Communication/M&E Officer – UNDP jobs in Liberia

UNDP connects countries to the knowledge, resources and networks they need to achieve development breakthroughs. Our work is summed up in our six signature solutions, adapted to context and powered by three potent enablers for greater impact. Responding in an integrated and coherent manner, we are determined to end poverty and hunger, protect the planet from degradation, ensure that all people have prosperous lives, with growth that occurs in harmony with nature, and to foster peaceful and inclusive societies. We are committed to mobilizing the means to implement the 2030 Agenda through a revitalized Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, based on a spirit of strengthened global solidarity.

UNDP has supported the Government and people of Liberia in their efforts to reduce poverty and inequality in a bid to attain sustainable development since 1977. This has been done by among other things strengthening and reforming governance institutions to be inclusive and participatory, developing the necessary regulatory frameworks, upholding human rights, and supporting growth of the private sector and civil society. Our United Nations identity ensures neutrality and respect for people’s choices. Transparency and accountability in operations makes us a trusted partner for national and international development stakeholders.

UNDP encourages and enables collective intelligence, collaboration, integration, critical thinking and thought leadership. We mainstream innovation, digitalization opportunities, gender equity and diversity/inclusion principles in all aspects of our work. Our staff consistently strive for excellence, effectiveness, efficiency and inclusion across all areas of work.

In close cooperation with the UNDP Programme teams and other Country Office units, the Operations team supports the UNDP Country Office and programme implementation through the provision of relevant and timely procurement, finance, ICT and digital services, General Administration services, and Human Resources support. This includes a focus on collaboration, innovation, speed and administrative efficiency as well as advisory services for enhanced planning. The unit contributes to a collective engagement with other teams, partners and UN Agency clients to offer timely, well-planned and efficient services that meet the standard and requirements of UNDP policies and procedures. 

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.

Job Purpose and Organizational Context

The position is in the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Liberia Country Office in Monrovia. The IT/Communication and M&E Officer will under the guidance of the Representative and direct supervision of OHCHR Deputy Country Representative, develop and implement the communication strategy, as well as provides inputs to the design, management and implementation of the Country Office communication and publication strategies, which are geared to foster the promotion and the protection of human rights in Liberia. The officer will assist other components of the Office in the monitoring and evaluation of ongoing projects and development of new projects.

Duties and Responsibilities

Designs and implements the communication strategy of the OHCHR to publicize priority issues and/or events.

Develops plan of action and activities for human rights promotion and increased visibility of OHCHR-Liberia.

Monitors and analyses current events, public opinion, and press; identifies issues and trends in Liberia’s political, social, and economic environment, and advises the management on appropriate actions/responses.

Summary of key functions:

• Designs and implements the communication strategy of the OHCHR to publicize priority issues and/or events.
• Develops plan of action and activities for human rights promotion and increased visibility of OHCHR-Liberia.
• Monitors and analyses current events, public opinion, and press; identifies issues and trends in Liberia’s political, social, and economic environment, and advises the management on appropriate actions/responses.

1.Ensure effective communication, and monitoring and Evaluation focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Advises CR/DCR on all communication matters – interventions (written and oral), products and emerging issues requiring attention.
• Identifies opportunities for strategic communications interventions and recommends appropriate action to seize opportunities for increasing visibility for OHCHR-Liberia.
• In coordination with program staff, undertakes activities to promote media coverage of OHCHR-Liberia activity: establishing and maintaining contacts with media, responding to media requests, initiating, and arranging interviews.
• Coordinates drafting and editing of articles, press releases, human interest stories, social media content and other information materials.

2. Ensure effective CO programme media coverage online achievement of the following results:

• Coordinates establishment and content maintenance of social media accounts for OHCHR-Liberia.
• Contributes to organizing and generating public support for special events, including the launch of the OHCHR public reports in Liberia, Human Rights Day, and other relevant dates.
• Produces and overseas production of communication products: brochures, booklets, press-releases, audio-visual materials, backgrounders, and so forth.
• Providing guidance to the field teams on contacts with the media and on production of photo and video materials. Collecting photos, forming a photo bank, sharing the materials with the OHCHR HQ.
• Monitors and analyzes current events, public opinion, and press coverage, identifying issues and trends, and advises the Country Representative on appropriate action/responses.
• Producing and overseeing productions of photos, video, audio and graphics for social media and distribution on other platforms.

3. Support partnerships activities at project level:

• Working collectively with other UN communication officers within the UN Communication and Advocacy Group (UNCAG); elaborating and participating in joint communications campaigns, ensuring human rights angle and approach.
• Maintains contacts with key civil society partners at the national and regional level, including UN associations, and undertakes joint projects with them; initiates and sustains pro-active professional relationships with key constituencies in the country of responsibility.

Ensure facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing, guidance to all stakeholders on monitoring and evaluation focusing on the achievement of the following results:

Lead on the monitoring and evaluation processes and contribute to the various Result Groups and the UN info and other platforms.

Performs other functions and special duties as required by the Head of Mission including representing OHCHR-Liberia at conferences and undertaking speaking engagements and participating in seminars as required.

Required Skills and Experience

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline;
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements;
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback;
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible;
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident;
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships;
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.

Competencies

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards.
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of OHCHR.
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Knowledge Management:

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, especially in Liberia. 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. Knowledge of tools and infrastructure used to support communication and public information initiatives, including traditional and social media equipment and systems, e.g. content management systems, mainstream social media platforms, multimedia editing/production equipment, etc. 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work.

Development and operational Effectiveness:

Planning & 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.

Management and Leadership:

Teamwork. Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals, solicit input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise, willingness to learn from others.

Client Orientation. Ability to maintain professional relation with key constituencies.

Professionalism, Team player and a Good Communicator.

Education

Master’s degree in communications, journalism, media relations, public information with relevant or

BSC degree (with 2 additional years) with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience in a related area may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree.

Experience:

A minimum three (3) years with Masters’ degree, or, minimum five (5) years (with Bachelors’ degree) of relevant experience at the national and/or international level in experience, including experience in managing contacts and networking with the media, non-governmental organizations, government officials, international and national organizations, business groups, civil society, etc. in Liberia is required.

Experience in public information and/or public relations and proven skills in public speaking are required. Experience in journalism is desirable. Experience with IT and M&E processes is desirable.

Experience working with the United Nations, International Organization, Government, or a comparable organization in Liberia is desirable.

Language Requirement English

Fluency in English is required.

Knowledge of any other UN language is desirable.