DEP COMMUNICATION ANALYST, Dar-Es-Salaam , Tanzania

DEP COMMUNICATION ANALYST

Location :

Dar-Es-Salaam, TANZANIA

Application Deadline :

31-Oct-13

Additional Category

Democratic Governance

Type of Contract :

Service Contract

Post Level :

SB-4

Languages Required :

English

Background

United Republic of Tanzania has held four credible general elections since the reintroduction of multi-party politics in 1992. Citizens and the government are eager to maintain this track record and to further strengthen democratic practice in Tanzania. Looking to the 2015 general election, government has undertaken early and comprehensive preparations for the electoral processes. Since receipt of official requests for UN assistance to the election cycle leading to the 2015 general election from the National Election Commission and Zanzibar Electoral Commission, a UN Needs Assessment Mission recommended the development of a project in support of the national efforts.

In addition, in 2014 the United Republic of Tanzania will likely conduct a first national referendum on a new constitution. The national EMBs and other stakeholders in preparing for these critical events have requested the support of UNDP to provide technical support to the preparation and execution of the referendum.

To these ends, the Democratic Empowerment Project (DEP) is a four year (2013-2016) UNDP, UN One Fund and other donor-funded project with the overall aim of contributing to Tanzania's UNDAP's Outcome 7: i.e. 'key institutions of democracy, (i.e. EMBs, etc.) effectively implement their election and political functions'. UN Women and UNESCO are implementing partners in a One UN Country Team context.

Duties and Responsibilities

Ensures planning and design of DEP strategies for communications and outreach focusing on achievement of the following results:

· Preparation and conduct of communications and PR needs assessment for DEP.

· In consultation with DEP staff and the EMBs, prepare public information materials, articles, press releases and website content to support project delivery.

· Provide EMB Commissioners, Directors and relevant officers with training, support and advice regarding media relations, exposure and liaison as required.

· Plan and implement media and outreach activities on DEP, EMB and relevant CSO activities in relation to the electoral process.

· Organize media activities including roundtable discussions, press conferences, briefing sessions, interviews and media launches. Prepare talking points and background briefs.

· Organize field visits for journalists in relation to high level visits and events.

· Promotion and maintenance of public information campaigns on DEP activities.

Ensures implementation of the DEP publications strategy and plan focusing on the achievement of the following results:

· Develop, implement and monitor DEP communications, media and PR strategic plan.

· Daily scanning of the press (English & Kiswahili) and circulation of relevant articles to DEP team, CO staff and EMB officials.

· Identification of storylines for publications and drafting of substantive articles contributing to public debates on electoral issues.

· Coordination and management of DEP publication activities, such as content management, norms for publishing, design, etc.

· Contact with printers and other suppliers to ensure production and ensure publications dissemination.

· Produce regular reports and communication materials for DPs and other stakeholders.

Supervision of the design and maintenance of the DEP website, web-based knowledge management system focusing on achievement of the following results:

· Supervision of the design and maintenance of the project website based on corporate requirements in cooperation with the ICT staff.

· Preparation of the content for the website to ensure consistency of the materials.

· Production of monthly e-newsletter, brochures, project summaries, press releases, etc. based on drafts from technical project staff.

· Support NEC and ZEC as required in developing, delivering and monitoring communications, PR and media strategic plans.

· Forge a strong working relationship with EMB communication and information officers and provide advice, guidance and support on media and PR strategic planning.

• Maintain a strong network of media contacts and provide regular newsworthy information to the national and international media.

Competencies

· Institutional capacity building experience, training, project design and implementation, monitoring and evaluation skills.

· Experience with UN, governments, donors, non-government and international development organizations, preferably in sub-Saharan Africa desirable.

· Excellent analytical, communication, writing and presentation skills.

· Willingness to travel frequently in Tanzania and to work extensive hours and under pressure.

· Network of media contacts, and in depth understanding of media sector in Tanzania desirable.

Required Skills and Experience

· Advanced university degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, or equivalent professional work experience in the communication area, combined with a university degree in a related discipline.

· At least five years of relevant experience at the national or international level in public relations, journalism, communications, media or public relations.

· Extensive experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, good knowledge.

· Experience in developing and maintaining websites.

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