Communication Analyst

Background

UNDP multi-country office in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam provides technical assistance, policy and technical advisory services to the Governments of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam in their efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG); in partnership with development partners, financial institutions, private sector and civil society. 

In Malaysia, UNDP’s programme priorities and partnerships are defined and operationalized through the Country Programme between Government of Malaysia and UNDP to support and contribute to the development priorities and results envisioned in the 5-year Malaysia Plan. Malaysia is currently implementing the Twelfth Malaysia Plan 2021-2025 (12MP), which is anchored around three key themes namely resetting economy, strengthening security, wellbeing and inclusivity; and advancing sustainability to achieve economic growth and transform Malaysia into a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable country.

The role of the Country Office Communications Unit is to adopt UNDP’s global communication strategy to a local context and the Country Office development priorities. Through the production of high-quality communication materials and innovative use of relevantly targeted communication channels (internal and external), the communications team works collaboratively to position UNDP as a leader in the development arena, promote visibility of UNDP program outcomes/development results, mobilize support for Sustainable Development Goals in the country, and practice delivery as one UN.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Head of Communications, the Communications Analyst participates in the implementation of the corporate communications strategy, as well as in the design, management and implementation of the Country Office communications and publication strategies, which are geared to influence the development agenda, promote public and media outreach, and mobilize political and financial support for UNDP. 

The Communications Analyst maintains a working relationship with the Regional Communications Adviser and may supervise Communications staff. The Communications Analyst works in close collaboration with the CO Programme,  Operations and project teams, staff of other UN Agencies, UNDP Communications Region and HQ staff, government officials, national and international and local media, multi-lawteral and bilateral donors, and civil society to ensure successful implementation of UNDP’s communication strategy.

UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reports directly to the Head of Communications. The Communication Analyst will be supervising the Communication Assistant, Digital Communication Associate and external consultants (translators, videographers assigned to communication related tasks).

Provide support to planning and design of internal and external communications strategies and outreach

• Prepare and conduct communications needs assessments for the country office (e.g., for projects, the country programme, and corporate change initiatives).
• Provide input to the country office communications and outreach strategy based on country office strategic priorities and the UNDP External Communication Action Plan. 
• Provide communication input during the project and programme formulation stage to integrate communication needs and strategies in all aspects of UNDP development program.
• Provide input to and draft stories for local media to increase coverage and understanding of the UNDP’s work in the country or practice areas as guided by the UNDP External Communications Action Plan.
• Develop Terms of Reference for different communications needs (i.e., photographers, videographers).
• Coordinate technical aspects of multimedia content production, including conceptualization, scriptwriting, filming, sound recording, and video editing, ensuring quality and alignment with corporate branding.

Ensure the implementation of the country office publications strategy and plan.

• Manage country office publication activities, such as drafting articles and content management in line with corporate guidelines.
• Maintain regular contact with printers and other suppliers to ensure production and publications dissemination.
• Oversee the technical production of publications and visual assets, including layout, graphic design, formatting, and compliance with UNDP branding standards.

Manage the CO social media presence and website.

• Gather information for the development of content for the CO website and social media channels including creation of social media content (infographics, social media cards, videos, etc.)
• Develop stories, articles, publications, and press releases to web sites and manage content for social media in close consultation with programme teams. 
• Design digital content and collect content from country office programmes and projects, and make ready for website and social media,
• Update the website and social media channels, as required.
• Maintain files, databases, and systems relevant to the CO’s digital presence, track and monitor social media and report relevant information to CO staff including gathering social media analytics for quarterly reporting to meet requirements of the regional communications team.
• Compile social media analytics to fulfill reporting requirements from headquarters. 
• Develop video and audio materials for social media platforms, including scripting, recording, editing, and captioning, ensuring accessibility and engagement.

Support the UNDP’s campaign initiatives to engage different stakeholders (i.e. government, donors, media and public) and increase awareness of UNDP’s mandate and goals.

• Promote and disseminate corporate advocacy materials for launching flagship initiatives and publications such as the Human Development Report. 
• Promote and maintain public information campaigns on issues, including UNDP activities, Sustainable Development Goals and UN Reform, under the supervision of Deputy Resident Representative and Resident Representative. 
• Prepare and disseminate newsletters as well as draft and produce regular updates to donors, donor reports, civic education, and community awareness, where appropriate, to support projects. 
• Develop and produce other communication and advocacy materials for marketing and awareness-raising campaigns, including briefing and media materials in coordination with the supervisor.
• Lead the end-to-end production of multimedia advocacy materials, including concept development, shooting schedules, coordination with vendors, editing workflows, subtitling, and final delivery in various formats for distribution.

Facilitation of knowledge management and sharing. 

• Support the organization and provision of training, consultancy, and advice to UNDP staff on internal and external communications.
• Monitor practices and project-specific news and developments in order to ensure guidance to the office that reflects the best and most current available information including branding and publication guidelines. 
• Support contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice including corporate communications repositories. 
• Provide administrative support on contractual processing for external consultants to perform communications tasks including report writers and translators. 

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Competencies

Core competencies

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making 

People Management 

UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site. 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies 

Business Management           

• Communication - 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.

Communications       

• Campaign Management - Ability to produce and implement communications and advocacy campaigns which lead to impactful change
• Branch & quality management - Ability to position a UNDP brand and uphold it to a high level of quality
• Media Relations - Ability to develop media relations across all aspects of media work including relationships with media and preparing media materials such as messages
• Multimedia Production - Ability to create and combine images, text and audiovisuals to produce multimedia content
• Web and social media analytics - Ability to analyse and interpret data and statistics to measure web and social media performance

Business Management           

• Digital Awareness and Literacy - Ability to monitor new and emerging technologies, as well as understand their usage, potential, limitations, impact, and added value. Ability to rapidly and readily adopt and use new technologies in professional activities, and to empower others to use them as needed. Knowledge of the usage of digital technologies and emerging trends.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Communication, International Relations, Public Administration Media Relations, Journalism, Publishing, Media and Cultural Studies, Digital Media and Multimedia Production or any related/relevant field is required, or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the Master’s degree. 

Experience:

• Applicants with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience at the national or international level in either/or  public relations, media relations communications or advocacy is required.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, good knowledge, and experience in handling graphic design, digital imaging, and video editing software such as Adobe Creative Suite and web-based management systems.
• Experience in handling media inquiries, press releases, and public engagements.
• Experience in engaging with journalists, managing press conferences, drafting media materials (e.g., press releases, op-eds, and articles), and monitoring media coverage.
• Experience in developing content for various communication channels, including social media, websites, newsletters, and reports.
• Experience in designing and executing advocacy campaigns, mobilizing stakeholders around key issues, and influencing policy discussions.
• Experience working with UN Agency.

Required Languages

• Fluency in English and Bahasa Melayu is required.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

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.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.