Communications Officer

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Description

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• Contribute to the implementation of the external communication strategy and the action plan for the Sri Lanka and Maldives office.
• Draft communications materials for the supervisors’ review, (including, but not limited to press releases, web and media stories, briefing notes, presentations, talking points, video scripts and storyboards, social media posts).
• Provide inputs to the  production  of video and multimedia stories.
• Research and monitor relevant social media accounts.
• Coordinate and support updates to relevant pages on the UNOPS website related to Sri Lanka and Maldives.
• Support the organisation of events, equipment handover ceremonies, conferences, field visits and other similar functions. 
• Provide communications guidance  to UNOPS personnel speaking at or participating in events organised by partners.
• Contribute to development, monitoring and implementation of protocols to prevent and manage potential reputational or media communications crisis situations in coordination with the Management Team, other communications personnel, the Communications Group and other relevant stakeholders.
• Provide research and analytical support to projects in order to promote their activities, results and impact. 
• Ensure daily monitoring and ad-hoc qualitative and quantitative analysis of the UNOPS projects’ media coverage.
• Contribute to preparation and completion of tenders for the publicity material (including print, graphics, web, audio and video). 
• Screen incoming correspondence for the SAMCO Director and route to relevant internal stakeholders for follow-up. Respond to and/or direct inquiries to appropriate units for timely action/response.
• Draft, for SAMCO’s Director review, routine correspondences, such as letters, memos, and verbal notes.
• Prepare briefings, presentations and background materials for the Regional/Hub Directors, the Head of Programme, Project Managers and/or Partnership Advisors.

• Support communication of results of the Pulse Survey and the ensuing action plan.
• Support organisation of the retreats, Town Halls or other internal meetings, by preparing agendas, speaking points, organising activities to improve team work, to name the key.
• Provide inputs for the UNOPS internal communications platforms, to ensure timely updates. 

• Provide research and support for the establishment  and cultivation of partnerships with the key national, regional and local media. 
• Provide analytical input for the supervisor and MCO Director to present UNOPS work  to key stakeholders.
• Participate in the work of the UN Country Team’s Communications Group.
• Collect inputs, address comments, and review communications materials with relevant stakeholders (including donors and beneficiary institutions).

• Maintain and support with esearch the replenishment of the pools of communications consultants and service providers that can provide specialised support to the projects and office.

• Participate in the UNOPS’ Communities of Practice.
• Provide feedback to Practise Leads on policy, supporting guidance with an aim towards continuous improvement of UNOPS policies.
• Contribute to identification and sharing of the lessons learned and the best practices.
• Participate in the SAMCO Communication Group meetings and contribute to implementation of a joint work plan. 

• Master’s degree preferably in communications, journalism, public relations, international relations or a related field is required
• A relevant Bachelor degree in combination with two years of relevant professional experience would be accepted in lieu of Master degree

• Minimum two years of relevant work experience in communications, public relations, media or journalism is required
• Experience with international organisations is desirable but not mandatory.
• Experience in the humanitarian and/or development sector is desired. 
• Experience in international organizations and/ or the UN system is an asset.
• Experience in preparing, coordinating, and leading donor reporting processes is desired.
• Computer literacy in particular Google suite is highly desired.
• Ability to analyze online communications using performance indicators is desirable.
• Excellent understanding on the intersection of technology, web design, editorial, digital, social media and multimedia platforms is desirable.
• Knowledge of digital media, visual communications and interactive storytelling methods is desirable.

• Fluency in English is required.
• Fluency in one of the local languages (Sinhala or Tamil) is required. 

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