Communications Assistant
Background Information - Job-specific
Background Information Pakistan
UNOPS commenced operations in Pakistan in 1999 and significantly up-scaled activities from 2005 onwards to support populations affected by and vulnerable to earthquakes. In 2010, UNOPS opened a permanent office in Islamabad to support the Government of Pakistan and other partners to undertake humanitarian and reconstruction services, following the most devastating flood in the nation’s history.
UNOPS Pakistan has been implementing projects in the areas of early recovery and reconstruction of community infrastructure, project management and related monitoring and verification, community development, fund management, and procurement. Supported strategically by a regional operational hub and UNOPS headquarters in Copenhagen and within the overarching framework of the ONE UN Programme, UNOPS Pakistan continues to deliver projects across the country under its core delivery practices of sustainable infrastructure, sustainable procurement, and sustainable project management.
UNOPS is based in Islamabad and has a provincial office in Peshawar. In addition, UNOPS is administrating Global Environment Facility (GEF) small grants on behalf of UNDP to support community led projects in Baluchistan. Similarly, UNOPS is also acting as the Local Fund Agent of the Global Fund. In Pakistan, UNOPS monitors a grant portfolio of $600,000,000 by undertaking regular and mandatory field visits across the country including FATA to provide independent monitoring of the activities carried out by the grantees of the Global Fund.
Purpose and Scope of Assignment
Under the overall guidance, direction and supervision of the Partnership Development Manager, the Communications Assistant will be responsible for providing support services to Business Development and Programme activities. S/he is expected to support the PDM with proposal writing and other partnership management and communication related activities.
Functional Responsibilities
- Provide support to communications with the media representatives and other stakeholders
- Establish and regularly maintain the project contacts data base,
- Prepare communications material, brochures etc
- Establish and maintain the project’s calendar of events
- Maintain archive of project photos and media coverage
- Inform personnel about the project’s media coverage
- Support to provide qualitative and quantitative analysis of media coverage for the Project reports and on as needed basis as requested by the line manager
- Support to organize project events, donors/VIP visits, press conferences and other media opportunities
- Assist in the development of technical specifications and terms of references for purchase of services and goods needed for the conduct of communications activities
- Assist in the preparation of requisitions, payment requests and other administrative documentation related to the communications activities
- Provide communication support for organization of workshops/training
- Participate in the relevant UNOPS’ Communities of Practice
- Contribute to the sharing of the Project’s lessons learned and best practices
- Support incorporation of good governance, human rights and gender equality concepts, principles and best practices into the communication activities in accordance with the project objectives and methodology.
- Perform other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above
Impact of Results
Publications are delivered to relevant audiences in a timely manner- An efficient filing and tracking system is maintained
- Actions are followed up promptly and efficiently
Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education
- Secondary education is required.
- Diploma, Bachelor degree or higher school certificate with certification in communications (Media Studies, Journalism, Political Science, or International Relations) would be an asset.
Work Experience
Minimum 5 years of cumulative experience in the area of communications and operations, preferably with an international organization are required with secondary education. A first level/bachelor degree would be an asset and may substitute for some of the required years of experience.- Good communication, confident writing, and good analytical skills are essential.
- Experience in creating and distributing e-newsletters and/or producing content for websites and social media in English is asset.
- Translating experience is an asset.
- Excellent knowledge of the Microsoft Office Package is required.
- Documented experience working with graphic design software (InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator) is an advantage.
Languages
- Excellent knowledge of both written and oral English is required. Knowledge of Urdu and/or other local languages is required.
Competencies
Integrity & Inclusion
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion
Partnering
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Result Orientation
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Agility
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Solution Focused
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Effective Communication
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: ICA Contract level: Local ICA Support Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance
Additional Considerations
- This is a local post and open to Pakistan nationals only
- Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
- Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
- For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
- The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.
It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
Background Information - UNOPS
UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.
UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.
Working with us
UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.
Diversity
With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.
Work life harmonization
UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.
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