UNDP, Communications Analyst (Information, Education & Communications), Deadline March 01, 2010.

COMMUNICATIONS ANALYST (INFORMATION, EDUCATION & COMMUNICATIONS)

Location: Dili, Timor Leste
Application Deadline: 01-Mar-10
Type of Contract: FTA International
Languages Required: English   Portuguese
Starting Date: (date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 03-May-2010
Duration of Initial Contract: 1 Year
Expected Duration of Assignment: 2 Years

Background

The Local Governance Support Programme (LGSP) is a joint UNDP-UNCDF endeavour, building upon the achievements of two previous projects in the area of decentralization and local governance. LGSP has the primary objective of supporting the establishment of a fully-fledged and effective local government system in Timor-Leste, and will do so by:

• Providing policy-relevant lessons from pilot activities;
• Assisting the Government in formulating a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for local government; and;
• Supporting implementation of local government reforms (incl civic education for local governance)

Through achieving its primary objective, LGSP will thus contribute towards improving infrastructure and service delivery, thus fostering democratic governance and reducing poverty in Timor-Leste. The programme commenced in early 2007 and will operate until 2011.

The Local Government Support Programme in collaboration with the Ministry of State Administration and Territorial Management (MSATM) began in 2008 to incorporate a communications strategy for information dissemination and increased awareness of the decentralization process. A communications unit has been established in the Ministry with the mandate of creating and disseminating information about the decentralization pilot programs and the work of the Ministry towards establishing local government.  Increasing awareness in rural areas, however, remains an ongoing priority for the project as legislation on local government nears completion. Civic education, especially, will become a critical area in the run-up to any decentralization reforms. Therefore, LGSP will continue to support MSATM in promoting communications and outreach efforts associated with the decentralization process through the position of an Information, Education & Communications Analyst.

Duties and Responsibilities

FUNCTIONS/KEY RESULTS EXPECTED:

Objectives of the Assignment::  support the development of communications material, design and implementation of a civic education campaign and guide and train the staff of the communications unit and ensure that communication and civic education becomes a sustainable component of the decentralization effort.

The Information, Education & Communications Analyst will:

• Support LGSP and MSATM in the design of communications material (incl. monthly bulletin, website, flyers, etc.) on local governance and the decentralization process, which are accessible in both content and language to the general population;
• Support the revision and implementation of a communications and civic education campaign to both raise general public awareness of the new governance system but also promote active community participation in local government for an increased awareness of and participation in the decentralization process;
• Coordinate with relevant stakeholders in the country to ensure widespread implementation of civic education materials;
• Guide and train the staff of the communications unit to ensure long-term sustainability of all communication activities to implement the strategic plan for the development and ensure long-term sustainability of the Communications Unit within MSATM. Support the development of capacity-building materials for
•  LGSP and MSATM staff;
• Assist in the design and implementation of regular M&E systems for the Communications Unit and the impact of government communications in cooperation with MSATM and the GoTL incl. a regular media monitoring (both local and international) to maintain awareness of all information being produced by the Government;;
• Any other duties as required.

IMPACT OF RESULTS:

The Information, Education & Communications Analyst will be expected to deliver the following outputs:

• Develop a revised communication and civic educations strategy (incl. stakeholder analysis) and implementation plan for MSATM with regards to the decentralization process and on local government structures and functions of districts/municipalities in the context of decentralization, following municipal elections;
• Design public/civil educational information about local governance and decentralization;
• Design and implement regular monitoring and evaluation systems for the communications unit;
• Monitor regular media channels for the government;
• Support the development of capacity-building materials for LGSP and MSATM from a communications perspective

This is expected to positively impact LGSP’s and MSATM’s communication and public outreach work and, overall, the decentralization process in general through improved awareness and participation of citizens in the process.

Competencies

 Corporate Competencies:

•  Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
•  Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNCDF/UNDP
•  Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
•  Treats all people fairly without favoritism

Functional Competencies:
Knowledge Management and Learning:

• Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture in the office
• In-depth knowledge on development issues
• Ability to advocate and provide policy advice
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

• Strong organisational development, coordination and report writing skills
• Previous experience in website management is desirable
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Word & Publisher and Adobe products or other publishing/graphic design software required
• Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
• Strong IT skills

Management and Leadership:

• Focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
• Leads teams effectively
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
• Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities.

Required Skills and Experience

 Education:

• Master’s degree in communication, journalism, civic education, international relations, political science, or related fields

Experience:

• At least 2 years of professional experience in the area of designing and implementing communications and civic education campaigns in developing countries
• Experience in capacity development or training in media and communications
• Strong drafting and report writing skills essential
• Understanding of and experience in the area of decentralization and (local) governance would be considered a strong asset
• Prior experience working in Timor-Leste and experience working with the Government of Timor-Leste is considered an advantage

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English required
• Portuguese or Bahasa Indonesian language skills considered an asset
• Tetun language skills considered a strong asset, otherwise, willingness to learn required for the position

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.