Communication Officer Job at UNDP-United Nations Development Programme, Amman , Jordan

  • Location:
  • Salary:
    negotiable / YEAR
  • Job type:
    CONTRACTOR
  • Posted:
    5 months ago
  • Category:
    Communication and Advocacy, Media and Public Relations
  • Deadline:
    18/06/2024

JOB DESCRIPTION

Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
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.

Office/Unit/Project Description

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) actively supports Jordan in achieving sustainable development, leading to transformative change and tangible improvements in people’s lives. This is achieved through the design and implementation of policies and programs that address the country’s development challenges. UNDP emphasizes considerations such as Gender Equality, Private Sector Engagement, Environmental Sustainability, and Innovation, aligning local development solutions with the 2030 Agenda.

Collaborating with the European Union, UNDP aims to enhance the social and economic well-being of vulnerable refugees and host populations in Jordan, reducing relative inequalities. This collaboration focuses on effective funding planning, coordination, and management, strengthening institutional capacities at the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MoPIC) to manage Humanitarian, Development, and Syria Crisis Response (HD&SCR) efficiently. The Project seeks to align funding management with national priorities, international commitments, and responses to the Syrian crisis, accelerating Jordan’s progress toward human and sustainable development.

The objective will be achieved through: (1) Supporting strengthening human, institutional, digital, and technical capacities for HD&SCR funding coordination and management within MoPIC, targeting, namely, Foreign Funding Unit and Humanitarian Relief Coordination Unit. Support will also be extended to MoPIC related departments and sections, including the Aid Coordination Section (ACS); (2) Enhancing alignment of aid with national priorities and international commitments through dialogue, empirical data, and research; (3) Strengthening partnerships, communication, and ODA diplomacy.

Additionally, in acknowledgment of the challenges posed by the Syrian crisis, Jordan has been significantly affected, with an unprecedented influx of refugees straining resources and infrastructure. Since 2016, the Government of Jordan has actively responded through the “Jordan Response Plan for the Syria Crisis” (JRP), rolling out a plan consolidating efforts to respond and mitigate the crisis’ impact. The Jordan Response Information System for the Syria Crisis (JORISS) serves as the primary online platform for stakeholders, facilitating the submission, tracking, monitoring, and reporting of JRP-related projects.

As measures to support Jordan hosting Syrian refugees will continue to be funded as part of the overall EU response to the Syrian Crisis, the Project will encompass outreach, media, and communication for the JRP, regularly releasing funding status updates through user-friendly reports and press statements, communication, outreach, and media engagement for the humanitarian and Syrian Crisis response aid funding will be strengthened alongside visibility around development aid.

As part of the EMFF project, there is a critical need to enhance communication strategies and outreach efforts to ensure effective dissemination of information, engage stakeholders, and promote transparency and accountability in aid management.

Scope of Work 

Under the project, the Communication Officer shall undertake the following responsibilities:

1.Ensure effective communication and material development:

  • Identify appropriate communication activities for the project.
  • Work closely with the project team/managers to develop and disseminate relevant advocacy/information materials.
  • Being responsible for upholding effective communication for the project and its activities; supporting in the preparation of knowledge products; effective and timely information flows and channels.
  • Work closely with the project to ensure that relevant advocacy/information materials such as Press releases, Articles, Interviews, Human Interest Stories, project reports, factsheets, infographs, videos etc. are developed and disseminated to target groups through relevant media and network channels.
  • Contribute to the implementation of the project’s Stakeholders Engagement Plan (SEP), including its approaches for information disclosure and for consultations; regular update of the SEP and addressing any comment from stakeholders/public.
  • Logistical support to the organization of publicity/outreach for the knowledge-sharing events and promotional opportunities related to the project implementation.
  • Establish good collaboration with the media by sharing communication materials, facilitating photo coverage and TV footage, and utilizing both web-based and traditional media as appropriate.
  • Monitor and evaluate the use and effectiveness of media materials. Maintain a library of media coverage, clippings etc related to the project.
  • Develop and archive communication materials, including digital, such as publications, press releases and clippings, photographs, audio-visual materials, web resources etc.;
  • Collection of information, preparation of content for UNDP CO website and Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation website and digital media platforms in 2 languages (Arabic and English);
  • Facilitate preparation of briefings and regular meetings with the national and international partners, UN Agencies and media.
  • Facilitate and actively participate in UN/UNDP information campaigns related to Humanitarian, Development and Syria Crisis Response (HD&SCR).
  • Support to the CO communications team, including for initiatives such as media workshops, press briefings, project visits, report launches, etc.
  • Production of printed communication and advocacy products related to project implementation.

