Apply by: September 22, 2014
Organization: UNDP - United Nations Development Programme
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network. Through our four programme units in the Lao PDR – UXO, Democratic Governance, Environment and Poverty Reduction – UNDP works to ensure that all people benefit from national development.
Under the direct supervision and guidance of the Head of the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO), the Head of Public Information at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Chair of the UN Communications Group (UNCG), the Communications Assistant provides support to communications-related activities within the RCO, UNDP and the UNCG.
The UN Resident Coordinator’s office is charged with supporting the UN Resident Coordinator to coordinate the many UN agencies operating in Lao PDR. The office supports strategic and day-to-day coordination among UN agencies working in Lao PDR, as well as the overall engagement of the UN with the Lao Government and development partners. The work of the UN RCO includes joint communication and event planning on behalf of the UN system in Lao PDR.
The UN Communication Group (UNCG) was established in 2008 to ensure a more joint approach to UN messaging, communication and outreach between UN agencies in Lao PDR. The UNCG is composed of members from various UN agencies, funds and programmes, and the group aims to increase the knowledge and visibility of the UN and the development priorities of Lao PDR among UN agencies, government, national media and international development partners.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network. Through our four programme units in the Lao PDR – UXO, Democratic Governance, Environment and Poverty Reduction – UNDP works to ensure that all people benefit from national development.
The assignment is initially for 12 months with a possibility of extension. The post is based in the UN Building, Lane Xang Avenue, Vientiane, and may involve some national travel.
The salary is ranging from USD 653 to USD 987 a month, plus benefits, depending on the successful candidate’s working experience.
Benefits include a health insurance package and holiday allowance of 1.5 days per month plus 10 UN holidays annually.
Duties and Responsibilities
Support the UNCG Secretariat function
- Support to the organization and logistics of UN Communication Group (UNCG) regular and ad hoc meetings
- Draft UNCG monthly meeting agenda and minutes to be circulated among the group members
- Monitor and keep record of the UNCG’s budget and expenses
- Create and maintain a UN joint event calendar
- Ensure the UNCG contact list and common services directory are maintained and regularly updated
- Provide other support as requested and directed by the UNCG Chair
- Maintain the UN inter-agency communications online platform (TBD)
- In case of a disaster in country, support the UNCG Chair in emergency communications and reporting tasks
Support joint UN and UNDP communication and outreach work
- Assist in organizing UN and UNDP special events and in maximizing the participation of local media in these
- With support from UNCG members manage the upgrade and maintenance of a joint website of UN agencies in Lao PDR
- Supporting the maintenance of a new UN Lao PDR Facebook page
- Support and coordinate the production and translation of joint UN Newsletters
- Support the development and translation of joint UN press releases
- Liaise with local media and facilitate information sharing (including quotes, photos and factual data) as required.
- Assist in the production of communication materials.
- Provide other communications and admin-related support as requested and directed by the UNDP Communication Officer
Translate public information materials and liaise with local partners and media; Monitor local media
- Provide high quality translation (from English to Lao and Lao to English) or manage the work of external translators where appropriate.
- Liaise with local printers, graphic designers, TV and radio production houses where required
- Assist in managing the procurement process and contractual matters related to printing where needed.
- Monitor local print media in terms of UN and UNDP related stories and key interest areas and prepare daily e-mail summaries to be distributed internally.
- Manage media clippings and UNDP annual news analysis
- As directed and time permitting, support other elements of liaison with local partners
The Impact of Key Results
- Stronger and better functioning UNCG and better supported joint UN communication work.
- Increased awareness about and visibility of UN’s and UNDP’s mandate, development priorities and activities within UN agencies, funds and programs, the government, development partners, the local media and the general public
- Increased availability of UN/UNDP communication and outreach material in Lao and a better reflection of UN/UNDP priority issues and activities within Lao local media
Competencies
Competencies and critical success factors:
- Initiative creativity, enthusiasm, maturity, tact and high sense of responsibility.
- A high level of computer literacy.
- Strong interpersonal and networking skills are essential for internal communications, media management and working with partners.
- Ability to learn new tasks and skills quickly.
- Ability to work to deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Appreciation of quality and professionalism.
- Ability to communicate ideas.
- Excellent organization skills.
- Willingness and interest in pursuing professional and personal development through self-learning.
- Ability to execute day-to-day tasks systematically and effectively without being prompted.
- Willingness and ability to develop and maintain harmonious work relations with colleagues of different national and cultural backgrounds
- Demonstrated ability to work in a team
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Higher education, preferably in either in any of the following: Journalism/Media, Public Relations, Marketing, Advertising, Graphic Design, Web Design, Communications, Media or Print Production, or English; or other related disciplines in accordance with the skills required for the position
Qualifications:
- 2 year experience in one or more of the following is requested: Journalism/Media, Public Relations, Marketing, Advertising, Graphic Design or Web Design, Communications, Media or Print Production, and/or English.
- Strong computer skills are essential, knowledge of relevant software packages (esp. Adobe Creative Suite) is desirable
- Photo- and/or videography skills are an advantage
Language Requriements:
- English (excellent to fluent), Lao(native speaker, excellent writing skills essential for translation)
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.
If you are experiencing difficulties with online job applications, please contact [email protected].
