Communications Consult Job Vacancy at UNDP South Africa

Job Title:COMMUNICATIONS CONSULTANT
Location :     Johannesburg (Midrand), SOUTH AFRICA
Application Deadline :    27-Jun-12
Type of Contract :    Individual Contract
Post Level :    International Consultant
Languages Required :
    English   French 
Starting Date :
(date when the selected candidate is expected to start)    16-Jul-2012
Duration of Initial Contract :    6 months
Expected Duration of Assignment :    6 months
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Background

The assignment is with the African Peer Review Mechanism [APRM] and APRM is a voluntary self-monitoring mechanism focused on improving governance in participating countries.  The APRM is the main governance programme originating from the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) – the socio-economic development programme of the African Union [AU].  This implies that not all Members of the AU participate in the APRM. The APRM was adopted by the Heads of State and Government Implementation Committee of NEPAD in Abuja on 9 March 2003 as an instrument voluntarily acceded to by African countries as an African governance self–monitoring mechanism.

The APRM's objective is to ensure that policies and practices of participating countries conform to the agreed governance values, codes and standards as a means of fostering political stability, economic growth, sustainable development and accelerated sub-regional and continental economic integration. Countries willing to adhere to this voluntary programme accede to by signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the APRM. The Committee of Heads of State and Government participating in the APRM is the highest policy-making body and is referred to as the APR Forum.  The APRM Panel of Eminent Persons [APR Panel] comprises is appointed by the APR Forum to oversee the mechanism on behalf of the Forum. The APR Secretariat provides support to the APR Forum APR Panel, APR Focal points and implements APR processes under the direction of the APR Panel.

A communication strategy has been designed by the Secretariat which is seeking the expertise of a Communication Consultant for its implementation.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Chief Executive Officer, the Communications Consultant implements the corporate communications strategy, designs, manages and facilitates the implementation of the APRM Secretariat communications and publication strategies with a view to influence the Governance agenda, to promote public and media outreach and to mobilize political and financial support for APRM.

The Communications Consultant leads the communications staff of the Secretariat and has a strong regular working relationship with the African Union and the APRM Strategic Partners. The Communications Consultant also works in close collaboration with APR Panel, APR Secretariat staff, APRM stakeholders and the Global Community ensuring successful APRM communication strategy’s implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities

    Planning and design of internal and external strategies for communications and outreach Elaboration and implementation of the publications strategy and plan;
    Supervision of the design and maintenance of the APRM web site, intranet, APRM Secretariat  web-based knowledge management system;
    Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing;
    Effective management of the Communications Office and supervision of Communications staff.

The key results have an impact on creation of effective communications and dissemination of information on APRM as African Union governance initiative. In particular, the key results have an impact on implementation of APRM communications and publication strategies, as well as reaching resource mobilization targets.

Competencies

    Promoting ethics and integrity, creating organizational precedents;
    Building support and political alertness;
    Building staff competence, creating an environment of creativity and innovation;
    Building and promoting effective teams;
    Creating and promoting enabling environment for open communication;
    Leveraging conflict in the interests of APRM & setting standards;
    Sharing knowledge across the APRM and building a culture of knowledge sharing and learning;
    Fair and transparent decision making; calculated risk-taking.

Required Skills and Experience
Education:

    Master's degree in media relations, journalism, publishing.

Experience:

    7 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in public relations, communications or advocacy.;
    Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization is helpful but not mandatory;
    Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based management systems.

Language Requirements:

    Fluent in English (accepted language for the Secretariat office);
    Fluent in French and proficiency in other official languages of the African Union is preferable (Portuguese, Arabic.
How to Apply;
http://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?cur_job_id=30772