Communications Analyst

Background

Fully engaged in the post-conflict recovery process, UNDP Sudan is implementing a wide range of interventions to pre-empt and respond to the needs of the country as it moves from a conflict-stricken environment to one of peace. UNDP needs to enhance its communications portfolio and implement a communications strategy that reflects the positive impact of its interventions; positions UNDP as a lead agency in recovery, reintegration and development; highlights UNDP’s role vis-à-vis the donor community; and ensures flow of communications between UNDP and those it serves.

Under the overall guidance of the Resident Representative, he/she works closely with the Communications team in Khartoum, liaises closely with UNDP HQ Office of Communication and other Bureaus and Offices as required.

Position Purpose

The incumbent develops and leads the implementation of a Strategic Communications Plan for UNDP Sudan with a view to promote public and media outreach and to mobilize political and financial support for UNDP and advise Senior Management on all aspects of communications work.  He/she works in close collaboration with the Programme and Operations teams in the country office, media staff of UN Agencies, UNDP regional and HQs communications staff and Government officials, and local media, subject matter experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful UNDP Communications strategy implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities

In this section list up to five primary functions/accountabilities of the position (Typically one sentence each) and examples of duties that must be performed to successfully accomplish key responsibilities.

1)  Direct and supervise the daily work of the Communications Team

• Lead the Communications Unit team and facilitate effective collaborative work planning and implementation processes to meet agreed outputs. 
• Provide a positive team environment where staff is able to perform optimally, respond to challenges creatively and collaboratively, and access coaching and mentoring as needed.
• Lead the strategic planning process of the unit with focus on results-based management and reporting. 
• Perform performance appraisal of staff directly supervised.
• Oversee external production of communication materials and audio-visual products to ensure brand quality and alignment with communications guidelines and standards.

2)  Develop, Plan and Design of internal and external Strategies for communications and outreach in Khartoum and whole-of-Sudan

• Planning and elaboration of communications needs assessments for UNDP Sudan with equal focus on whole-of-Sudan (project highlights and results, electronic bulletins, etc.)
• Elaboration of the communications and outreach strategy including, but not limited to, producing programme leaflets (2 pagers), project fact sheets, fast facts documents, best practices, producing high-quality human-interest success stories with impact, producing high-quality visuals, using info graphs, results and impact, etc. 
• Constructive and timely advice on inclusion of communications components in programme formulations to integrate advocacy and communication strategies into all aspects of UNDP’s programmatic output.
• Ensure key results and success stories are incorporated into strategic communications outreach.
• Assess the impact of the communications strategy and make adjustments accordingly.
• Assist the RR in chairing the UN Communications working group, including leading the workstreams resulting from the decisions from the UN working group.

3)  Lead on the monitoring and evaluation of communication activities and provide advice on development and coordination of partnership and resource mobilization strategies

• Establishment of Communication baselines against which the achievement of objectives of the Communication Strategy are regularly evaluated; 
• Continuous analysis to ensure improvement and effectiveness of Communication Strategy and activities; 
• Preparation and sharing of results and reports.
• Identify partnership priorities as input to the design and development of evidence-based country office resource mobilization strategy supported by communication strategies;
• Set and monitor partnership priorities, goals, and key performance indicators (KPIs) in line with the partnership and resource mobilization strategies;
• Gather information on programme pipelines and corresponding resource needs through close collaboration with country counterparts.

4)  Development of significant inputs into the UNDP Website and Social Media

• Lead the formulation and implementation of a Digital Communications strategy.
• In collaboration with UNDP Sudan Communications Staff and field office colleagues, contribute to the content for UNDP Sudan Website and Social Media accounts based on corporate requirements;
• Project UNDP as a substantive thought leader, promoting its mandate, mission and purpose via effective communication, promoting UNDP’s principles as a tangible value proposition with regional audiences;
• Work closely with UNDP experts to produce and market RBAS Programme publications and campaigns, using innovative communication tools and various types of media including digital and social media content creation, graphic design, and more; 
• Support programme teams & senior management with communications and marketing materials; 
• In collaboration with HQ and the RBAS communications team, produces results-based communications materials for distribution to donors and other key constituents. 
• Support regional public campaigns that promote UNDP and influence the development agenda based on the current programme and new initiatives.

5)  Take lead on the outreach and public Information activities

• Organization of activities to showcase UNDP’s work as a leader within the development space in whole-of Sudan, in the UN Mission environment.
• Increased coverage and understanding of the UNDP’s work through development and maintenance of media contacts and providing newsworthy information to national public and donors. 
• Development and maintenance of close contacts with government officials, multilateral and bilateral donors, civil society and private sector for implementation of the communications strategy, organization of roundtable discussions, press conferences, briefing sessions, interviews, launches.
• Lead capacity-building and knowledge-sharing in the Country Office.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: The incumbent leads and supervises the communications team.

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

Business Direction and Strategy

Strategic Thinking: Develop effective strategies and prioritised plans in line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight.

Business Management

Communication: 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.

Business Management

Partnership Management: Build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies

Business Management

Digital Awareness and Literacy: Ability to monitor new and emerging technologies, as well as understand their usage, potential, limitations, impact, and added value. Ability to rapidly and readily adopt and use new technologies in professional activities, and to empower others to use them as needed. Knowledge of the usage of digital technologies and emerging trends.

Communications

Advocacy strategy and Implementation: Ability to create and implement advocacy strategies which lead to impactful change.

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.

Communications

Brand & quality management: Ability to position a UNDP brand and uphold it to a high level of quality.

Keywords

Communications           Advocacy strategy and implementation

Communications           Media Relations

Communications           Brand & quality management

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master's degree in Communications, Media Relations, Journalism, Public Relations Publishing or any related field.
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• 2 years of relevant work experience in development, public relations, communications or advocacy, print, broadcast, and/or new media, preferably in UN system (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds, and programmes) or similar international organization or non-governmental organization with bachelor’s degree. 
• No year of experience required with Master
• Previous experience with multilateral or international organization or prominent NGO is highly desirable;
• Previous experience in managing communication teams is highly desirable;
• Background/familiarity with conflict/post-conflict settings is desirable. 
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling web-based management systems. Experience in the use of digital and communication applications and social media is highly desired.
• Fluency in English and Arabic is required.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Probation

For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.