Job Description

Job Identification
19442
Locations
New Delhi, India Posting Date
07/16/2024, 03:47 AM
Apply Before
07/30/2024, 10:59 PM
Job Schedule
Full time
Agency
UNDP
Grade
NPSA-9
Vacancy Type
National Personnel Service Agreement
Practice Area
Inclusive Growth
Bureau
Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific
Contract Duration
1 Year
Education & Work Experience
Master's Degree - 2 year(s) experience OR Bachelor's Degree - 4 year(s) experience
Required Languages
English and Hindi
Vacancy Timeline
2 Weeks
Mobility required/no mobility
no mobility required

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.

UNDP has been working in India since 1951 in almost all areas of human development. Together with the Government of India and development partners, we have worked towards eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, strengthening local governance, enhancing community resilience, protecting the environment, supporting policy initiatives and institutional reforms, and accelerating sustainable development for all.



With projects and programmes in every state and union territory in India, UNDP works with national and subnational government, and diverse development actors to deliver people-centric results, particularly for the most vulnerable and marginalized communities. As the integrator for collective action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the UN system, we are committed to supporting the Government of India's national development vision and priorities and accelerating the achievement of the SDGs for the people and the planet.



UNDP India's new Country Programme (2023-2027) builds on our prior work and aims to provide an integrated approach to development solutions in three strategic portfolios:


• Strong, accountable and evidence-led institutions for accelerated achievement of the SDGs.
• Enhanced economic opportunities and social protection to reduce inequality, with a focus on the marginalized.
• Climate-smart solutions, sustainable ecosystems and resilient development for reduced vulnerability.


South-South cooperation, gender equality and social inclusion are promoted across the pillars. The programme is supported by a framework of renewed partnerships and blended finance solutions, strategic innovation and accelerator labs, and data and digital architecture.



You are invited to join a team of future-smart development professionals to support India in achieving the national and globally agreed goals. As part of the UNDP team, your focus will be to work with diverse stakeholders to find country-specific solutions that lead to sustainable development and reach those furthest behind first.



The Communications Officer - Writer and Media Engagement will work directly under the supervision of the Head of Communications and Partnerships in the communications and partnerships unit. Situated at the heart of UNDP's operations in India, the Communications and Partnerships unit is tasked with the crucial job of crafting compelling narratives, promoting thought leadership and showcasing UNDP's transformative work and support to the Government and the people of India. It employs a variety of modern communication tools and strategies, including digital media, public and media relations, and content creation, to engage stakeholders and build public awareness about the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Additionally, the unit actively seeks and nurtures strategic partnerships with the private sector, media and development agencies. These collaborations are essential for mobilizing resources, sharing knowledge, and scaling successful practices that drive social and economic progress.



Duties and Responsibilities



The Communications Officer - Writer and Media Engagement will be responsible for crafting high-quality content and developing strong media relationships to enhance the visibility and impact of UNDP's initiatives. This role requires excellent writing skills, a strategic mindset, and the ability to effectively engage with both local and international media outlets. They will also work on providing communications support to regional offices, especially in crafting compelling human interest stories, scripts and thematic narratives.



The Communications Officer - Writer and Media Engagement will work closely with the Head of Communications and Partnerships Unit to undertake the following tasks:



Content Creation and Quality Assurance:


• Develop audience-centric and web-friendly human-interest stories and blogs on UNDP's initiatives and key achievements from the field.
• Develop and write clear, compelling content for media, including media briefs, press releases, feature articles, op-eds, interviews and more.
• Write and finalise talking points, speeches, briefing notes, foreword and any other external communication material for senior management.
• Create and review materials for internal and external communication, including newsletter, portfolio factsheets, brochure and any other printed/published material.
• Collaborate with different departments to translate complex development themes into accessible and engaging narratives - for print and web.
• Undertake quality assurance of all publications, reports, and any other published material and ensure high quality, reader-friendly products.
• Ensure all content aligns with UNDP's mission, strategic goals, and communication guidelines.


Media Relations:


• Build and maintain relationships with journalists and media outlets to increase coverage of UNDP's projects and initiatives.
• Respond to media inquiries and coordinate interviews between UNDP spokespersons and journalists.
• Monitor media coverage and report on media engagement results.


Strategic Communications:


• Assist in the development of the overall communications strategy, focusing on enhancing media engagement and state/regional outreach.
• Providing communication support to regional/state offices - including drafting stories, scripts, pitch decks, and thematic narratives.
• Preparing key materials and content for strategic policy and public advocacy.
• Support campaign development, including mapping key opportunities for media engagement - traditional and new.
• Maintain networks and knowledge assets for leveraging visibility - internal and external and publicity.
• Promote awareness of UNDP's work internally and externally through dissemination of information and materials.


Event Coordination:


• Plan and execute media events, such as press conferences and roundtable discussions.
• Prepare briefing materials and talking points for UNDP representatives participating in public and media events.


Training and Support:


• Provide guidance and support to UNDP staff on media interaction and communication best practices.
• Organize training sessions on writing, storytelling and media engagement techniques.


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



Competencies



Core Competencies:
• 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 and Technical Competencies:



Business Direction & Strategy:


• System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.


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.
• Portfolio Management: Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization's programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimizing return on investment.


Communications


• Writing and Editing: Ability to create and/or edit written content in different UN language
• Multimedia Writing/Editing: Ability to create and/or edit written content for multimedia
• Social Media Management: Ability to represent and promote the UNDP brand in virtual communities and networks

Required Skills and Experience

Education:
• Advanced University Degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Communications, Journalism, International Relations, or 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.
Experience:
• Minimum 2 years (with Master's degree) or 4 years (with Bachelors degree) of relevant experience at the national or international level in communications, media relations, advertising, journalism or related field.
• Proven track record of writing high-quality, impactful content.
• Strong network of media contacts and experience in engaging with the press.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced international environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Prior work experience in the UN, international and multilateral organization and similar organizations.
• Prior experience in writing for media - articles and op-eds.
• Previous experience in developing and implementing publications strategies.
Required Languages:
• Fluency in English and Hindi is required.

Disclaimer




Important information for US Permanent Residents ('Green Card' holders)




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.



Scam warning




The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.