Contribute to the design and implementation of an external communications strategy and the communication plans for the projects and country offices. Update and adapt the strategy and the plans as/when needed.
Ensure the visibility and communication requirements of donor/s are met.
Manage external communications for all channels, including managing a communications content calendar.
Work closely with other colleagues in preparing and coordinating the production of communications materials for distribution to the media and other stakeholders, including local authorities, donors, partners, civil society organisations, and the general public, as defined by the MCO’s and projects’ communications strategies.
Content development and management:
Develop communication products and informative materials, including media releases/statements, press kits, Q&As, donor briefings, case studies/feature stories, photographs and videos, social media content, internal and external newsletters, etc.
Regularly update content on the MCO’s social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages, ensuring they are both informative and attractive to the wider public audience and reflect the MCO’s objectives, strengths, and achievements.
Support the communication plans of the projects when needed by drafting the strategies and giving advice for their implementation and evaluation, in collaboration with project managers.
Evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the MCO’s external communications activities.
Stakeholder and media relations management:
Develop relationships and maintain strong communication channels and networks with national, regional, and local media and other stakeholders as required.
Maintain relevant contact lists in support of effective working relationships.
Conduct regular external media monitoring and compile all coverage of the MCO, file with proper referencing, and share with the internal team.
Conduct sample checks on the effectiveness and reach of the communication products and social media pages of the MCO, and advise management on ways to improve the same.
Event management:
Support the management team in organising press conferences, donor briefs, implementation support mission presentations, etc.
Support the Representative and the PDO in preparing talking points and drafting speeches for project-related conferences, press conferences, international days, appointments, meetings, missions, etc.
Identify event and conference participation opportunities, organise events for promoting and furthering the MCO’s work among key partners.
Liaise closely with colleagues in identifying event opportunities in different thematic areas, including field trips, missions, seminars, report launches, and workshops.
Knowledge building and knowledge management:
Support an increase in learning and knowledge management through the development, communication, promotion, and use of evidence and experience from the project's and partner's activities, and through sharing with UNOPS and towards partners and beneficiaries.
Participate actively in UN and UNOPS communication fora.
Education:
An advanced university degree (e.g. Master’s) in a relevant field such as Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Development, Political Science, International Relations or other relevant field is required.
A first-level university degree (e.g. Bachelor) in the abovementioned fields with an additional two (2) years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.
Experience:
At least two (2) years of experience in journalism, communications or public relations, including experience at the international level, is required.
Excellent understanding of the intersection of technology, web, design, editorial, digital, social media and multimedia platforms to tell engaging, impactful and informative stories is desirable.
Experience in project communication and/or regional level communication on development results with counterparts/partners is desirable.
Prior experience working in international organisations, international development, post-disaster and/or emergency contexts would also be an advantage.
