Communications Senior Officer – UNOPS

Job Description

Organization	United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Job Title	Communications Senior Officer (Retainer)
Job categories	Communications
Department/office	AFR, ETMCO, Sudan
Duty station	Portsudan, Sudan
Contract type	Local ICA Specialist
Contract level	LICA Specialist-9
Duration	1 year
Application period	30-Aug-2022 to 12-Sep-2022

 Background Information – Job-specific

The Communications Senior Officer will be responsible for provision of specialised support to the Project Manager in preparation and finalisation of communication documents, including communications strategy, reports, briefing and research documents, media releases, stories and other written content for website and social media channels project success stories and other publicity material, organisation of events, development and implementation of various outreach plans and campaigns. Most of the materials will be prepared in English, while some documents will be in Arabic language.

 Functional Responsibilities

The Communications Senior Officer will undertake, but not be limited to, the following tasks/duties: 

Communications

• Support the implementation and update of the project Communications Strategy and action plan;
• Meet and consult with the project counterparts, stakeholders and beneficiaries to ensure their views are captured in outreach activities; 
• Take a lead in organization of visibility, publicity and outreach activities;
• Contribute to identifying new and creative ways to enhance awareness and outreach of the information related to the project activities and its deliverables;
• Work together with the Graphic Designer to conceptualize, develop layout, format and design all promotional materials and activities agreed as part of the communication strategy;
• Provide assistance in drafting and finalising texts for website, project success stories and other publicity material;
• Edit and proofread publications, media and other communications materials;
• Organise production of the audio-visual content with the selected contractor(s);
• Ensure full compliance of project communications activities with donors’ guidelines and requirements;
• Provide support in the organisation of high profile events and donors’/VIP visits, press conferences/public and other events;
• Provide qualitative and quantitative analysis of media monitoring, for both internal and external use;
• Work closely with different communication service providers to oversee the development of project specific media campaigns, outreach materials and organisation of high level events.

Reporting

• Prepare briefs, talking points, key messaging for discussions with partners in key coordination meetings to discuss data, trends analysis and any identified gaps and/or needs observed;
• Provide assistance in drafting and editing reports for donors, including on political and socio-economic trends and conditions in the relevant sectors in Sudan;
• Provide assistance in drafting background analysis and/or briefing documents as requested;
• Document and report activities highlighting progress on the communications activities.

Research

• Obtain the information, analyse and prepare reports about activities of key stakeholders.

Other

• Provide communications support to other projects implemented by UNOPS Sudan office (where required).
• Perform any other task reasonably requested by the Senior  Project Manager.

 Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:	Advanced University Degree/Master’s Degree preferably in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Relations, or a related field is requiredUniversity Degree (Bachelor’s Degree/first level) with a combination of four (4) additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree requirement.
Experience:	Two (2) years of relevant work experience with Masters Degree in communications, public relations, media, or journalism is required, OR Four (4) years of relevant work experience with a Bachelor’s Degree in communications, public relations, media, or journalism is required. Experience with international organizations is an asset. Experience with consulting government institutions is an asset.
Language Requirements	Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.
Skills	Communication – Communications Support ( 2 years) – required    Contextual Skills – Experience working with local governments-  (Optional)   Contextual Skills – International organisations experience – (Optional)

 Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

 Contract type, level and duration

1. Contract type: Local Individual Contractual Agreement (LICA)
2. Contract level: LICA-9
3. Contract duration: 1 year

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

 Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and it is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all its employees and encourages qualified candidates to apply irrespective of race, colour, national origin, ethnic or social background, genetic information, gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion or belief, or disability.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization – UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.