Job Description
Background
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
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.
Hosted by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office (MPTF Office) is the only United Nations unit exclusively dedicated to the design and administration of multi-stakeholder pooled financing instruments. Since 2003, it has supported over 200 UN-implemented pooled funds, providing an integrated platform of inter-agency pooled fund services to help UN organizations and partners make fast and efficient progress towards collective outcomes, like the 2030 Agenda. The MPTF Office’s current portfolio is over $16 billion in total, with more than $1.8 billion per year in contributions, and includes more than 150 active pooled financing mechanisms.
The MPTF Office’s trustee and fund design and administration service is a standard-setter in the UN System – professionalized, highly transparent, and firewalled from all UN implementing entities. The MPTF Office has put in place several tools and systems to support its transparent and accessible fund administration services such as its digital platform the MPTF Office Gateway. As a shared UN service provider, the MPTFO operates in a distinct and dedicated business unit. It provides an integrated service platform that, in addition to core trust fund design and administration functions, provides complimentary services to users like data analytics, research administration, and knowledge management.
The office delivers services through 40 – 45 staff and personnel in the fund design and administration function and more than 50 staff and personnel in the fund secretariat function as part of a growing and dynamic office.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Communications and Partnerships Specialist oversees all activities related to communications, knowledge sharing, and related activities, supporting partnership engagement with a variety of stakeholders within and outside the UN system. Key tasks include, inter alia, the following:
- Facilitates communication & knowledge sharing
- Supports MPTFO partnership-building with UN entities and the Member States
- Manages MPTFO digital and print communications
- Manages media relationships for MPTFO
- Facilitates contracts and suppliers for communication and other related activities
UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.
Leads MPTFO communications & knowledge sharing:
- Lead the preparation and implementation of communication tools and materials and advise on how these can be operationalized.
- Develop communication messages into existing MPTFO initiatives linked to communication/knowledge-sharing efforts.
- Draft and coordinate the production of the MPTFO Annual Report.
- Gather, extract, and disseminate in a variety of formats, results, and achievements across the MPTFO portfolio to promote the value of inter-agency pooled funding and the MPTFO trustee function.
- Contribute to a variety of corporate reporting processes as needed.
- Maintain close contact with communications focal points across the UN system and Funds Secretariats, as well as support outside knowledge networks and communities of practice.
Leads MPTFO partnerships and structured dialogue with UN entities and the Member States:
- Prepares communication tools and materials, to support the Executive Coordinator’s high-level advocacy and outreach with Member States and UN entities, promoting the benefits of pooled funding and the services of the MPTFO.
- Coordinates the organization of the MPTFO multi-stakeholders discussion forum and the preparation of relevant background materials and reports;
- As a member of the MPTFO Partnership team, technically lead on the development and implementation of the MPTFO partnership strategy, advising on the development of partnership strategies with UN entities and Member States;
- As a member of the MPTFO Partnership team, technically coordinates the work of the team, under the strategic direction of the Senior Management members of the team;
- As a member of the MPTFO partnership team, serve as the primary partnership focal point for selected Member States and UN entities;
- Maintain close contact with UN DCO advisors to ensure coordination of efforts related to inter-agency pooled funding, with emphasis on country-level pooled funds.
- Lead partnerships, outreach, development, and design around digital transformation MPTF opportunities.
Manages MPTFO digital and print communications:
- Lead on development, roll-out, and continuous improvement of the external view of the new Partners Gateway, maximizing consultations with partners and minimizing transaction costs of moving to a new platform.
- Lead the content production on pooled funding and MPTFO-administered trust funds;
- Ensures the proper visibility of individual contributors and their role in support of a diverse portfolio of funds.
- Manage MPTFO digital and social media platforms, including the website, photo, audio, and video channels,
- Monitors, analyses, and evaluates implementation and impact of MPTFO social media presence.
- Contributes to the production process of the annual publication on the financing of the UN development system, including spearheading the communication strategy and other digital efforts.
- Coordinates the production and publishing of regular content (text, images, video, or HTML) that supports and engages audiences in a meaningful way,
- Works with UN country teams to ensure full coverage of the MPTFO activities and the generation of new content,
- Maintains MPTFO presence in public dialogue where appropriate,
- Develop relationships with key partners to maximize visibility and traffic to MPTF platforms and to maximize the distribution of content.
Manages media relationships for MPTFO:
- Promote optimum visibility of MPTFO activities through effective media relations, placement and distribution of information material, and creative partnerships with bi-lateral, multi-lateral, and non-governmental organizations and the private sector,
- Foster and maintain working relationships with international, regional national and news organizations, as needed to promote MPTFO activities;
- Provide effective responses to inquiries for public information materials and ongoing advocacy and promotion of the MPTF’s mandate,
- Produce communication products and materials to support the work of the MPTF for a wide variety of media and donor and government partners,
- Provide editorial input into all forms of varied publications, reports, and website updates as needed.
Facilitates contracts and suppliers for communication and other related activities:
- Executes the unit’s communications-related operational activities by the Internal Control Framework issued by the Executive Coordinator and within the context of UNDP’s regulatory framework (such as the Financial Regulations and Rules and the UNDP Programme and Operations Policy and Procedure Manual).
- The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization
Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities:
- Supervise and manage the performances of the Associate
Competencies
Core Competencies – UNDP Core Competencies can be found here.
- Achieve Results – LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
- Think Innovatively – LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
- Learn Continuously – LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
- Adapt with Agility – LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
- Act with Determination – LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate tasks/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
- Engage and Partner – LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate the complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion – LEVEL 3: Appreciate the benefits of a diverse workforce and champion inclusivity
Cross-functional & Technical competencies
UNDP People Management Competencies can be found on the dedicated site.
Business Management – Communication:
- Ability to communicate in a clear, concise, and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience
- Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media, and other appropriate channels
Business Management & Business Development – Knowledge Generation:
- Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant to content, or responsive to a stated need
Communications – Advocacy strategy and implementation:
- Ability to create and implement advocacy strategies that lead to impactful change.
Partnership management – Relationship management:
- Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding
UN systems Affairs – Intergovernmental affairs:
- Knowledge of intergovernmental bodies (General Assembly, ECOSOC, UNDESA, etc.), including respective mandates, ways of working, and negotiation processes
Business Direction and Strategy – System Thinking:
- Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgment to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system
Business Management – Portfolio Management:
- Ability to select, prioritize and control the organizations programmes and projects, in line with its strategic objectives and capacity; ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, while optimising return on investment
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, Social Sciences or related field is required, or
- A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience:
- Minimum 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in the field of international development cooperation, with a focus on partnerships and communications preferably at an international level; UN experience is required.
- Experience in designing communication/partnership approaches and materials, reports, digital communication, public advocacy campaigns, articles, and human-interest stories is an asset.
- Proven experience on ability to shape messages and stories for media placement is desired.
- Demonstrated experience of excellent communication and inter-personal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relationships in a multi-cultural environment is an advantage.
- Experience in the use of computers applications and software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc) as well as web-based management systems is an asset.
- Knowledge of pooled funding mechanisms.
- Experience in engaging with joint programmes/ projects is an asset.
Language:
- Fluency in both written and spoken English required. Knowledge of another UN language is an asset.
Please note that continuance of appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.
Disclaimer
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
