1) GENERAL BACKGROUND
The mission of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is to contribute to the achievement of security and justice for all by making the world safer from crime, drugs and terrorism.
UNODC has established a Regional Programme for East Asia and the Pacific with a coverage of thirty-three countries and territories. The Regional Centre is located in Bangkok, Thailand with satellite Country Offices in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam. UNODC works with Member States in East Asia and the Pacific, regional organizations and other development partners to support implementation of their policies and commitments on drugs, crime and terrorism.
2) OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The main roles of the Communications Specialist are to further the impact of UNODC Regional Centre for East Asia and the Pacific (RCEAP) communications work in the region to further resource mobilization efforts, create a stronger sense of identity for the UNODC RCEAP to ensure that the organizations purposes, goals and aims are clearly communicated to key stakeholders.
3) SCOPE OF WORK
The consultant will engage in the following:
1. Communication strategy
• Develop, maintain and update UNODC RCEAP advocacy and communication strategy and associated work plan. Strategy and work plan include: an environmental and stakeholder assessment; objectives; target audiences; messages and media mix; resources; specific actions, activities and products; monitoring and evaluation of impact; success and opportunity for improvement; ongoing refinement of the strategy.
• Maintain close collaboration with UNODC HQ Communication Officers for effective overall coordination.
2. Branding and communications
• Lead UNODC RCEAP team in planning for and participating in commemorative and press events including preparing communication plan for each event.
• Liaise with and organize engagement activities for UNODC with media houses before, during and after each commemorative event; including ensuring that press releases, press interviews/briefings, etc. are prepared and submitted in time and are actually published/disseminated by media houses.
• Collect relevant information and use them to update/ enrich thematic pages, images, video/media clips, news, launches, implementations, photo galleries, speeches, presentations, upcoming events.
• Coordinate/ manage preparation of e-news/ e-burst distribution.
• Monitor website statistics and collect feedbacks from site visitors.
3. Media relations
• Promote a better understanding of UNODC mandate by carrying out media and information activities as appropriate.
• Develop, maintain and update media relations contact list/database.
• Establish, document, review and refine process of communicating with media contacts, including press conferences and events, issuing of media materials, etc.
• Ensure rapid and accurate information dissemination to the media and other audiences.
4. Networking and partnerships
• Develop, maintain and update donors/partners contact list/database.
• Contribute to UNODC RCEAP activities to support existing donors/partners and identify new donors/ partners and joint programming opportunities, and contribute to fund-raising activities.
• Coordinate communication activities with other UN agencies through actively participation in UN communications working group.
• Actively participate in relevant donors/ partner group and communication.
• Ensure or enhance the quality, consistency and appropriateness of specific communication materials, and messages to be shared with donors/ partners.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen networking and partnership with donors/ partners through appropriate advocacy and communication channels.
5. Resource Mobilization
• Mobilize UNODC RCEAP communication capacity to support/facilitate the gathering of content and coverage of relevant country/ regional efforts.
• Use the opportunity to identify/highlight effective programme activities and results in support of fundraising.
4) DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT, DUTY STATION AND EXPECTED PLACES OF TRAVEL
A maximum of 135 working days per year. Retainer contract for a 3-year period, subject to performance and funding availability.
Duty station in Bangkok, Thailand. With possibility of travel within the East Asia and the Pacific region.
Travel costs will be directly covered by the United Nations in line with the respective rules and regulations. UNODC may arrange air tickets to the assigned locations or the individual contractor may arrange by his/her own and the air ticket cost shall be reimbursed at actual but not exceed the price quoted by UNODC travel agency. 80% of advance DSA will be provided once travel authorization is approved. Travel settlement of remaining 20% DSA and other official expenses borne during the missions will be completed after the missions.
It is understood that the incumbent would not hold the UNODC Regional Centre responsible for any unforeseen or untoward incident during the duration of the consultancy. It is recommended that the consultant secure his/her own insurance coverage during the conduct of the consultancy.
5) FINAL PRODUCTS
Key Outputs/Deliverables
• Drafting and editing of written materials highlighting the focus and results of UNODC RCEAP work.
• Drafting and editing of materials for local, regional and international press.
• Drafting and editing of content for UNDC RCEAP and its country offices websites.
• Development of communications strategies and work plans.
• Resource mobilization. Networking and partnership.
• Monthly Progress Report.
6) PROVISION OF MONITORING AND PROGRESS CONTROLS
The consultant shall be under the overall supervision of the Regional Representative, UNODC Regional Centre for East Asia and the Pacific.
7) DEGREE OF EXPERTISE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in development, political or social sciences, journalism, marketing, international relations or equivalent academic preparation in the field of public relations. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience in the relevant field may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience:
• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in a public relations field, with particular emphasis on partnership building, advocacy (media and communications).
• Knowledge of the UN system is an asset, but not a requirement.
Languages:
• Excellent knowledge of English with excellent drafting and communication skills is required.
• Knowledge of other UN languages would be an advantage, but not a requirement.
Skills:
• Skills in partnership building with media, IGOs, NGOs, UN entities, Embassies and private sector are highly desirable.
• Articulate and confident oral communication and excellent writing skills in English.
• Good understanding of media relations and public relations.
• Ability to manage stress and able to work to tight deadlines.
• Ability to build strong media network / contacts and understanding of newsrooms.
• Ability to well in a team.
8) HOW TO APPLY
Interested applicants should submit the following documents:
(a) Letter of interest - not exceeding one page - clearly stating suitability for the position and consultancy fee.
(b) UN Personal History Form (can be downloaded from http://www.unodc.org/eastasiaandpacific/en/who-we-are/work-opportunities.html) and detailed curriculum vitae based on the criteria stated above.
Please submit the application by e-mail to:
Application deadline is 2 December 2012.
Note:
(a) Please clearly indicate the position you are applying for.
(b) Failure to submit supporting documents as specified in the announcement will result in
an incomplete application. Applicants who submit incomplete applications will NOT
be considered.
(c) Applicants employed as a civil servant or government official, whose applications are successful, will be required to provide a letter from their employer indicating no objection to paid employment with UNODC for a period of unpaid leave from current employer.
Due to the volume of applications, only candidates under positive consideration will be notified.
Date of issuance: 15 November 2012
The TOR could also be downloaded from
http://www.unodc.org/eastasiaandpacific/en/who-we-are/job-opportunities.html