2.Contribute to capacity building and knowledge sharing. 

  • Conduct training sessions to enhance the communication skills of the Communication team members, ensuring that communication activities serve the overarching objectives of the project.
  • Provide guidance and support to relevant staff in utilizing communication tools effectively.

3.Ensure effective reporting and monitoring:

  • Produce regular and ad-hoc reports on the project’s progress, focusing on the Jordan Response Plan (JRP) to the Syrian refugee’s crisis and foreign funding status.

4.Promote Communication Engagement and tools: 

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  • Facilitate in identifying the appropriate communication activities for the project; He/she will work closely with the project team/managers to ensure that relevant advocacy/information materials, including, press releases, articles, interviews, human interest stories, project reports, factsheets, infographics, videos, and multimedia assets are developed and disseminated to target groups through relevant media and network channels.
  • Provide strategic support to event organization for effective publicity/outreach and identify marketing opportunities related to the project implementation.

5.Enhance analytical communication: 

  • Support Impactful communication strategies, through analyzing data and interpreting insights effectively to support making informed decisions that are aligned with MoPIC’s   strategic goals.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization 

Institutional Arrangement: 

The Communication Officer will work under the guidance of the Governance and Peace Pillar Team Leader and in collaboration with the Project’s Team at UNDP and the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation.

Competencies

Core
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
Digital and Innovation  Behaviour change

communication/communication for

development

Knowledge of appropriate digital communication methodologies for development and behavior change, and ability to apply them practically
External relations and advocacy Public relations Ability to build and maintain an overall positive public image for the organizations, its mandate, and its brand, while ensuring that individual campaigns and other communications and advocacy initiatives are supported in reaching the public
External relations and advocacy – Communications Graphic design Ability to communicate visually and create appealing UNDP graphic products
External relations and advocacy -Communications Media Relations Ability to develop media relations across all aspects of media work including relationships with media and preparing media materials such as messages
External relations and advocacy -Partnership management Relationship management Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust, and mutual understanding.
Digital & Innovation Social Media Knowledge of social media and ability to advise the use of social media for development outcomes.
Business Management Communication Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.

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

Minimum Qualifications of the Successful Candidate

Min. Education requirements Advanced University degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Mass Communications, Journalism, International Relations, or any other related field is required.

Or

A first Level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Min. years of relevant work experience Up to two (2) years (with a master’s degree) or minimum two (2) years (with a bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in communications, public relations, and administration preferably in the field of international development or humanitarian projects is required.
Required skills
  • Experience in advocacy and communication campaigns.
  • Familiarity with digital systems and tools, especially in the context.
  • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.)
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section
  • Extensive experience in communication and support to the preparation of knowledge products; effective and timely information flows and channels.
  • Familiar knowledge of Microsoft Adobe Suite including Adobe in Design, Adobe Premier, Adobe Illustrator (CorelDraw), Adobe Photoshop, etc.
  • Experience and solid understanding of project management principles.
  • Proficiency in digital communication tools and platforms, including social media, digital marketing, and website management.
  • Experience and basic knowledge in graphic design.
  • Ability to analyze data and trends related to project funding and provide meaningful insights.
Required Language(s) Fluency in English and Arabic is required.
Disclaimer
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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