External Relations Officer, P3 (Temporary job opening)

Org. setting and reporting

Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of efforts to reduce disasters and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in both developed and less developed countries. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG), UNDRR has over 100 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices. Specifically, UNDRR guides, monitors, analyses and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, supports regional and national implementation of the Framework and catalyses action and increases global awareness to reduce disaster risk working with U.N. Member States and a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians and the science and technology community.

The position is located in the UNDRR Regional Office for Africa (ROAF) in Nairobi. The incumbents reports to the Deputy Chief of the Regional office. This is a temporary position, available until 31 March 2020.

Responsibilities

Under the direction and supervision of the Deputy Chief of the Regional Office, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities: 

Contributes to the development and implementation of effective communications, outreach, branding and other resource mobilization mechanisms and tools to enhance the visibility of UNDRR in the region, in close collaboration with counterparts in the Communication and Advocacy Section. Participates in the planning, development and implementation of communication and advocacy campaigns at the regional level; where appropriate, works with partners in the regions, including UN departments, funds and agencies to develop ways to implement campaigns system-wide and to incorporate the campaign message and themes into all relevant events and products. Contributes, when appropriate, to UNDRR press releases, newsletters, periodicals, reports and publications. Builds information networks at the regional level; Contributes to publications programme; participates in the production of materials for print/electronic/voice/visual media.

Provides substantive inputs for the development of strategic partnerships with key constituencies at the regional level to solicit support for and maximize impact of communication and advocacy objectives; Upon delegation from the Chief of the Regional Office, serves as a liaison to media organizations, governmental bodies, national groups, private sector organizations, educational organizations, international organizations, as required.

Under the guidance of the Deputy Chief of the Regional Office, and in collaboration with the Chief, Resource Mobilization Section in Geneva, contribute to the effective management of donor relationships in the region ensures coordinated regular contact with donors based in the region; facilitates the promotion of cooperation agreement strategies and operational alliances with donors in the region. Ensures ongoing analysis of resource mobilization needs and opportunities; stays abreast of latest donor and funding trends; Under the supervision of the Chief of the Regional Office and the guidance of the Chief, Resources Mobilization Section, drafts funding proposals to donors as appropriate; ensures effective follow-up; and ensures timely and quality reporting to the donors, as required. 

Upon request from the Chief or the Deputy Chief of the Regional Office, represents UNDRR at inter-agency meetings, seminars, etc. on resource mobilization and related partnership initiatives/issues, fulfills speaking engagements and makes presentations to groups on UNDRR activities and advocate issues of concern: organizes media coverage and arranges for media contacts, briefings, and interviews; organizes seminars, lectures, conferences, public events on major issues and events concerning the organization.

May perform other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism:

• Knowledge of the full range of communications approaches, tools, and methodologies essential to planning and executing effective campaign strategies and programmes, e.g. campaign management, media operations, marketing and promotion, audience outreach, message targeting; 
• Ability to establish and foster successful partnerships and collaborations;
• Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources: 
• Ability to identify public affairs issues, opportunities and risks in an international environment:
• Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships;
• Knowledge of relevant internal policies and business activities/issues; 
• Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style;
• Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences; 
• Shows pride in work and in achievements; 
• Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; 
• Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; 
• Is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; 
• Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations;
• Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Communication: 

• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively
• Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately
• Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication
• Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience
• Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed

Planning and organizing: 

• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies
• Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required
• Allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work
• Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning
• Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary
• Uses time efficiently

Creativity: 

• Actively seeks to improve programmes or services
• Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs
• Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas
• Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks "outside the box"
• Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things
• Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in resource mobilization, partnerships building, public information, communication, advocacy campaigns or related area is required. Experience in fundraising is required. Experience in social media is desirable. Experience in advocacy campaigns within the United Nations System is desirable. Experience in managing the communication element of major international events/conferences is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required; knowledge of French is desirable; knowledge of Portuguese is also desirable.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special notice

• This is a temporary position, available until 31 March 2020. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.

• While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.

• Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station.

• This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15.

• Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.

• Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. 

Evaluation of qualified applicants may include an assessment exercised which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

No fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.