Communications Associate

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Present in Iraq since 1976, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supports the Government and people of Iraq during their transition towards reconciliation, reform and stability.

UNDP supports the Government’s vision for a sustainable, peaceful Iraq through an approach that strengthens societal resilience to better deal with social, economic, environmental and political shocks and stresses through four interlinked, inclusive and holistic development pathways: Strengthened stabilization; diversified pro-poor economic growth for sustainable livelihoods; Improved governance with accountable institutions that protect the rights of vulnerable groups and pave the way for citizen-state trust; and decreased fragility to climate change.

The Communications Unit is responsible for promoting UNDP Iraq’s vision, priorities and achievements through a compelling and cohesive narrative using a range of communciaitons methods and activities.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Team Leader, Communications & Advocacy, the Communications Assistant supports the implementation of UNDP Iraq’s communications and advocacy strategies to increase the standing and awareness of UNDP with partners, the media and the public. The Communications Assistant promotes a client-oriented approach in UNDP.

The Communications Assistant works in close collaboration with the UNDP Iraq Communications Cell, Programme, Operations and project staff in the Country Office and UNDP Regional Communications Adviser, as required.

• Work with the Communications Cell to identify, develop, and publish high-quality communications products including web articles, blogs, opinion pieces, infographics, social media content and post-event reports, in line with UNDP corporate branding and donor requirements;
• Design compelling infographics and creative visual materials that showcase UNDP Iraq’s vision, achievements and priorities;
• Support proactive media engagement with local media outlets, and develop relationships with key journalists;
• Support administration of both UNDP Iraq website and mobile application in Arabic, Kurdish and English and keep them up to date.
• Support administration of UNDP Iraq social media platforms through developing and uploading content;
• Monitoring traditional and new media coverage of UNDP’s work, and producing regular reports;
• Provide Logistical support to the organization of publicity/outreach for the CO programme and projects, knowledge-sharing events and promotional opportunities, especially UN events;
• Maintain information database and photo library;
• Administrative and logistical support to the communications team, including for initiatives such as media workshops, press briefings, project visits, report launches, etc;
• Budgetary support in Atlas (UNDP Iraq finance system), including creation of vendors, arranging payments, travel claims;
• Support Arabic translation, review of translations, contacts with printers and other suppliers to ensure production.

CORE

Innovation

• Ability to make new and useful ideas work.

Leadership

• Ability to persuade others to follow.

Communication

• Ability to listen, adapt, persuade and transform.

Delivery

• Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement.

TECHNICAL

Client Orientation

• Execute & Learn: Execute & Learn: Perform defined tasks.

Job knowledge

• Execute & Learn: Performs defined tasks efficiently and deepens knowledge of area of work.

Building Partnerships

• Execute & Learn: Performs defined tasks efficiently and deepens knowledge of area of work.

Advocacy

• Technical Assistance: Performs defined tasks efficiently and deepens knowledge of area of work.

Minimum Academic Education:

• Secondary Education or Bachelor’s Degree.

Minimum years of relevant Work experience:

• Secondary Education with 6 years of relevant experience in communications, and/or public relations. Or Bachelor’s degree with 3 years of relevant experience in communications and/or public.

Required skills and competencies:

• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.);
• Experience in handling of web-based management systems and content management systems;
• Experience and creativity in in-house multimedia production, including using different computer-editing and design packages such as InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, Shorthand and web publishing software (Drupal an asset), with a portfolio of multimedia/creative work that shows ability to tell compelling stories;
• Experience in using professional photo and video cameras;
• Experience in maintaining online portals and social media channels for an organization in Iraq and in establishing and expanding social networks online;
• Experience in administration.

Desired additional skills and competencies:

• Previous experience with a UN agency or international development organisation;
• Understanding development-related issues and familiarity with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
• Understanding the operating context of the UN in Iraq.

Required Language(s) (at working level):

• Fluency in English and Arabic.

Important applicant information

All posts in the SC categories are subject to local recruitment.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam warning

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Contract Duration: One Year