EXTERNAL RELATIONS OFFICER, Bangkok

Posting Title: EXTERNAL RELATIONS OFFICER, P3
Job Code Title: EXTERNAL RELATIONS OFFICER
Department/Office: United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
Duty Station: BANGKOK
Posting Period: 18 May 2022 – 16 June 2022
Job Opening Number: 22-Public Information-UNDRR-180158-R-Bangkok (X)
Staffing Exercise N/A

Org. Setting and Reporting
Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of efforts to reduce disasters and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in both developed and less developed countries. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG), UNDRR has over 120 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices. Specifically, UNDRR guides, monitors, analyses and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, supports regional and national implementation of the Framework and catalyzes action and increases global awareness to reduce disaster risk working with UN Member States and a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians and the science and technology community.

The position is located at the UNDRR Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) in Bangkok. The incumbent reports to the Chief of the Regional Office.

Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

Under the guidance of the Chief of the Regional Office, and in collaboration with the Chief, Resource Mobilization Section in Geneva, contribute to the effective management of donor relationships in the Asia Pacific region ensures coordinated regular contact with donors based in the region; facilitates the promotion of cooperation agreement strategies and operational alliances with donors in the region. Ensures ongoing analysis of resource mobilization needs and opportunities; stays abreast of latest donor and funding trends. Under the supervision of the Chief of the Regional Office and the guidance of the Chief, Resources Mobilization Section, drafts funding and project proposals to donors as appropriate; ensures effective follow-up; and ensures timely and quality reporting to the donors, as required.

Contributes to the development and implementation of effective communications, outreach, branding and other resource mobilization mechanisms and tools to enhance disaster risk reduction advocacy and the visibility of UNDRR in the region, in close collaboration with counterparts in the Communication and Advocacy Section. Takes the lead on and/or participates in the planning, development and implementation of communication and advocacy campaigns at the regional level; where appropriate, works with partners in the regions, including UN departments, funds and agencies to develop ways to implement campaigns system-wide and to incorporate the campaign message and themes into all relevant events and products, including the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction and the World Tsunami Awareness Day. Develop and contributes, when appropriate, to UNDRR press releases, newsletters, periodicals, reports and publications, including op-eds. Builds information networks at the regional level; Contributes to publications programme; participates in the production of materials for print/electronic/voice/visual media. Manages the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (ROAP) social media accounts and Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) website and other relevant website pages.

Provide substantive inputs for the development of strategic partnerships with key constituencies at the regional level to solicit support for and maximize impact of communication and advocacy objectives; Upon delegation from the Chief of the Regional Office, serves as a liaison to media organizations, governmental bodies, national groups, private sector organizations, educational organizations, international organizations, as required.

Upon request from the Chief of the Regional Office, represents UNDRR at inter-agency meetings, seminars, conferences etc. on disaster risk reduction, including on resource mobilization and related partnership initiatives/issues, fulfils speaking engagements and makes presentations to groups on UNDRR’s activities and advocate issues of concern: organizes media coverage and arranges for media contacts, briefings, and interviews; organizes seminars, lectures, conferences, public events on major issues and events concerning the organization; and develops speeches, statements and talking points.

May perform other duties as required.

Competencies
Professionalism: Knowledge of the full range of communications approaches, tools and methodologies essential to planning and executing effective campaign strategies and programmes, e.g. campaign management, media operations, marketing and promotion, audience outreach, message targeting; ability to establish and foster successful partnerships and collaborations; ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources; ability to identify public affairs issues, opportunities and risks in an international environment; ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships; knowledge of relevant internal policies and business activities/issues; ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style; ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results. Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns. Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work. Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning. Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary. Uses time efficiently.

Education
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with at least two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in resource mobilization, partnerships building, public information, communication, advocacy campaigns or related area is required.

Experience in fundraising is required.

Experience in social media and communication is desirable.

Experience in advocacy campaigns is desirable.

Experience in managing the communication element of major international events/conferences is desirable.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.