UNDP TANZANIA COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST

Tanzania has since 2007 been piloting the UN Delivering as One reform initiative. The overall purpose of this reform is to unify and align UN agencies programmes in order to more efficiently and effectively deliver results in support of national priorities. The vision of DaO in Tanzania is therefore about being a more effective partner for Government; focusing on the UN’s comparative advantage; being strategic about the development areas where the UN prioritizes support; and continuing to support Government on its development priorities. In July 2011, the UN in Tanzania commenced a new phase of programming, the UN Development Assistance Plan (UNDAP) 2011-2015. Under the supervision of the Team leader in the UN Resident Coordinator Office and the overall guidance of the UN Resident Coordinator, the Communication Analyst will provide communications support to the UN country team and the UN Resident Coordinator, in particular, to further the DaO. Based in the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, the Communications Specialist will work closely with the inter-agency Communications Group (UNCG) currently chaired by the UNESCO. On behalf of the UNCG, the incumbent will lead the communication component of the One Programme. The Resident Coordinator’s Office has the overall responsibility for the planning, budgeting, monitoring, implementing and reporting of the UNCG agenda including the Joint communication strategy. The incumbent will engage in the inter-agency work, demonstrate an ability to take coordination initiative, be solution-oriented, and support consensus that takes work forward.

Duties and Responsibilities

Act as primary communications focal point for the UN Country Team (UNCT), collaborating closely with the UN Information Centre (UNIC) and coordinate UNCG annual work plans, reviews and summary reports. Update the contents for the One UN website to ensure material is consistent and relevant. Support the flow of information between UN global systems, the RC, the UNCT and UN staff in Tanzania, ensuring that all relevant parties are kept informed of activities, initiatives and requests and facilitating any necessary follow up action. Ensure the institutionalition of inter-agency collaboration in the area of communication through coordinating the implementation of the UNCT Communication Strategy to support the operationalisation of the UNDAF. Ensure the establishment of a knowledge culture with effective advocacy tools for improved internal communications. Lead the implementation of internal communication initiatives fostering a joint UN identity and maximizing staff engagement. Strengthen UN capacity and learning on strategic communications and enhancing staff engagement in advancing the UN coherence agenda. Coordinate the development and maintenance of a UNCT wide intranet to enhance inter-agency communication. Strengthen the UN’s advocacy work and external communication efforts. Coordinate and enhance media liaisons with national and international media in ensuring accurate coverage of UNCT activities. Coordinate provision of contents for advocacy and information materials: including the UNCT newsletter & website, press releases, statements, and talking points. Strengthen partnerships with key external stakeholders and ensuring coherence in the messages going out from the UN System. Sustains communications partnerships within the UN system at the country level, and externally with media, government, non-state actors and development partners. Acts as lead Project Manager for the Annual Work Plan for UNCG ensuring timely coordination of the Annual Work Plans and Reviews. Strengthens UN capacity and learning on strategic communications by providing support to the members of the UNCG and guidance to the UNCT to facilitate decision-making. The Communications Specialist supports system-wide internal communication activities to enhance staff engagement in the reform process. Ensures documentation of the country’s pilot experience including Dao Reports and wide dissemination locally as well as globally of tangible results achieved. Supports the Office of the Resident Coordinator to maintain and strengthen external communication and ensure funding for reform process at country level. Partnership with Government, Development Partners and CSOs strengthened and the UN positioned as a key development partner to the Government of Tanzania. Improved media liaisons ensuring accurate and enhanced coverage. Promote an accurate and professional image of the UN in Tanzania, as well as positioning the system strategically vis a vis other development actors, based on the reform and the UN’s unique, value add.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies: • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards. • Advocates and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of DaO. • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability. • Treats all people fairly without favoritism. Functional Competencies: Knowledge Management and Learning • Shares knowledge and experience and contributes to DaO policies and practices. • Develops knowledge in Practice Areas. • Is proactive and displays interest in testing new ideas and tools in the area of communications. • Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skill. Coordination Effectiveness • Ability to implement communications strategies. • Ability to advocate effectively. • Ability to conceptualize, plan and execute ideas. • Communicates sensitively and effectively across different constituencies. • Demonstrates excellent ability to write and communicate orally with accuracy and professionalism. • Ability to perform multiple tasks at times within short deadlines without compromising quality. • Interpersonal skills, team spirit and positive working relationships. Development and Operational Effectiveness • Focuses on impact and results for the client and responds positively to feedback. • Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting. • Ability to lead and manage corporate strategic initiatives. • Excellent computer and information system skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Masters degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations; or equivalent professional work experience in the communications area, combined with a university degree in a related field At least 5 years of relevant work experience including work in the field. Knowledge of UN as a whole, and the role of the UN Resident Coordinator system. Experience with the Delivering as One reform initiative would be an asset. Familiarity with the aid context and development processes in Tanzania would be advantageous. Fluency in English. Knowledge of Kiswahili would be an advantage.

Apply Now