BACKGROUND
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme, UN-Habitat, is the United Nations agency for human settlements. It is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities with the goal of providing adequate shelter for all. The Land and GLTN Unit, located within the Urban Legislation, Land and Governance Branch of UN-Habitat has the mandate to develop, test and disseminate pro-poor and gender responsive approaches in regard to urban land, innovative residential tenures, affordable land management/administration systems, and land related regulatory/legal frameworks and tools. The Unit hence focuses on research and tool development also to supply technical advice to Member States and backstop the Regional offices and other sections of UN-Habitat. Land tools provide a resource for enabling action. While there has been extensive global discussion around land policies that work for the poor, there has been insufficient attention paid to the development of methods for developing and implementing these pro-poor land policies. Consequently what are required are land tools that are affordable and accessible for all sections of the population in countries around the world. This is essential for creating societies with sustainable, equal access and use of land. Work has already started on these approaches, both for developing and post-conflict societies. Incremental expansion of this work over time, as capacity is developed, will take place through the Global Land Tool Network (GLTN, the Network), the Secretariat of which is located at UN-Habitat.
Given the complexity of the issues being addressed by GLTN and the huge number of stakeholders and partners of various interests, GLTN has come up with an Information and Communications Strategy. The strategy however is not yet fully implemented and will require some updating, focused management and serious monitoring. In this context, that the need for a lead person to implement the strategy, alongside with GLTN team and partners, if needed, is imperative and with utmost importance. It is also expected that the lead person will also contribute to the over-all objectives of GLTN particularly on advocacy, partnership building, tool development, capacity building and institutional strengthening activities. The Communications Consultant will focus on implementing the GLTN information and communications strategy which serves as a vehicle to get the GLTN messages across different stakeholders and partners, including within UN-HABITAT and related units. Moreover, she/he will be responsible in ensuring that right messages are incorporated to all GLTN publications, research and other related-documents using the right language for target audiences and disseminated in the right medium. She/he will work closely with the GLTN team and related offices within the UN system to efficiently and effectively carry out his/her responsibilities. The Communications Consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Partnerships and Networking Coordinator in the implementation of the GLTN communication implementation plan, which forms part of the GLTN Partnership and Communication Strategy.
RESPONSIBILITES
The Communications Consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Land and GLTN Unit Leader and direct supervision of the Partnerships and Networking Coordinator in the implementation of the GLTN communication implementation plan, which forms part of the GLTN Partnership and Communication Strategy.
More specifically, the Communications Consultant will perform the following duties:
• Manage the GLTN website and social media platforms
• Source and develop website content
• Supervise and enforce implementation of online policies (subscriptions, security, backups, copyright, host relations)
• Promote GLTN website and Social Media content on Partners’ platforms, including UN-Habitat
• Provide media liaison with international media
• GLTN visibility and information products
• Carry out graphic design work and production of video materials for printed and online information products
• Support Substantive Officers in conceptualizing and formulating communication solutions under their work streams
• Prepare and disseminate GLTN newsletters and other regular information products
• Oversee the services provided by off-site contractors (translators, editors and graphic designers)
• Support the procurement function of communication materials
• Network communication
• Provide the Partnerships and Networking Coordinator with communication solutions that support smooth network management
• Support the GLTN advocacy and resource mobilization initiatives championed by the management
• GLTN information database
• Develop and maintain GLTN contacts and mailing lists (partners, members and other land sector actors)
• Develop and maintain an image database (photos, logos, diagrams, illustrations)
• GLTN events
• Provide communication solutions for missions, meetings and events
• Perform any additional tasks as required to deliver on the shared goals of the unit
Occasional travel, in-country and international, will be required.
COMPETENCIES
• Professionalism: 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.
• 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 Organising: 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.
• Technological Awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology. Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Shows willingness to learn new technology.
EDUCATION
A University degree in communications, journalism, public relations, information technology or other related fields; A Master’s degree in a related field is an advantage.
WORK EXPERIENCE
• At least two years of progressively responsible in journalism, advocacy, communications, public relations or related fields: international experience desirable;
• Experience in information, public awareness, advocacy and communications or in any related discipline;
• Understanding of multi-stakeholder partnership arrangements, operations management and dynamics in a highly complex environment such as land is preferred;
• Theoretical background and good understanding of approaches, tools, methodologies relating to planning, executing and monitoring public communications campaigns, e.g. campaign management, message targeting, impact evaluation, etc.
• Competence in web management, desktop publishing, video editing, graphic software is highly preferred;
• Good communications research and analytical skills;
• Excellent drafting and editing skills;
• Excellent in English writing skills is required; Knowledge of French would be an advantage;
• Previous work experience for the UN systems is desirable.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For the post advertised, the incumbent must have a perfect command of English, which should be the native / mother tongue language or principal language of education. Knowledge of French would be an added advantage.
REMUNERATION
Remuneration shall be computed based on tasks assigned and results delivered.
HOW TO APPLY:
Applications should include:
• Cover memo (maximum 1 page)
• CV in the PHP format, accessible through the INSPIRA website (inspira.un.org) Please note, if using INSPIRA for the first time, you need to register in order to activate your account, which will allow you to log in and create a personal History Profile.
• The PHP should be attached to the application as a PDF file.
• Summary CV (maximum 6 pages), indicating the following information:
1. Educational Background (incl. dates)
2. Professional Experience (assignments, tasks, achievements, duration by years/ months)
3. Other Experience and Expertise (e.g. Internships/ voluntary work, etc.)
4. Expertise and preferences regarding location of potential assignments
5. Expectations regarding remuneration
• Cover memo (maximum 1 page)
All applications should be submitted to:
Ms. Josephine Ruria
UN-HABITAT
P.O. Box 30030, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Email: josephine.ruria@unhabitat.org
With copy to Ms. Ombretta Tempra
UN-HABITAT
P.O. Box 30030, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Email: ombretta.tempra@unhabitat.org
Deadline for applications: 15th February 2017