South Sudan is going through a crisis situation following an armed conflict that erupted in December 2013 and flared in July 2016.  The conflict has resulted in focusing external assistance to South Sudan on humanitarian relief, with little attention to ongoing early recovery, stabilization and development work. In this context, the Communications & Innovation Analyst will support the Country Office in advocating for recovery and stabilization, and the Secretary-General’s “New Way of Working”.

The Communications & Innovation Analyst will take ownership of aligning priorities and deliverables of the Communications Unit with UNDP’s new Strategic Plan 2018-2021, the forthcoming UN cooperation framework for South Sudan, as well as the national development strategy. An active presence in the ongoing dialogue around revitalization of the peace process will be of utmost priority, as well as identifying entry points for innovation in the presentation of UNDP’s signature solutions.

A communications strategy tightly linked to programme priorities helps position the Country Office in key development markets as a thought leader in ways that boost demand for various service lines and increase overall business opportunities. An integrated innovation strategy helps catalyst Country Office-wide improvements in accountability, reporting results, programme visibility externally with partners, RBA/HQ, media and donors.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Country Director, the Communications & Innovation Analyst  implements the corporate communications strategy, designs, manages and facilitates the implementation of the Country Office communications and publication strategies which are geared to influence the development agenda, to promote public and media outreach and to mobilize political and financial support for UNDP.

The Communications & Innovation Analyst may supervises and leads the communications staff of the country office and maintains a regular working relationship with the Regional Communications Adviser. The Communications & Innovation Analyst  works in close collaboration with the Programme and Management Support Unit and Operations teams, staff of other UN Agencies, UNDP Communications Group Staff (UN South Sudan Communications Working Group, HQs, Regional Communications Advisor) and government officials, international and local media, subject matter experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful UNDP communication strategy implementation.

1. Planning and design of internal and external strategies for communications and outreach focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Preparation and conduct communications needs assessments for CO (projects, crisis/surge response, country programme and corporate change initiatives, etc).
• Drafting/editing of CO communications and outreach strategy based on the corporate communications strategy.
• Constructive and timely advice on inclusion of communications components in programme formulations to integrate advocacy and communication strategies into all aspects of UNDP’s development programme.
• Ensure that communication baselines are established; analysis is undertaken to continuously improve the effectiveness of communication strategy, approach and activities.

       2.  Implementation of the CO publications strategy and plan focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Implementation of the CO publications strategy and plan based on the corporate publications policy.
• Identification and development of storylines for publications and substantive articles contributing to debates on key development issues.
• Coordination and management of UNDP South Sudan publication activities (project updates, infographics/infosheets, articles, human interest stories, Annual Report, updates, newsletter etc.), such as content management, norms for publishing, design, liaison with printers and other suppliers to oversee production and supervision of publications dissemination.

1. Management of media relations focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Increased coverage and understanding of the UNDP’s work in the country or practice area through development and maintenance of media contacts and providing newsworthy information to media, public and donors.
• Preparation and dissemination of media advisories, press releases, and timely informative responses to media enquiries.
• Pitch and facilitate trips for journalists to relevant CO projects and activities.
• Ensure access to subject matter experts for journalists

       4.  Supervision of the design and maintenance of the UNDP web site, social media, intranet, CO web-based knowledge management system focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Maintain country office web site based on corporate requirements in collaboration with communications and online teams in RBA/HQs.
• Increase visibility of South Sudan success stories on UNDP regional and global online platforms.
• Preparation of the content for the web sites ensuring consistency of the materials.
• Targeted growth of web site traffic and social media following.
• Online presence and participation in major online campaigns and initiatives related to CO priorities and activities.

1.   Supports the business development focusing on achievement of the following results:                                                                                  Launches, messaging, events and campaigns

• Promotion and maintenance of public information campaigns on UNDP activities, UN Reform and results of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), etc.
• Promotion and dissemination of corporate advocacy materials for launching flagship initiatives and publications such as the Human Development Report.
• Creation and promotion of campaigns to local and regional media that position UNDP and influences the development agenda based on current programme and new initiatives.
• Contribute technical support and advisory services for event planning strategies, to ensure maximum media and communications impact.
• Draft, review and disseminate talking points, opinion editorials, country programme/project documents, and background papers.
• Collaborate with regional and global UNDP media teams to development, package, and draft South Sudan related material to achieve corporate goals.
• Staff, as needed, high-level visits and events with media and communications support.

Outreach

• Promotional activities to position UNDP as a leader within the development space.
• Packaging and submission of programme initiatives for donor review in close collaboration with programme staff.
• 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, etc.
• Forging of a “One UN” image, through publicizing the significance of local UN reform efforts, joint programmes, common services. Organization and implementation of joint UN information campaigns (UN Day, World AIDS Day, etc.) and participate in the United Nations South Sudan Communications Group,
• Provide technical expertise to the communications, media relations, and/or innovation capacity building and training of local media, government and civil society as it aligns to UNDP/UN mandates.

Public information

• Effective responses to inquiries for public information materials.
• Initiate innovative and creative solutions to sensitive or corporately strategic public communications issues.
• Technical advisory and execution of country-specific communication for development materials.
• Advocacy and promotion of UNDP mandate, mission and purpose.

1. Facilitation of knowledge building and management with a focus on innovation, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Identification and synthesis of best practices, tutorials and lessons learned directly linked to country office goals and activities.
• Monitor practices, and project-specific news and developments in order to ensure guidance to the office that reflects the best and most current available information.
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice including corporate communications repositories, and proactive information sharing across CO work units.
• Establish and chair CO Innovation Working Group committed to advancing innovation priorities into key projects.
• Supporting projects with implementation of principles of data innovation for development, in collaboration with the Project and Management Support Unit for the enhancement of reporting, communications, and M&E.
• Support the involvement and visits of innovation experts to advance policy and practical work.
• Provision of trainings, consultancies and technical advice to UNDP staff on communications and innovation.

     7.   Effective management of the Communication & Innovation Unit and supervision of the Communications team focusing on achieving the following results:

• Effective management of the Communications Office, including preparation of the work plan, management of budget, vendors and external consultants, recruitment, performance reviews and contractual matters

Innovation - Ability to make new and useful ideas work

Leadership - Ability to persuade others to follow

People Management - Ability to improve performance and satisfaction

Communication –Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform

Delivery - Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement

Education:

Master's degree in media relations, journalism, publishing, or related field.

*First university degree in media relations, journalism, publishing, or related field with 4 years of relevant work experience in the field of journalism, communications, external relations, public affairs, public relations or corporate communications may be acceptable in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience:

2 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in public relations, multimedia communications, journalism or advocacy.

-Technical knowledge of web design and digital infrastructure, Knowledge of social media monitoring technology and social, proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with the ability to produce photo, video, and infographic content with Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Final Cut Pro, photography and videography skills, including the usage of external audio/lighting, as well as post-production software.

Language Requirements:

Fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is an added advantage but not a requirement

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