Communications Manager, Copenhagen

Vacancy code VA/2014/B0048/4552

Position title Communications Manager

Level ICS-11

Department/office Communication Practice Group

Duty station Copenhagen, Denmark

Contract type International ICA

Contract level IICA-3

Duration 1 year, renewable

Application period 08-Jan-2014 to 28-Jan-2014 Print

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner. Within these three core areas of expertise, UNOPS provides its partners with advisory, implementation and transactional services, with projects ranging from building schools and hospitals, to procuring goods and services and training local personnel. UNOPS works closely with governments and communities to ensure increased economic, social and environmental sustainability for the projects we support, with a focus on developing national capacity. Working in some of the world's most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices in development, humanitarian and peacebuilding contexts, always satisfying or surpassing partner expectations. We employ more than 6,000 personnel and on behalf of our partners create thousands more work opportunities in local communities. Through our headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark and a network of offices, we oversee activities in more than 80 countries.

Background Information - Job-specific

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Head of Communications, the Communications Manager surpervises the day-to-day running of UNOPS Communications Practice Group, providing leadership, quality assurance and expertise over a range of complex projects. In addition, the Communications Manager is responsible for devising and monitoring processes, work plans and other tasks necessary to ensure the successful planning and implementation of UNOPS communications strategy.

UNOPS Communications Practice Group is busy and focused, running targeted and effective outreach projects. It provides support both to headquarters units and offices spread throughout the world, and takes the lead on internal and external communitcations initiatives. The incumbent will have to ensure that UNOPS explains its development, humaniatrian and peacebuilding operations to key stakeholders in a transparent and understandable way.

UNOPS is committed to achieving a truly diverse workforce.

Functional Responsibilities

Below are some of the functionalities.

The Communications Manager will act as deputy to the Head of Communications, supporting in the management of the headquarters communications team and supervising the team's day-to-day operations. He/she will provide input and help shape the direction of both the internal and external communication's strategies and monitor their success.

Key functions will include:

• Devise and monitor processes and work planning to ensure the Communications Practice Group delivers on its goals in a timely and efficient manner

• Provide expert advice and input in the shaping and implementation of UNOPS Communications Strategy

• Provide line-management and support to certain team members, motivating and guiding junior colleagues

• Assure the quality and timeliness of a range of communications products including Executive Board Documents, brochures, online publications and social media initiavtives

• Research, write, commission and edit articles and reports, for print, the website, social media etc.

• Write speeches for senior staff members to give at high level conferences, Executive Board meetings, press events

• Create and implement strategies for the effective dissemination of public information products (in three languages) though media management, partnerships, and social media.

• Design, project-manage and act as focal point on internal and external information campaigns

• Provide ad hoc support to unit head, often on sensitive or political projects

• Build relationships with field offices, other departments and external partners to gather information and provide advice on communications products and outreach

• The Communications Manager will also assume and perform the functions of the Head of Communications during their absence.

• Performing other related duties as required.

Competencies

Communication

the ability to read and write effectively in English is essential. This requires the ability to translate complex messages and concepts into simple language that is easy to understand. Abilities to conceive story angles, perform interviews, research and solicit newsworthy material relating to UNOPS issues for feature stories and other external publications are required.

Teamwork

the incumbent must work closely and reliably with colleagues in the Communications Unit as well as in the organization as whole. The ability to follow directions and maintain adequate transparency while doing so is required. Almost every project will require input and ideas from colleagues from several units. Sensitivity to other people's cultural and religious norms and the ability to easily blend with others is also essential.

Planning and organizing

the incumbent will be required to work independently with minimal supervision and to prioritize work to ensure that the Unit's goals are realized within planned timeframes.

Accountability

the incumbent's output represents the external interface of the organization. S/he is thus accountable if any of the materials published do not conform with UN guidelines or with the organization's policies and political environment, and would have to verify the accuracy of materials produced. The incumbent will also be responsible for ensuring that material is published in a timely manner.

Management

the incumbent will be expected to demonstrate management experience and skills, and be capable of providing guidance and supervision to a diverse and creative team. They will mange a range of projects and be responsible for successful outcomes.

Client Orientation

The incumbent will be expected to provide a high quality service to client units e.g. in developing materials pertaining to those units, in writing feature stories originating in regional offices and operations centres, ensuring that the messages are conveyed accurately and in a timely fashion to designated audiences. Judgment/Decision-making - the incumbent will be expected to judge what material is newsworthy and worth publishing and deciding what material to keep and what to discard. The incumbent would also guide staff in the unit and advise staff in other sections on the application of editorial standards and policies.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

Bachelor's degree in journalism or communications is required Master's degree in journalism or communications is desired Experience: If combined with a BA degree, at least nine years of experience in journalism, public information or communications. If combined with a MA degree, at least seven years of experience in same fields are required. Proven experience in managing people and projects.

Language:

Fluency in English is required

Contract type, level and durationContract type: International Individual Contractor Agreement Contract level: IICA 3 Contract duration: 1 year, reneable depending on budget and performance For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: http://www.unops.org/ENGLISH/WHOWENEED/CONTRACT-TYPES/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements-ICAs.aspx Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.