Context

In Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), UNDP is represented by 18 offices and the Istanbul Regional Hub (IRH). IRH is an advisory hub for the region that provides policy and advisory support and implements projects at the regional level with a wide range of partners. The goal is to connect the region to a global network of development experts, build knowledge and capacity, and forge partnerships to address the development challenges of a large and diverse region. IRH also seeks to capture and disseminate development successes and best practices in the region and to improve the impact of UNDP's work through effective communication and advocacy. IRH's Inclusive Growth Team focuses on reducing poverty, inequality, and promoting social inclusion and sustainable financing for equitable solutions. The Aid for Trade in Central Asia Phase V project, led by the Inclusive Growth Team, is a regional project that aims to promote inclusive growth and job creation by strengthening the capacity and competitiveness of green manufacturing in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, with a focus on export capacity for niche agricultural and agro-industrial products. The project aims to help national stakeholders better respond to the challenges posed by rapidly changing global market demand, technological change (automation, 4th industrial revolution), and climate change. To ensure that new jobs are economically and socially sustainable, the project supports the development of an ecosystem that promotes inclusive labor markets and formal employment that provide secure and decent jobs and access to social protection for workers and their families. IRH's Inclusive Growth team implements innovative solutions for labor market integration of the most vulnerable, such as immigrant returnees. As part of its analytical, advisory and programmatic work, the team actively cultivates partnerships to explore new ways to ensure more inclusive growth patterns while respecting the principle of "leaving no one behind" In this context, the team is leading a subregional project entitled "Strengthen National and Local Systems to Support the Effective Socio-Economic Integration of Returnees in the Western Balkans." UNDP IRH intends to hire a communication specialist to deliver on the implementation of the communication and visibility plans for the above projects (AfT and RRR projects) specifically and more broadly support IGT communication efforts. The main objective of the communication activities will be to publicize the results of the two referenced UNDP projects and partnerships and to raise awareness among policy makers and local stakeholders of the multidimensional vulnerabilities in order to mobilize societies to address these issues. The Communications Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the two respective Regional Project Managers in Istanbul and the overall oversight of the Regional Inclusive Growth Team Leader. He/she will also work closely with the national project teams in the target countries of both projects.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under direct supervision of the two Regional Project Managers (for their designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer will:

• Provide technical advice and deliver on the implementation of the Communications Strategies of the two above referenced Projects (AfT and RRR); based on inputs from the IG Team, develop relevant content, including newsletters/press releases/other products related to the IG Team work such as impact stories, blogs or op-eds featuring IG Teamwork;
• Deliver on the promotion and distribution of key IG Team and relevant Projects knowledge management, research and reporting products, such as reports, case studies and more;
• Identify, support and deliver on specific opportunities for enhanced visibility for the two referenced Projects through partner networks, relevant events and partnerships with like-minded organizations, business networks, the UN and academic institutions;
• Develop and manage an active pipeline of content related to the two referenced Projects;
• Develop web content for the referenced Projects Ensure, ensure the content is regularly updated with quality, creative multimedia content, press releases, videos, human impact stories, events, reports, blogs, briefs;
• Provide communications advice and support to Projects’ event(s), including thorough outreach communications in the run- up to and following events, and generate media coverage of the event;
• Implement the two Projects’ Communications and Visibility plan to ensure greater visibility and public understanding of the projects’ goals and results;
• Produce public relations materials for internal and external promotion of the two referenced Projects;
• Use traditional media and social networks to share information about the two referenced Projects;
• Manage and feed the UNDP websites content with stories, news, innovative topics, and useful content related to two referenced Projects;
• Lead and coordinate the creation of promotional videos (documentary or testimonials) filming successful stories on project beneficiaries in different venues, while organizing the entire production process (preparation, production and post production);
• Prepare human stories featuring project beneficiaries and how the project has impacted their lives; testimonials from the business sector and civil society representatives and local government authorities and public service providers to share experience from the Project at national and regional events;

Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor(s).

Required experience

3 years of experience in the area of communications or other relevant fields.

• Experience with the area of inclusive growth is an asset;
• Excellent English oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, and reporting skills; Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
• Solid experience on producing articles, blogs and communications products using software, online platforms and CMS (i.e. InDesign/Photoshop, MailChimp or other HTML editors, Drupal/WordPress, Visualize and other infographic makers); Demonstrated experience in social media management and monitoring: Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Hootsuite, Union Metric, etc.;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; cultural and social sensitivity; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; and familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment and ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; and an ability to work to tight deadlines; Sound security awareness;
• Have an affinity with or interest in inclusive growth, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Required education level :Bachelor degree or equivalent in communications, marketing, international affairs, public policy etc

Languages :English, Level: Fluent, Required

Nationality: Candidate must be a national or legal resident of the country of assignment.

Age: 27 - 80

Living conditions and remarks

The UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging her/his own housing and other living essentials. Please see the summary of UN Volunteer entitlements below. For further information, kindly review "UN Volunteers Unified Conditions of Service" document.

• Current Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) in Türkiye is approx 937 USD (paid in TRY based on the monthly UNORE rate).
• 100% health, life and dismemberment coverage by CIGNA. As per UN’s diplomatic mission status, it is not included in National Security Institution’s (SGK) system but can be initiated on private basis.
• Entitlement to annual Leave at the rate of 2.5 working days per completed month of volunteer assignment.
• Entry allowance for covering relocation expenses.
• Exit allowance upon completion of service Several learning opportunities Unified Conditions of Service is available on UNV's website.