The Directorate also manages personnel security and safety matters. The Directorate ensures close coordination and collaboration among the Divisions as well as with relevant organizational entities in all Directorates across the Organization

At the L3 level, the incumbent is expected to deliver: (a) work from a seasoned analyst; (b) in creating an enabling environment for work which is solid and anchored to achieving results; (c) in building relationships which contributes to relationship management and (d) in achieving results within a professional team. The measure of success is in consistent and dependable delivery of results.

The UNIDO Staff Performance Management System reinforces the collaboration within formal units as well as among cross-functional teams. In this context, the incumbent collaborates with his/her supervisor and colleagues, within as well as outside the unit. Within the formal teams, the incumbent may be expected to backstop other team members as required.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Director-General and in this context all staff are expected to serve in any assignment and duty station as determined by the needs of the Organization.

Project Context

ID 230356 “Green industrial recovery project for Ukraine through technology transfer from and the co-creation of new businesses with Japan’s private industries”

The full-scale hostilities against Ukraine, starting in February 2022, has had a significant negative impact on the country’s industries and businesses, impeding its potential for inclusive and sustainable industrial development (ISID). In order to support the country’s industrial and economic recovery and resilience, it is critical to increase the value addition of the country’s manufacturing sector and help people access employment opportunities and generate income. Strengthening the resilience of the Ukrainian economy requires widespread dissemination of industry, along with the necessary tools and methods for value addition across the country. Moreover, aligning with Ukraine’s goal of EU accession, the economy must focus on EU compatibility, particularly in regard to environmental best practices, obtaining access to know-how and expertise, upgrading practices and processes, increasing competitiveness and value addition, and strengthening access to markets to incentivize investment. All interventions must ensure that production and products are green, energy-efficient and resource-efficient, fostering the advancement of a circular economy.

Taking into consideration the acute needs and long-term industrial recovery and development opportunities, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), as a specialized United Nations agency mandated to foster ISID, has prepared and launched a green industrial recovery programme for Ukraine 2024-2028. The programme sets out a programmatic vision for the multi-stakeholder and cross-dimensional partnership that is needed to restore Ukraine’s industry and foster sustainable industrial development.

Prior to the development of the programme, UNIDO prepared a comprehensive industrial diagnostic study, paving the way for an informed, evidence-based and data-driven approach to the Organization’s interventions. Extensive research has been conducted to extrapolate a strategic direction for the country’s future industrialization and green recovery. This assessment builds on the existing policies of the Government of Ukraine and the Ukraine Plan of the European Union (EU), identifying areas and opportunities for development and proposing solutions in response to existing challenges related to economic growth, modernization of the economic system and integration with the EU to foster recovery, reconstruction and reform at all levels (i.e. macro-, meso- and micro-level). 

The proposed project is thus developed based on the comprehensive results of the industrial diagnostics and taking into consideration the identified needs and opportunities. Recognizing the unique value addition and relevance of the UNIDO mandate, the Government of Japan has requested the Organization to support Ukraine’s industrial recovery and innovation ecosystem building through technology transfer, capacity-building and business co-creation between the private sectors of Ukraine and Japan, with the possibility of involving third party enterprises where opportune.

Responsibilities

The Communication Expert works under the overall guidance of the Lead Project Manager and the Managing Director of the Directorate of Corporate Services and Operations and in close cooperation with the project team in the HQ, Japan and field location, will perform the following tasks:

• Prepare a communication strategy for the project and support its implementation.
• Prepare an elaborate action plan for the related project.
• Prepare, edit and proofread new content focused on the related project, as well as on topics of interest to UNIDO stakeholders.
• Edit and proofread reports compiled for projects as required.
• Develop content and graphic design for project-related documents, such as brochures, factsheets, leaflets, videos, etc.
• Coordinate communication and digital-brand building activities with the national and regional counterparts during project implementation.
• Liaise with internal and external partners, including reviewing suitable photographs/images and other multimedia.
• Respond to information requests and inquiries from internal and external partners, as necessary, as well as refer queries to appropriate personnel for handling.
• Prepare and coordinate project-related correspondence.
• Coordinate the event management and preparation (logistics etc.) for key project-related events.
• Perform other assignments as required.

Core Values and Competencies

Core Values

WE LIVE AND ACT WITH INTEGRITY: work honestly, openly and impartially.

WE SHOW PROFESSIONALISM: work hard and competently in a committed and responsible manner.

WE RESPECT DIVERSITY: work together effectively, respectfully and inclusively, regardless of our differences in culture and perspective.

Key Competencies

WE FOCUS ON PEOPLE: cooperate to fully reach our potential –and this is true for our colleagues as well as our clients. Emotional intelligence and receptiveness are vital parts of our UNIDO identity.

WE FOCUS ON RESULTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: focus on planning, organizing and managing our work effectively and efficiently. We are responsible and accountable for achieving our results and meeting our performance standards. This accountability does not end with our colleagues and supervisors, but we also owe it to those, we serve and who have trusted us to contribute to a better, safer and healthier world.

WE COMMUNICATE AND EARN TRUST: communicate effectively with one another and build an environment of trust where we can all excel in our work.

WE THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AND INNOVATE: To stay relevant, we continuously improve, support innovation, share our knowledge and skills, and learn from one another.

Minimum requirements and desirable criteria

Education

Advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in  public relations, communications, journalism, or in a closely related field is required.

Experience, technical knowledge and functional expertise

• A minimum of five (5) years of professional  experience, in public relations, communication, developing communication/visibility strategy and/or advice for promoting technical cooperation projects, including at international level, is required.
• Experience in developing and implementing effective media and outreach strategies is required.
• Experience in drafting, editing, writing press release, media assets/excerpts is required.
• Experience in tailoring key messages to different target audiences is required.
• Advanced knowledge of and proficiency with multiple creative applications required, including Adobe Indesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere, Final Cut Pro and website editing software is desirable.

Language Skills

Fluency in written and spoken English is required.  Fluency in or working knowledge of another official language of the United Nations is desirable.

NOTE: 

UNIDO General Service applicants are required to be at least at the GS-5 level; to have served in their current position for at least two years; and to have served in UNIDO for at least five years.
The seniority-in-grade requirements for applying for higher level positions, as per paragraphs 18 and 78 of the HRMF, have been waived.

Employees of UNIDO are expected at all times to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and respect for diversity, both at work and outside. Only persons who fully and unconditionally commit to these values should consider applying for jobs at UNIDO.

All applications must be submitted online through the Online Recruitment System. Correspondence will be undertaken only with candidates who are being considered at an advanced phase of the selection process. Selected candidate(s) may be required to disclose to the Director General the nature and scope of financial and other personal interests and assets in respect of themselves, their spouses and dependents, under the procedures established by the Director General.

Visit the UNIDO careers site for details on how to apply: https://careers.unido.org/ 

NOTE: The Director General retains the discretion to make an appointment to this post at a lower level.

Notice to applicants:
UNIDO does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. If you have received a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Vacant positions within UNIDO are advertised on the official UNIDO website. Should you have any questions concerning persons or companies claiming to be recruiting on behalf of UNIDO and requesting payment of a fee, please contact: [email protected]