UNDP Jobs - 36050- Communication Officer - Joint Integrated Local Dev

Communication Officer - Joint Integrated Local Development Programme

Location :

Chisinau, MOLDOVA

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Starting Date :

01-Apr-2013

Application Deadline :

22-Mar-13 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

SB-4

Duration of Initial Contract :

9 months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

33 months

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

On April 5, 2012 the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova adopted the National Decentralization Strategy that represents the main policy document in the field of local public administration and establishes the national mechanisms in the field of decentralization to ensure genuine local autonomy.
Prior to Strategy’s approval, the Government has benefited from the support provided by the Joint Integrated Local Development Programme (JILDP) implemented by UNDP and UN Women and funded by the Government of Sweden and UNDP. Given the stringent need to further advance with the implementation of the Decentralization Strategy, and building on the successful cooperation with the Joint Integrated Local Development Programme, the State Chancellery together with United Nations have designed a new Programme phase of the Joint Integrated Local Development Programme to support the implementation of the Decentralization Strategy at policy and local levels.

The Overall Objective of the Programme is to support better and equitable service provision and sustainable local development, facilitated by the improved legal and institutional framework resulting from the implementation of the National Decentralization Strategy. The Immediate Objectives of the Programme are:

To support the Government in improving the policy and legal framework as mandated by the National Decentralization Strategy to ensure local autonomy, availability of resources, and more effective local management for better and equitable service provision.
To improve the capacity of LPAs to deliver efficient, equitable and accessible local public services, to facilitate sustainable development and foster social inclusion.

The Programme will be implemented and will advocate for using Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA) and Gender equality (GE) which calls for greater participation, accountability, transparency and non-discrimination in all national and local development processes.

Communication on decentralization reform was acknowledged as one of the most important elements that needs improvement, as efficient communication and public awareness are crucial for the success of the reform. The JILDP will assist the Government to implement the Decentralization communication and public awareness strategy. It will ensure awareness raising and transparency of the decentralization process for all potential stakeholders, beneficiaries and concerned authorities/partners, especially the most vulnerable and affected communities and groups of population.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Communication Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager. He or she will closely work with representatives of the Decentralization Policies Division of the State Chancellery, JILDP team, UNDP and UN Women Communications Specialists to carry out the tasks.

The Communication Officer applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with UNDP programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems.

Update the Decentralization communication strategy, including communication activities and actions, timeframe, estimated budget etc;
Support the State Chancellery in the implementation and monitoring of the decentralization communication strategy and action plan;
Conceptualize and coordinate awareness campaigns, public debates, consultations, forums and conferences on decentralization issues in strong coordination with State Chancellery representatives and JILDP;
Elaborate, implement and continuously monitor the communication and awareness plan of JILDP including appropriate feedback mechanisms and monitoring tools;
Develop a professional media package to provide background information about the project and establish regular communication with media;
Organize press trips in JILDP target communities and ensure media coverage; coordinate organization of open days and launching events at local level;
Design concepts of various communication products such as TV and radio programmes, websites, publications and other promotional or information materials in cooperation with State Chancellery and JILDP;
Write articles, success stories, press releases and news about the programme’s most important achievements to be placed in the national media as well as in the local and regional media/websites;
Provide support to the State Chancellery staff in maintaining the web site on decentralization social media in Romanian, Russian and English;
Identify appropriate suppliers for the provision of goods and services for activities under the communication plan;
Promote the programme results in national mass media by organizing and facilitating interviews with experts in the area;
Prepare periodical reports on communication/media activities and expenses; provide inputs to the quarterly and annual JILDP work plan and progress reports;
Follow the UNDP, UN Women and SC guidelines on Communication and Visibility, efficiently cooperate with the UNDP, UN Women and SC Communication Officers;
Other related responsibilities as required.

The on-going decentralization reform, assisted by JILDP, is being implemented in line with Human Rights Based Approach (HRBA) and Gender Equality principles, and the fulfillment of the present assignment shall be done with due consideration, and pro-active engagement in promotion of those principles.

The key results have an impact on the overall successful implementation and achievement of the objectives of the Project. The information provided facilitates decision-making of the Project Board and UNDP management.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values.
Exerts strict adherence to corporate rules, regulations and procedures. Familiarity with the internal control framework and results-based management tools is a must.
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Functional Competencies:

Knowledge Management and Learning

Shares knowledge and experience
Actively works towards continuing personal learning, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills.

Development and Operational Effectiveness

Proven ability to problem-solve, and think creatively to develop and implement smart business solutions in a challenging socio-economic environment.
Ability to establish and maintain contacts with senior-level officials of the host government required. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential part of the job.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, is required to obtain, evaluate and interpret factual data and to prepare accurate and complete reports and other documents.

Leadership and Self-Management

Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback.
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude.
Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure.
Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master Degree or it’s equivalent in Journalism, Communication/Media Studies or other closely related field, international relations or other related field.

Experience:

At least 4 years of experience in media. Experience in developing and implementing media/communications strategies and plans, including organizing awareness campaigns.
Good knowledge of the government institutions and PR agencies, news agencies in Moldova and abroad. Knowledge of decentralization and local development issues would be an asset.
Experience in similar positions in a UNDP and/or other international projects are an advantage.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in oral and written English, Romanian and Russian is a must.
Working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Russian, Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian or sign language would be an asset.

UNDP is committed to workforce diversity. Women, persons with disabilities, Roma and other ethnic or religious minorities, persons living with HIV, as well as refugees and other non-citizens legally entitled to work in the Republic of Moldova, are particularly encouraged to apply.

Applications should be submitted on line and preferably include Personal History Form (P11). Failure to disclose prior employment or making false representations on this form will be grounds for withdrawal of further consideration of his/her application or termination, where the appointment or contract has been issued. Please note that only applicants who are short-listed will be contacted. Only citizens of the Republic of Moldova are eligible to apply.