Programme Coordination and Communication Support Consultant 195 views7 applications

Under the overall supervision of the Resident Representative, direct supervision of the Deputy Representative and in coordination with the UNFPA Malawi Country Office team members, the consultant will support the Senior Management’s leadership functions and coordination activities as well as contribute to the strategic communications work of the country office.

Program Coordination:

1. Provide effective support for strategic engagement by the office management with key stakeholders including: parliamentarians, policy influencers, traditional leaders, religious leaders, other UN agencies, the private sector, universities, research institutions and other groups and individuals of relevance to UNFPA mandate.
2. Support the Representative and the Deputy Representative in terms of donor relations and resource mobilisation, including close and transparent communications with donors; ensuring quality reports; supporting field missions; as well as enhancing donor visibility and agency profile.
3. Provide assistance for the Representative and the Deputy Representative in leading the Programme team’s programme delivery and performance/results management. This includes ensuring smooth and timely communications and follow-ups across the Programme team, the Operations team and the Senior Management of the Country Office.
4. Support coordinating events, meetings and workshops organised by UNFPA CO Malawi and ensure smooth delivery of related programme and communications deliverables.
5. Support the Representative and the Deputy Representative by drafting brief notes and taking minutes in inter and intra agency meetings.
6. Perform all other duties required to ensure efficient and effective implementation and monitoring of the Country Programme as requested by the Deputy Representative and Representative, including management of consultancy services and other policy or research-oriented partnerships.

Communications support:

1. In consultation with the Communications Officer, support designing and management of the CO website
2. Assist in coordinating the use of digital communication technologies to promote UNFPA’s voice. This includes contributing stories, articles, tweets and photographs to relevant social media platforms.
3. Participate in media and communication meetings related to the implementation of UNFPA’s strategic communications strategy including social media.
4. Assist in planning and executing media campaigns and other events in support of UNFPA mandate. This could be electronic (radio, television, cyber), social media (You-tube, Facebook, Twitter, etc.), or print (newspapers, newsletters, books, brochures, flyers, etc).
5. Prepares background communication and promotional materials for briefings and visits of media, celebrities, donors, international experts and other special interest groups. Assists in the planning, logistic and administrative arrangements for them.
6. Scan trip reports, Notes to the Files and other publications generated by other UNFPA CO Malawi team members, to identify news worthy stories and to take necessary follow-up actions for wider dissemination.

Qualifications:

1. Advanced degree in a relevant discipline including public health, development studies, demography, international relations, communications and journalism or social science fields is required.
2. A thorough understanding of the UN system in general, and especially UNFPA mandate, policies and operations

Experience:

· At least 2 years of experience in the fields of communication and/or programme management, development or public health is required.

· Prior experience in working in developing countries is an asset.

· Prior experience of work in Malawi in the relevant fields of UNFPA mandate, including sexual & reproductive health and rights, youth and gender is an asset

· Excellent analytical, planning, and negotiation skills.

· Excellent communication skills – both in terms of writing and oral.

Required Competencies:Values:** Exemplifying integrity, demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN System, embracing cultural diversity, Embracing change

Core Competencies: Achieving results, being accountable, Developing and applying professional expertise/business acumen, thinking analytically and strategically, working in teams/managing ourselves and our relationships, Communicating for impact

Functional Skills:

· Results-based programme development and management

· Innovation and marketing new approaches

· Leveraging the resources on national governments and partners/building strategic alliances and partnerships.

· Digital media

· Delivering results-based programmes

· Internal and external communication and advocacy for resource mobilisation

. Initiative, sound judgment and demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with staff members from different national and cultural backgrounds.