COMMUNICATION ASSISTANT, SC (COMMUNITY BASED APPROACH TO LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PHASE-II)

Languages Required: English   Russian   
Duration of Initial Contract: 6 months (with possible extension)
 
Background
Community Based Approach to Local Development (CBA) Project is being implemented in Ukraine since 2007 as a joint initiative of European Union and United Nations Development Programme. Its purpose is to promote participatory governance and improve living condition in rural areas. During its first phase (i.e. until May 2011) key CBA-activities to this end included capacity building and community initiatives undertaken by 1175 communities belonging to 200 rayon authorities and 25 regional authorities across Ukraine. To ensure transparency of the project activities, a website capable of reflecting multi-level interventions and multi-sectoral activities was developed in 2008 and maintained until May 2011. The website is currently archived as www.cba.org.ua/one
Second phase of CBA Project was initiated in June 2011 for a period of 4 years. CBA-II carried basic objective of CBA-I with additional features including energy efficiency, rural economic development, methodology replication and knowledge management. Scope of partnership and level of interventions expanded. A website appropriate for CBA-II was developed in 2011 while retaining website of CBA-I intact so as not to lose valuable information of CBA-I. CBA-II website (www.cba.org.ua) went through testing during 2012 and is updated on regular basis. Besides disseminating information on CBA-activities through the website, the Project has established bottom-up monitoring system which provides input, output and process related information periodically. The Project utilises these information for reporting to its local/regional/national/international level stakeholders periodically and on ad hoc basis. Also, the Project supports small research, curriculum, publications, visits, round tables, trainings for donors, partners and stakeholders from time to time. These activities require various communication tools including letters, brochures, handouts, manuals, guidelines, reports etc. in multi-languages to suit the need of the stakeholders. In this context, the Project is looking for a person who can contribute to increasing promotional potential of CBA through traditional method (e.g. publication, audio-visuals) as well as through latest information technologies e.g. internet, social media.
 
Duties and Responsibilities
Under overall supervision of Communication and Monitoring Specialist, the incumbent should perform the following functions:

• Translate project related documents in from Ukrainian/Russian to English or vice versa;
• Maintain CBA website in English and Ukrainian languages, along with updating of the regional pages, social media archive, news/events and back-up system of the CBA website;
• Collect information (e.g. documents, photos, audio-visuals etc.) related with CBA and maintain them in form of a library (online, electronic and hard copy);
• Assist in preparation of audio-visual materials relevant to the Project;
• Assist in organizing training, roundtable, visits and events relevant to the Project. Serve as interpreter during such events;
• Assist in planning and reporting on the activities of communication and monitoring unit;
• Carry out other tasks relevant to the Project in the area of communication and monitoring.
• Measurable outputs of the work assignment:
• CBA documents are timely and duly translated;
• CBA related reports are timely prepared and disseminated;
• Knowledge management hub functions with high degree of effectiveness;
• Effective support is provided in expansion of the partnership with academia and introduction of curriculum/teaching on community based sustainability development;
• CBA related websites updated and maintained in a way that increases effectiveness of Communication and Monitoring Unit and overall performance of the Project.

Performance Indicators for evaluation of results:

• Relations with colleagues and ability to be an effective team player;
• Initiative;
• Technical Skills;
• Communication and listening skills;
• Partnering and networking;
• Openness to change and ability to cope with difficulties;
• Positive response to critical feedback and different points of view.

Competencies

• Be proactive, energetic, committed and innovative;
• Excellent writing, communication and organizational skills;
• Excellent computer skills (including Pagemaker, PhotoShop, PowerPoint etc.);
• Sound knowledge of modern information technologies including websites and social media;
• Good interpersonal skills and excellent team player.

Required Skills and Experience

• Masters` degree or equivalent in journalism, communications or social science;
• 4 years of practical experience in the field of communications involving social media, website, translation/interpretation, photography and videography;
• Professional fluency in English (spoken and written), Ukrainian and Russian.

Application Instructions:

• Click on the “Apply now” button.
• Input your information in the appropriate Sections: personal information, language proficiency, education, resume and motivation. You can type in or paste your Resume into the last box.
• Upon completion of the first page, please hit “submit application” tab at the end of the page. On the next page, you will be asked to upload your Resume. Instead of uploading your Resume, please submit a fully completed and signed UNDP Personal History Form (P-11). When completing the Form and, even though not currently requested, please include email addresses for your Supervisors.
• Without the completed and signed P11 your application will not be considered. The UNDP Personal History Form can be downloaded at English version. Failure to disclose prior employment or making false representations on this form will be grounds for withdrawal of further consideration of his/her application or termination, where the appointment or contract has been issued.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted and please ensure that copies of your educational qualifications are available when contacted.

This is a locally recruited position and no expatriation benefits will apply.
 
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 07/08/2013
 
UNDP will use a transparent and competitive screening process, though will only contact those applicants in whom there is further interest. Applications may only be submitted for specific vacancy. Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.