UNDP | Communications Assistant

Communications Assistant - Gaza

Application Type : External Vacancy
Job ID/Title :     896 - Communications Assistant
Brand : UNDP
Application Deadline :    24-May-16
Duty Station :     Gaza    
Duration of Initial Contract :    12 months
Expected Duration of Assignment :    18 months

Background:

UNDP launched the field operations of the Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (PAPP) in mid 1980 in response to UN General Assembly resolution 33/147, which called on UNDP to provide assistance to the Palestinian people. The West Bank and the Gaza Strip had endured years of occupation, which had lead to increased levels of poverty and unemployment. Hundreds of thousands were living in refugee camps in bad conditions without the most basic amenities. Despite its complex and evolving system of operation, UNDP/PAPP has proved to be an efficient mechanism for delivering development assistance to the Palestinian people and has been welcomed by donors as a means of providing them with transparency and financial accountability. The sensitive political environment within which UNDP/PAPP operates and the complexity and uniqueness of its operations renders it necessary that its communication, media relations and outreach efforts be handled with a high level of strategic orientation, political sensitivity, and wisdom.
UNDP/PAPP is seeking a candidate to fill the position of Communications Assistant, reporting to the Head of PAPP Office in Gaza and in matrix with the Communication’s Specialist in Jerusalem (on daily basis), to support the promotion of UNDP/PAPP’s activities in Gaza through local and international media, publications and the Internet. This position is related to core communication activities carried out by the communications unit at UNDP/PAPP. The Service Contract extension will be conditioned to satisfactory performance evaluation as well as availability of funding.

 
Description of Responsibilities:

Summary of key functions:

- Support the overall communications strategy of PAPP’s programme
- Provide technical support to the Gaza Office Programme Teams on communications issues
- Support resource mobilization
- Assist in other related tasks as requested by the Communications Specialist, in consultation with the Head of the Gaza office

- Supports the overall communications strategy of PAPP’s programme focusing on:
- Assist in the implementation of activities, initiatives, and programmes to promote public awareness of, and access to, UNDP information and Publicity materials.
- Effectively liaises with local media, NGO’s, Civil Society, and other partners to this end, in cooperation with the Communications unit.
- Provide information on regular basis to the communications unit in order facilitate the updating of the corporate UNDP/PAPP website and intranet.
- Develop and maintain an adequate network of national media contacts, communications contacts within UNDP/UN, and international media partners

- Provides technical support to the Gaza Office Programme Teams on communications matters focusing on:
- Provide technical assistance to Gaza Office on advocacy and communication activities, in line with the communications strategy and with direct coordination with the Communications Specialist.
- Draft and translate articles, press releases, speeches/talking points for the head of office, as well as programme communication materials, in coordination with the Communications unit.
- Support the Gaza office in the preparation of reports, proposals and other documentation, including English language editing if necessary; responding to internal and external requests for information.

- Supports resource mobilization focusing on:
- Assist in the identification of appropriate UNDP projects and arrangement/documentation of field visits for media teams, donors and other special interest groups, in liaison with the Programming Units.

- Promote the use of social networks to build a stronger relationship between UNDP/PAPP and its constituents focusing on:
- Conduct online research to identify the most appropriate websites and blogs and establish relationships with key bloggers.
- Support the use of social media, including online interviews / discussions.

- Assist in other related tasks as requested by the Communications Specialist, in consultation with the Head of the Gaza office.

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on creation of effective communications and dissemination of information on UNDP as UN’s global development network. Accurate analysis and presentation of information enhances UNDP position as a strong development partner. The information provided facilitates decision making of the management.

Competencies :

Corporate Competencies:

- Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity
- Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment
- Self-development, initiative-taking
- Acting as a team player and facilitating team work
- Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively
- Creating synergies through self-control
- Managing conflict
- Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member.
- Informed and transparent decision making

Functional Competencies

Advocacy/Advancing a Policy-Oriented Agenda

Level 1.1: Support the preparation of information for advocacy
- Supports in identifying opportunities for advocating UNDP’s mandate
Building Strategic Partnerships

Level 1.1: Maintaining information and databases
- Analyses general information and selects materials in support of partnership building initiatives
Promoting Organizational Learning and Knowledge Sharing

Level 1.1: Basic research and analysis
- Researches best practices and poses new, more effective ways of doing things
Job Knowledge/Technical Expertise

Level 1.1: Fundamental knowledge of processes, methods and procedures
- Understands the main processes and methods of work regarding to the position
- Strives to keep job knowledge up-to-date through self-directed study and other means of learning
- Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments
Creating Visibility for UNDP/Supporting UNDP’s Capacity to Advocate

Level 1.1: Research and information gathering
- Collects, and disseminates information on UNDP focus areas
Global Leadership and Advocacy for UNDP’s Goals

Level 1.1: Research and analysis
- Identifies relevant information for advocacy for UNDP’s goals for a variety of audiences
Conceptual Innovation in the Provision of Technical Expertise

Level 1.1: Research and provision of information
- Responds positively to new approaches
Client Orientation

Level 1.1: Maintains effective client relationships
- Reports to internal and external clients in a timely and appropriate fashion
- Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines
- Establishes, builds and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external clients
- Responds to client needs promptly
 
Qualifications :

Education:
High school, a University Degree in Communications, Media, or a relevant field from a recognized local or foreign academic institution is an advantage.
Experience:
Minimum of 3 years of progressive professional experience in the field of communications, public relations, preferably within the UN. Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.). Familiarity with internet, search engines, discussion boards, blogs, video sharing sites and podcasts is an asset.
Language Requirements:
Fluency in Arabic and English
 
 

Apply Now

“UNDP/PAPP is an equal opportunity employer: applications from both internal and external men and women will be considered equally”
 
UNDP actively supports the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities adopted by the United Nations General Assembly
 
Important message to all applicants!
-Please be aware that the UNDP/PAPP will review your application only if you have uploaded Personal History Form (P.11) to your application. Please download the form from the following link: http://jobs.undp.ps.
-You will get the opportunity to upload the P-11 at when you apply for the position.
-Incomplete applications or applications received after the closing date will not be given consideration. Please note that only applications that are under consideration will be contacted.
-For more detailed information about UNDP/PAPP please visit our website at www.undp.ps.
 

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