Communications & Engagement Assistant

Background

UNDP in Sri Lanka has reorganizedi internally and moved to an integrated collaborative business model since 2018 Internally, an energetic and innovative team converged around the planning, design, implementation and quality assurance of an integrated programme in a fast-paced environment. Fostering strategic partnership and alliances with different stakeholders require a team which consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude and has a strong client orientation. Strong UN partnerships are valued for Delivering Together in a true spirit of collaboration and teamwork.

In this context, under the direct supervision of the Communications and Engagement Analyst (NOA) the Communications and Engagement Assistant supports the implementation of the communications resource mobilization and advocacy strategies of the office to increase the standing and awareness of UNDP with partners, the media and the public. The Incumbent promotes a client-oriented approach in UNDP.

The Communications and Engagement Assistant works in close collaboration with the Management Support and Business Development, Programme, Operations and project staff in the Country Office and UNDP HQ, as required. S/he would also establish close collaboration with counterpart and donor community facilitating the availability of reports as needed and will enable a fluid collaboration with other members of the unit including the Digital and Communications Specialist.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Work

Summary of Key Functions

Support to implementation of communications and advocacy strategies
Maintenance of databases and administrative vendor management support
Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing

1. Supports the implementation of CO communications and advocacy strategies and CO publications policy focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Logistical support to the organization of publicity/outreach for the CO programme, knowledge-sharing events and promotional opportunities, especially UN events.

• Dissemination of information and publications; assistance at public events such as roundtable discussions, press conferences, briefing sessions, interviews.

• Maintenance of information/ video database and photo library

• Creation of timely content for UNDPs social media and relevant digital platforms including filming and editing of video content

• Suggestions, inputs, content development, coordination of production and dissemination of press releases, publications, articles and sharing of CO knowledge and successes.

• Research and retrieval of statistical data from internal and external sources

• Arrangement of regular meetings with other UN agencies in the CO and with national and international media.

• Arrangement of provision of booklets and other communication products for potential donors and partners.

• Logistical support to UN information campaigns (UN Day, Women’s Day, etc.)

• Administrative and logistical support to the communications team, including for initiatives such as media and commuications workshops, press briefings, report launches, etc.

2. Ensures support to maintenance of web sites, data bases, knowledge management systems and vendor management focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Data entry updates and high-quality CO websites in line with corporate branding requirements;

• Preparation of draft content for the web sites ensuring consistency of the materials;

• Maintenance of CO video database and photo library

• Maintain contacts and review quality of services provided by vendors, including translations, contacts with printers, among others.

3. Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Identification, documenting and drafting of best practices and lessons learned.

• Participation in training for the CO staff on effective communications and advocacy.

• Provide input and facilitation towards communications workshops conducted at the request of partners

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on the reputation and standing of UNDP in the country. High quality information material and well-organized public events enhance UNDP position as a strong development partner. A client-oriented and efficient approach impacts on the image of UNDP in the country.

Institutional Arrangement

Reporting to the Communications and Engagement Analyst – Policy & Engagement Team (P&E).

Competencies

Core Competencies

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

Thematic Area

Name

Definition

2030 People Agenda

Gender

Gender Mainstreaming

Communications

Advocacy strategy

and implementation

Ability to create and implement advocacy strategies which lead to impactful change

Communications

Campaign

management

Ability to produce and implement communications and advocacy campaigns which lead to impactful change

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

Business

management

Communication

Ability to manage communications internally and externally,through media, social media and other appropriate channels

Digital and Innovation

Data Storytelling and communication

Skilled in building a narrative around a set of data and its accompanying visualizations to help convey the meaning of that data in a powerful and compelling fashion.

Required Skills and Experience

Minimum Education requirements

Secondary education (GCE AL)

OR

Bachelors Degree (Educational qualification should be from an accredited University) in Communication, Media, Marketing, Journalism, Development studies, Social sciences or other related field.

Minimum years of relevant work experience

Secondary education with seven (07) years of relevant experience in communications, public relations and administration along with Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), Exposure to Adobe Packages (Photoshop, LightRoom, Premier Pro, etc.) and other media software and experience in handling of web-based management systems.

OR

Four (04) years of relevant experience will suffice if in possession of a Bachelor’s Degree

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

Four (04) years of relevant experience in communications and advocacy, media and news reporting, report writing, editing, drafting, marketing and content creation and /or maintenance will be an added advantage.
Experience in corporate social media management (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, IMO, etc.), ,
Minimum of Four (04) years experience with usage of Adobe Packages (Photoshop, LightRoom, Premier Pro, etc.), other media software and handling of web-based management systems will be an added adavantage
Working experience with UNDP, other UN agency, international organizations/projects in communication field will be considered as a strong asset

Required Language(s)

Fluency in English, along with Tamil and/or Sinhala