UN VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT

Transcription

1 Preamble: UN VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development and it benefits for both society at large and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally, encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers. In most cultures volunteerism is deeply embedded in long-established, ancient traditions of sharing and support within the communities. In this context, UN Volunteers take part in various forms of volunteerism and play a role in development and peace together with co-workers, host agencies and local communities. In all assignments, UN Volunteers promote volunteerism through their action and conduct. Engaging in volunteer activity can effectively and positively enrich their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between themselves and the people in their host community. This will make the time they spend as UN Volunteers even more rewarding and productive. 1. UNV Assignment Title: Communications Associate 2. Type of Assignment: National UN Volunteer 3. Project Title: Capacity Building and Effective Support to the United Nations Resident s Coordinator s Office in Suriname 4. Duration: 3 months 5. Location, Country: Paramaribo, Suriname 6. Expected Starting Date: September Brief Project Description: The work of the United Nations in Suriname has been ongoing since the 90 s. The Resident Coordinator (RC) system encompasses all organizations of the United Nations system dealing with operational activities for development; regardless of their formal presence in the country. Currently in Suriname, the UN comprises of twelve (12) UN entities, four (4) resident offices and eight (8) non-residents with ongoing activities in country. The RC system aims to bring together the different UN entities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operational activities at the country level. The work of the UN covers a wide range of issues, themes and sectors. Working closely with national governments, civil society and academic institutions, the Office of the Resident Coordinator and country teams advocate the interests and mandates of the UN system while drawing on the support and guidance of the entire UN family. The programmes and activities of the UN entities cover thematic and substantive areas of work of the different agencies. Instruments like the United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and UNDAF Action Plan (UNDAP) as well as agency specific programme documents provide the framework for action and outline key priority areas and expected results. The 2012 UN Quadrennial Comprehensive Policy Review (QCPR) calls for United Nations funds, programmes and specialized agencies to further improve their communication to the general public on their mandates and development results. A joint UN communications strategy needs to be updated for the implementation of the

2 UNDAF. The strategy will facilitate discussion on UNDAF outcomes, spur advocacy, raise awareness on key development issues and highlight the UN system s support towards national priorities. 8. Host Agency/Host Institute: UN Resident Coordinator s Office 9. Organizational Context: The United Nations Country Team is constituted of twelve (12) UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes & affiliates and is led by the UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC). The work of the United Nations in Suriname has been ongoing since the 90 s. The Resident Coordinator (RC) system encompasses all organizations of the United Nations system dealing with operational activities for development; regardless of their formal presence in the country. The RC system aims to bring together the different UN entities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operational activities at the country level. The work of the UN covers a wide range of issues, themes and sectors. Working closely with national governments, civil society and academic institutions, the Office of the Resident Coordinator and country teams advocate the interests and mandates of the UN system while drawing on the support and guidance of the entire UN family. 10. Type of Assignment Place: Family Duty Station 11. Description of tasks: Under the direction and supervision of the UN Resident Coordinator and guidance from the Director/Office in Charge of the UN Information Center, the UN Communications Associate will work closely with the UN Communication Group (UNCG) and Heads of Agencies to implement the UNDAF communications strategy and UNCT Communications Plan. Supports Joint UN programmes to communicate clearly and consistently on progress and results to key stakeholders and audiences: 1. Supports Joint UN programmes to communicate clearly and consistently on progress and results to key stakeholders and audiences. Works with senior management, programme and project staff of both programmes to identify opportunities for sharing information and/or knowledge and develops a practical action plan for realizing these. Works with programme and project staff to draft clear and concise reports for donors and headquarters, then works with senior management to finalize and disseminate these. Works with project, programme and senior management to produce knowledge products to improve understanding of the issues and ways forward emerging through programme work. Supports programme to prepare presentations, speaking points and other outreach material as required. Regularly produces success stories, case studies and features to share with stakeholders and audiences. Produces content for web, social media and other formats to regularly communicate programme progress and impacts. Develops and maintains close working relationships with UN communication officers and focalpoints to disseminate information about the programmes and to support consistent information sharing between participating agencies. Develops and maintains a photo database that contains images expressive of the issues, actions and results the programmes are working on.

