UNOPS Outreach and Communications Associate

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners.

Job ID/Title : UNOPS Outreach and Communications Associate
Application Deadline : 26-Jan-12
Duty Station :  Ramallah
Duration of Initial Contract : One year with possibility of extension

Background:
The United Nations Office for Project Services Jerusalem Operations Centre (UNOPS JMPC) was established in East Jerusalem in late 2006. Amongst other things, UNOPS JMPC helps global and local partners, including ministries of the Palestinian Authority, design and implement projects that respond to the need of local people in the Palestinian Territory.
UNOPS JMPC is supporting the Canadian government with the implementation of two components of the Sharaka project, a 5-year CIDA-funded program of assistance directed at strengthening the Office of Attorney General/Public Prosecution (OAG/PP) in order to enhance its contribution to the stability, prosperity and democratic development of the West Bank.  The first component is a procurement component, which will satisfy a substantial part of the operational objectives of the project by supplying concrete and tangible support to the PA through (i) retrofitting the new OAG headquarters building; (ii) furnishing and equipping PP district offices; (iii) equipping the OAG/PP offices with IT equipment; (iv) providing videoconferencing facilities for the OAG/PP; and (v) purchasing vehicles for use by the OAG/PP.  The second component is a technical legal assistance component, which will satisfy the structural, knowledge and capacity building objectives of the project by supplying assistance to the OAG/PP in the following areas: (i) supporting the creation of a Planning Unit within the OAG; (ii) strengthening the internal structure, organization, management and operational capacity of the OAG/PP; (iii) creating human rights and gender units; (iv) providing targeted training support; and (v) supporting Canada’s coordinating role for donor and implementing agency activities within the OAG.
The Canadian-funded Sharaka Project requires the services of a qualified Associate to provide outreach and communications support to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) in Ramallah and the Public Prosecution Service (PP) across the Palestinian Authority.  The Associate will work with OAG management to enable it to creatively inform and educate the Palestinian population on prosecution-related issues through media and other avenues, and to improve overall institutional communications strategies.
The Associate will be embedded with the OAG for the duration of the contract and will provide services directly to the Attorney General and its staff.  Management of the position will be provided by United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) in conjunction with the OAG and the Sharaka Project.  UNOPS will be responsible for remuneration and contract related matters.  The Sharaka Project, headed by the Sharaka Field Director, will be the Project Authority and will be responsible for providing overall project-related direction to the Associate in his/her support to the OAG.  The OAG, through the specific Unit Head, will act as the Technical Authority providing daily supervision and substantive guidance to the Associate on matters of internal OAG management, needs and priorities, and will facilitate the Associate’s integration with the OAG.  In all of his/her dealings, the Associate will be driven by a focus on attaining the strategic objectives of the OAG and will work closely with the heads of OAG divisions and Sharaka team members in order to achieve this.
 
Description of Responsibilities:
The Associate‘s core duties will include, but are not limited to, assisting OAG management to:
-Develop a public media/relations strategy;
-Build public confidence and trust in the prosecution service through outreach opportunities;
-Develop tools to educate the public on the prosecution service;
-Generate all materials and documents required to effectively communicate to the public on prosecution related issues;
-Plan, prepare, edit, write, and disseminate newsletters, articles, and other collateral pieces;
-Contribute substantive material to the OAG/PP public website; and
-Examine the potential for an institutional intranet.
-Support institutional efforts to foster institutional cohesiveness through the strengthening of communications between the OAG and its district offices.
 
 Impact of Results
-Successful completion of the tasks explained in the previous paragraph. Successful and timely delivery of all activities and products
-Support development of an institutional outreach and communication strategy;
-Development of tools to educate the public on the prosecution service;
-Strengthened communications between the OAG and its district offices;
-Provide ongoing support to the OAG/PP and OAG/PP staff
 
Competencies :
-Ability to craft information/messages in various media formats (i.e. press releases, memorandums, brochures, website content, etc.);
-Ability to elaborate and implement communications and publications strategies;
-Ability to relay information, as appropriate, and to collect, analyze and evaluate data for reports and future planning;
-Excellent ability to write and communicate orally with accuracy and professionalism;
-Ability to communicate sensitively and effectively across different constituencies;
-Possess tactfulness and the ability to provide professional leadership;
-Ability to work effectively under conditions of limited or dual supervision, high stress and rapidly changing situations and circumstances;
-Ability to set priorities and meet deadlines;
-Strong attention to detail;
-Excellent analytical ability, sound judgment, independent and creative thinking;
-Ability to use computer software related to an office environment (Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent);
-Ability to work collaboratively with other communications, media and outreach professionals, both Palestinian and international;
-A demonstrable understanding and acceptance of the mission, values, goals and objectives of the Sharaka Project and the OAG/PP.
 
Qualifications :
Education:
-Master’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism or related field;
Additional years of relevant work experience, preferably in combination with a relevant bachelor's degree,may substitute for the requirement for a master's degree field.

Experience:
-Five (5) years experience as public relations, communications or advocacy;
-Knowledge of Palestinian justice sector, in particular prosecutions;
-Previous experience working in the public sector;
-Previous experience working with lawyers or other legal professionals

Language Requirements:
-Strong written and verbal communication skills in Arabic;
-Intermediate written and verbal communication skills in English
“UNDP/PAPP is an equal opportunity employer: applications from both internal and external men and women will be considered equally”

-Fluency in the UN and national language of the duty station.

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.
UNDP/PAPP is an equal opportunity employer-
Applications from men and women will be considered equally