Vacancy Announcement: Knowledge and Communications Specialist

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Background:

UN-Habitat in cooperation with UNIDO is implementing a Global Environment Fund (GEF-6) supported project on sustainable cities to be piloted in five cities (Bhopal, Jaipur, Mysore, Vijayawada, Guntur). The overall objective of the GEF project is to integrate sustainability strategies into urban planning and management with the end view of achieving the goals of ongoing city-related government projects hoping to achieve livable, workable and sustainable cities. The components of the project include:

• Integrated urban planning and management – this will include the introduction of tools and internationally accepted methodologies for sustainable cities planning and management, setting indicators according to internationally-accepted standards; a major aspect of this is low-carbon and low-emission planning;
• Investment pilots in 4-5 cities – the pilot cities will all benefit from the service of mobilizing funding to support technology and/or infrastructure projects necessary for achieving better city services and environmental management;
• Partnerships and capacity building – developing partnerships with private, public and civil society organizations in implementing initiatives for sustainable cities and building capacity of major players and stakeholders for better governance and project implementation in cities;
• Knowledge Management – sharing of experiences among Indian cities, and between Indian cities and those abroad which have advanced in building sustainable cities and also those which can learn from the Indian experience; this is also related to the Global Knowledge Platform being set up in relation to the overall sustainable cities program of the GEF.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the overall supervision of the Country Manager, Knowledge and Communications Specialist will work under the overall guidance of the Programme Manager, UN-Habitat in India and will be responsible to undertake the following activities in close collaboration with country office team (Country Office, Regional Office, and HQ thematic focal points):

• Plan and develop communication, advocacy and outreach strategies addressing five focus areas of UN-Habitat India Country Strategy Plan and domains of change as well as UN Sustainable Development Framework (UNSDF) in India.
• Share and disseminate key messages and knowledge products for internal and external stakeholders to promote New Urban Agenda and localise urban SDGs in India.
• Design and layout materials (e.g. reports, posters, infographics, images, brochures, etc.) in line with UN-Habitat brand manual/ guidelines using a variety of software including InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, MS-Word and PowerPoint for internal and external stakeholders, as well as for presentations, printed materials and online usage.
• Support in organising UN-Habitat India’s monthly series of webinars by liaising with technical experts and market the sessions to further mobilise partners/ participants.
• Coordinate and manage digital platforms (UN-Habitat India website, social media including Twitter handle, Facebook page etc.)
• Prepare annual work plans, press releases, factsheets, talking points, web updates, and social media messages in support of various programmes/ project and events.
• Work closely with UN communications team in New Delhi and key stakeholders to organize and prepare press briefings, op-eds, talking points, concept notes to support and advocate UN-Habitat events such as World Habitat Day, World Cities Day, World Urban Forum, WUC, Urban Thinkers Campus, APUF and other major conferences/ workshops.
• Develop, maintain and update key contact lists and stakeholders’ database for UN-Habitat India country office.
• Represent UN-Habitat at conferences, workshops, trainings, meetings and events as knowledge and communications Specialist as an advocate of institutional good practices.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities, which are within the expertise and experienceas may be required by UN-Habitat senior management.

Qualifications:

Education: An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in mass communications, public relations, journalism, external relations or corporate communications, or a first level university degree in combination with additional two (2) years of relevant qualifying experience is required.

Work Experience: At minimum of five (05) years progressively responsible experience to take full responsibility for the development of communication materials or lead others in developing drafts of communication materials. Proficiency at a level sufficient to lead the planning, development, and execution of a communication strategy in support of defined objectives. Working experience to write, rewrite, or edit complex communications products for purposeful structure, clarity of ideas, and the logical, persuasive presentation.

Professionalism: Sound analytical and problem-solving skills, plus ability to handle a range of equipment used in communication. Should have advanced writing, research and analytical skills. Expertise in development of strategic documents, policy documents, local action plans as well as preparing and planning of various trainings/ workshops for different stakeholders. Able to work both independently and as part of a team in a multicultural environment and establish harmonious and effective working relationships both within and outside the organization.

Teamwork: Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity. Experience within the United Nations common system will be an advantage.

Planning & Organizing: Ability to work with minimal supervision, under the pressure of frequent and tight deadlines often in difficult and demanding conditions.

Client orientation: Experience in working with government institutions at national and local level is an advantage. Capable of working in a team and undertaking initiative to ensure smooth relations and open communication within the team and with partners is required. Professional and courteous attitude and demonstrated ability to work effectively in a stressful environment. Receptive towards client needs. Understands that those provided services are clients and seek to see things from a client perspective. Maintains tact and diplomacy at all times.

Language: Fluency in English and Hindi is required for this position. Knowledge of another local language or UN official language would be an advantage.

Deadline for application: 24th October 2019 before 05.30 pm (IST)

Due to a large number of applications expected, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations – Chapter 3, article 8).