3 Manages media relations on behalf of the programmes responding to enquiries, developing and managing media outreach plans as required, drafting material for the media and ensuring that these can be readily used by the media and understood by the public. 2. Ensures clear, coherent and consistent communication about the role, strategic focus and activities of the UN in the country. As a member of the UN Communications Group, works proactively with the Chair of the Communications group, UN RC Office, UN Country Team, Agency communications officers and focal points to implement the UN Communications strategy, related work plan and budget to clearly and consistently convey the UN role, as well as the key aims, objectives and results of the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) and other UN activities in the country. Keeps abreast of the activities of all the UN Agencies and Programmes operational in the country (UNCT). Manages and elaborates content on the UN website, one of the principle mediums of communications of the organisation, ensuring information continuously updated is clearly presented, relevant and continuously updated. Prepares and disseminates regular information about UN activities across the system (e.g. UN in the News). Supports the UN RC Office to draft and disseminate key reports to internal and external audiences Supports the UN RC in preparing for and organising public speaking engagements with the preparation of background materials and speaking points. 3. Manages media relations on behalf of the UN - responding to enquiries, developing and managing media outreach plans as required, and ensuring that material for the media can be readily used by the media and understood by the public. Provides translation of concepts and issues into a form that can be readily used by the media and understood by the public. Identifies media opportunities in print media features, radio and television programs. Provides internal consultancy and media advice to staff to ensure that the agreed strategies are implemented and consistency of image is maintained. Identifies media stories and researches, writes and edits media releases and briefings within tight timeframes and which consistently meet agreed corporate standards Furthermore, the national UN Volunteer is encouraged 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 International Volunteer Day); Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism; 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.

4 12. Results/Expected Outcome: Development and Operational Effectiveness Fosters increased visibility of the UN System in Suriname through implementation of UN Common Communication and Advocacy Strategy. Promotes a positive image of the UN family in Suriname at national and international level via dissemination of its programems and activities and the usage of electronic communication tools. Lead the implementation of activities linked with UN Country Team Communication Group. Management and Leadership Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills Builds strong relationships with clients Remain calm and in control under pressure Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities Demonstrate a high level of leadership skills and autonomy 13. Qualifications/Requirements: Education Bachelor s Degree in Communications, Social Science or related area. Experience At least 2-5 years of relevant experience. Solid understanding of a broad range of development issues. Experience in conceptualizing and managing the production of printed materials, including detailed reports. Experience with managing websites Familiarity with dealing with media Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing communication and/or media outreach plans in support of overall corporate goals, including preparing presentations. Demonstrated experience in developing content that clearly communicates development ideas and experiences for media, web, print production, and audio-visual productions. Experience in development social media communication. Competent with office software packages, including PowerPoint, excel, basic design software. Core Competencies Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment Self-development, initiative-taking Acting as a team player and facilitating team work Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, effective communication Creating synergies through self-control & Managing conflict Learning and sharing knowledge and encourage the learning of others. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of staff members.

5 Informed and transparent decision making 14. Living Conditions: Suriname is at UN Security Level 1 and the overall the living conditions are good. Access to TV, radio and internet services are readily available. Supermarkets are also easily accessible. There is public transportation but there are also taxi companies that provide services. The road conditions are reasonable but there is heavy traffic during the morning peak hours (07:00-08:00) and afternoon hours (14:00 to 16:00). There are professional medical facilities (public and private) available in Paramaribo. Different types of quality houses/apartments are available. Banking and credit card institutions are generally good with onlinebanking also available. Suriname is known for its good and variety of food given the different cultural backgrounds. 15. Conditions of Service A 3 month contract; monthly volunteer living allowance (VLA) intended to cover housing, basic needs and utilities, equivalent to US$ 538 for single person; life, health, and permanent disability insurance. Description of Assignment prepared by the UNV Field Unit: Hitomi Urushihata, Programme Officer, UNV Trinidad and Tobago Date: 07/07/2014 Description of Assignment approved by UNDP/RR/CD or UNV Field Unit: Richard Blewitt, United Nations Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative Trinidad and Tobago, Suriname, Curaçao and Sint Maarten Date: 07/07/2014 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.