The country office is looking to hire a Strategic Communications Advisor to develop and implement a communications strategy closely linked to program priorities to position the country office in key development markets . 

Background 

Given the scope and complexity of UNDP operations in Ukraine, the country office is looking to hire a Strategic Communications Advisor to develop and implement a communications strategy closely linked to program priorities to position the country office in key development markets as a thought leader in ways that boost demand for various service lines and increase overall business opportunities.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Country Director the Strategic Communications Advisor designs, manages and facilitates the implementation of the country office communications and publication strategies with a view to influence the development agenda, to promote public and media outreach and to mobilize political and financial support for UNDP.

The Strategic Communications Advisor works in close collaboration with programme and operations teams in the country office, staff of other UN Agencies, government officials, local media, subject matter experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful UNDP communication strategy implementation.

To ensure the activities and results are communicated to wider audiences, UNDP invites applications from highly qualified and experienced Ukrainian professionals for the post of Strategic Communications Advisor.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of Country Director, the Strategic Communications Advisor will be responsible for developing and implementing UNDP’s projects communication strategies and maintaining public relations with various stakeholders and partners. Specifically, s/he will perform the following key tasks:

Contribute to development, implementation and monitoring of the country office communications strategy:

• Implement a communications strategy based on the country office corporate communications goals and priorities;
• Monitor and measure the impact of the communication strategy and make adjustments accordingly;
• Design and implement effective national external communications strategies aligned to corporate goals and priorities;
• Integrate issue-based advocacy into the communications strategy around key priority areas relevant to the country; and
• Ensure that key results and relevant success stories are incorporated into strategic communications outreach;
• Ensure UNDP Ukraine website and related social media platforms are aligned with corporate goals and messages and used effectively;
• In collaboration with programme teams develop results-based communications materials for distribution to donors and other key constituents.

Lead media outreach in the country working closely with national, regional media:

• Promote UNDP/Ukraine’s projects work in the country with special attention on results and impact through media outreach, using new types of media, including social media platforms and communication tools as appropriate;
• Promote, advocate and raise awareness around UNDP/Ukraine projects activities, results, flagship initiatives through a variety of communication vehicles, such as roundtable discussions, press conferences, briefing session, interviews, report launches, etc.;
• Manage and maintain UNDP’s projects reputational and communications risk for sensitive programmes and projects, notably the medicine procurement project;
• Enhance understanding and knowledge of journalists and key interlocutors on development issues through substantive regional workshops and training sessions using UNDP reports, data and experts;
• Proactively market UNDP Ukraine’s projects and program work in the media by regularly pitching success stories and placing UNDP Ukraine experts for interviews and commentaries in print and multimedia outlets;
• Draft and/or edit a range of materials, including press releases and advisories, speeches for UNDP management, news briefs, fact sheets for inclusion in media kits and further public outreach;
• Guide timely responses to reputational management inquiries raised by media and donors;
• Monitor and analyze national and international media;
• Develop, recommend and issue responses to negative press about UNDP Ukraine’s projects and UNDP mitigating risk to institutional reputation;
• Provide communications support to UNDP senior management;
• Foster outreach partnerships with new media, innovation groups and social media influential who can help UNDP/Ukraine’s projects achieve its national goals.
• Ensure capacity-building, knowledge-sharing with UNDP Ukraine communications team:
• Provides guidance and directions to communications staff of UNDP programmes and projects;
• Work closely with country office communications and programme staff to communicate success stories and results, offering mentoring and advice;
• Provide guidance, coaching and mentoring to country office communications team, especially in the design and implementation of national communications strategies;
• Provide or facilitate communications training to programme staff and managers based in the country office, as needed;
• Provide training to country office communications team and introduce new, cost-effective digital technologies for the more rapid collection and dissemination of multimedia materials;
• Ensure quality control over country office publications, including compliance with UNDP Communication toolkit.

Measurable outputs of the work assignment:

Communication Strategies are fully and timely implemented at the national and regional levels;

Result-based communications materials are produced and disseminated to donors and other key constituents.

Performance Indicators for evaluation of results:

• Communication annual work plan is fully implemented;
• Communication activities are fully carried out in time, are well coordinated and in strict accordance with UNDP rules and regulations;
• Quality of work;
• Knowledge of required procedures.
• Competencies
• Core Competencies:
• Innovation;
• Leadership;
• People Management;
• Communication;
• Delivery;
• Technical/Functional Competencies:
• Multimedia writing/editing;
• Media Relations;
• Public Relations;
• Strategic Planning;
• Partnerships;
• Social Media;
• Web Design;

Knowledge Management.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree or equivalent in communications, PR, marketing, media relations, journalism, international relations, development, social studies or another relevant field;

Experience:

A minimum of four (4) years of relevant experience in one or more of the following areas: public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, advocacy or related area including at least two years of experience of managing teams, projects or project components.

Previous experience working with Global Fund and/or health related project is desirable.

Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization is a strong asset;

Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based management systems;

Language requirements:

• Fluency in English, Ukrainian and Russian is required.

Disclaimer

Important applicant information

All posts in the SC categories are subject to local recruitment.

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.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS 14 AUGUST

If you wish to apply for this or other position with UNDP, please visit UNDP website, section jobs and apply online.