Background
The UN system in Zambia supports development operations in the country through the activities of UN system agencies represented on the ground. In addition, as the country is moving towards becoming a lower middle-income country the coordination between bilateral and multilateral development agencies is critical to ensure that Official Development Assistance (ODA) has the desired impact during the country’s transition.
The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) in Zambia is responsible for managing the overall coordination of the UN system’s support to national development objectives. These include support to UN reform efforts towards ‘Delivering as One’ (DaO), UN inter-agency coordination and performance management under the Zambia – UN Sustainable Development Partnership Framework (UNSDPF) 2016-21 and joint programmes, monitoring, policy analysis and advocacy on the Sustainable Development Goals, engagement on the national aid effectiveness agenda and promoting UN collaboration with relevant state and non-state partners.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Coordination Specialist, the UN Communications Officer will undertake the following tasks:
Contributes to joint UN communications efforts
- Supporting and working with the primary communications focal point for the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), collaborating closely with the UN Information Centre and the United Nations Communications Group (UNCG);
- Supporting communication efforts which enhance coordination between agencies and providing guidance to individual UN agencies’ advocacy requirements;
- Supporting the flow of information between UN global systems, the Resident Coordinator (RC), the UNCT and UN staff in Zambia, ensuring that all relevant parties are kept informed of activities, initiatives and requests and facilitating any necessary follow-up action;
- Support and advise the UNCG chair and members, UNCT and RC on joint outreach activities to ensure coherency and accuracy;
- Identify and develop storylines for publications and substantive articles to be published on the website and in other media.
Supports the institutionalization of inter-agency collaboration in communication
- Champion the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) contribution to the implementation of the UN Communications Strategy, in support of the implementation of the Zambia-UNSDPF 2016-2021;
- Contributing to and supporting the elaboration of annual joint communication plans and budgets;
- Providing substantive support to the functioning of the UNCG.
Contributes to the implementation of internal communication initiatives fostering a joint UN identity, maximizing staff engagement and knowledge building and sharing
- Contribute to strengthening UN capacity and learning on strategic communications and enhancing staff engagement in advancing a coordinated and harmonized UN system;
- Provide support to joint staff events, including town hall meetings;
- Design and maintain up to date a database of speeches of the UN Resident Coordinator, Secretary Ggeneral, other UN High Officials;
- Analyze and support monitoring of communication activities and assessment of impacts and results;
- Identify and document best practices and lessons learned directly linked to the UN’s strategic priorities in the country;
- Lead the implementation of internal communication initiatives and tools to support the flow of information and enhance inter-agency communication such as the development and maintenance of a UNCT-wide intranet/team work space to enhance inter-agency communication;
- Organize and provide training and advice to the UN staff and UNCG on communications.
Strengthens the UN’s advocacy work and external communication efforts
- Collaborating with the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) and the UNCG to ensure effective advocacy of joint UN activities and public events;
- Coordinating provision of contents for the One UN website and UNCG supported advocacy materials, such as the UN newsletter, press releases, op-eds, articles and talking points;
- Strengthening partnerships with key external stakeholders, including government, development partners, local and international media and CSOs, and ensuring coherence in the messages going out from the UN system;
- Providing support on media liaison.
In collaboration with the Coordination Specialist and the UNCG, support the UN Resident Coordinator in her capacity as spokesperson of the UN in Zambia focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Preparation and supporting the formulation of background notes, speeches and talking points for public appearances;
- Advise on outreach activities with press and other communication target groups;
- Draft and disseminate common press releases for the UN events and initiatives.
In liaison with the Coordination Specialist and the UNCG, champion the design, provision of content and maintenance of the UN web site and supervision of UN social media accounts focusing on achievement of the following results:
- Coordinated design, provision of content and maintenance of the One UN web site based on corporate requirements and UNCT and UNCG needs;
- Provision of support to the supervision of UN social media channels ensuring consistency of the materials and accuracy of the content;
- Creation of digital communication materials to support and drive online audience engagement.
Furthermore, UN Volunteers are required to:
- Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark IVD);
- Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
- Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
- Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
- Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
- Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.
Results/Expected Output:
- Joint UN communications efforts effectively supported;
- Effective support to the institutionalization of inter-agency collaboration in communications and advocacy;
- Implementation of internal communication initiatives results in a joint UN identity and maximizes staff engagement;
- Strengthened UN’s advocacy work and external communication efforts;
- UN Resident Coordinator, as spoke person of the UN in Zambia, adequately supported;
- Up-to date content on UN web site as well as active and coordinated UN social media accounts;
- A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.
Note: These key results are expected to have an impact on effective joint UN internal and external communications and advocacy, in support of a coordinated and harmonized UN system at country level. By speaking with One Voice, the UN is better placed to raise awareness of the key development issues and support the achievement of its outcomes
Competencies
Corporate Competencies
- Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
- Advocates and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of the UN;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
- Treats all people fairly without favoritism.
Functional Competencies
Knowledge and Learning Management
- Ability to advocate and provide policy advice.
- Ability to promote a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office.
- Knowledge on joint UN programmes and operational issues.
- Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development.
- Knowledge of UN policies and programmes;
- Knowledge of UN regulations, rules, policies, procedures and practice.
Development and Operational Effectiveness
- Ability to advocate and communicate effectively across different constituencies;
- Ability to lead and manage corporate strategic initiatives;
Management and Leadership
- Focuses on impact and results for the client;
- Leads teams effectively and shows conflict resolution skills;
- Establishes effective working relations in a multicultural team environment;
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
- Demonstrates excellent oral and written communications skills;
- Demonstrates strong team management skills;
- Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
- Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure;
- Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;
- Responds positively to feedback and differing points of view.
Required Skills and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Communications Studies, Journalism, Media/Public Relations or related field;
- Minimum 3 years of of professional experience in at the national or international level in public relations, communications or advocacy. Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization is helpful. Knowledge of the UN System and UN Reforms. Experience in the development and implementation of complex communication campaigns and strategies involving coordination and partnership with a range of actors. Excellent computer and information system skills.
- Fluency in English language is required.
Disclaimer
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme which welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture.
United Nations Volunteers reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this opening for other openings with United Nations Volunteers with similar assignment description, experience and educational requirements.
More Information
- Job City Lusaka
