Communications Specialist

UNOPS in Sri Lanka

UNOPS has supported Sri Lanka’s development since 1998, expanding operations in 2005 to support the post-tsunami response and reconstruction process. Within the organization’s mandate in project management, infrastructure, and procurement, UNOPS Sri Lanka implements customized socio-economic development projects that benefit vulnerable people and develop national capacities. Achievements in Sri Lanka include the development of sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure, procurement services & capacity building, and project management in education, fisheries, roads, health, water supply systems; flood control and sanitation, and integrated solid waste management sectors. UNOPS works closely with Government counterparts and communities to ensure increased ownership, sustainability and accountability of Projects. Key projects in Sri Lanka include the Technical Project Management support for the Maternal and Newborn Health Care Strengthening Project in Matara District, Sri Lanka funded by KOICA.

UNOPS Sri Lanka also facilitated over $22 million worth of procurement of COVID-19 protection equipment and services in partnership with the World Bank, the Government of Japan, and the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund

Project Information: In June 2022, UNOPS signed a legal agreement with the South Asia Cooperative Environment Program (SACEP), an intergovernmental organization in South Asia, to support its implementation of the Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia (PLEASE) project that is funded by the World Bank. The PLEASE project encompasses three components: 

• Component 1: Supporting Competitive Block Grant Investments to Reduce Plastic Waste;

• Component 2: Leveraging Public and Private Sector Engagement and Solutions; and

• Component 3: Strengthening Regional Integration Institutions.

UNOPS is expected to provide advisory services and implementation support, which entails project management, grant management, procurement, logistics, infrastructure, institutional capacity building, and communications and public advocacy, to the SACEP Project Implementation Unit (PIU).

Provide support and advice to SACEP on the review and refinement of the external communication strategy for PLEASE Project especially focused on the Component 1. This includes:

• Advising and working together with SACEP to determine key messages and refining those messages over time based on evidence.

• Working together with SACEP to assess the effectiveness of the strategy and refining as necessary.

• Harnessing new opportunities in communications.

• Provide advice and substantive support to SACEP on monitoring and evaluation framework for communication activities.

• Proving advice and support to SACEP during the implementation of the External Communications Strategy. This includes taking the initiative to identify and seize opportunities in an independent, self-driven way to enhance the communications work PLEASE Project.

• Ensuring appropriate visibility for PLEASE  with all stakeholders (including correct logo usage, appropriate media coverage both locally and internationally, assess the communications materials of partners to ensure that they are appropriate and relevant to the communities in which they are used.)

• Work together with SACEP to ensure internal and external communications channels are well managed, including social media and website, staying attuned to global developments in web-based communications to ensure PLEASE is up to date and following latest developments

• Prepare written and visual content for distribution to the press and website or other relevant channels, including articles, speeches, videos, brochures, newsletters and reports

• Manage communications products, including the preparation of factsheets and materials needed for workshops, seminars, briefings, and events.

• Identifying and obtaining feature stories and other materials to facilitate global/regional advocacy;

• Easy web-based access to information on Access to Health Fund policies, board decisions, implementing partner details, types of actions funded, grant allocation, funding possibilities and sharing of Access to Health beneficiary stories;

• Advice and support SACEP In management of the Communications Unit work plan

• Ensure maintenance of relevant contact lists and content libraries.

• Support brand awareness PLEASE, including raising awareness and managing the perception of the fund through localized messaging and brand management. 

• Evaluate effectiveness and impact of PLEASE publicity campaigns, events, website and  social media

• Provide missions with high-quality briefing kits before each visit

• Coordinating the production of multimedia content.

• Manage the delivery of PLEASE Annual and Progress Report (content, writing, editing, layout, publishing) to deadline and specifications.

• Manage the delivery of other reporting requirements including ad hoc requests.

• Master’s degree in communication, media studies, journalism, international relations, public/media relations, public relations, event management, English or any other related field is required. 
• A Bachelor's Degree in combination with 7 additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master’s Degree

• Five years of experience in communications, event management, advocacy/government relations, digital media, journalism/press, environmental issues,, public/media relations, marketing, international relations, writing/editing (including grant/proposal writing), research or any other related fields is required.
• Technical skills in graphic design and visual editing are required.
• Experience working in advertising, public relations, social behavior change communications would be an asset. 
• Experience in developing strategy and plans for communications and helping in the organization events (and associated materials) is required. 
• Previous working experience in a similar position with media organizations, UN, NGO or private organizations would be an asset.
• Previous experience with environmental issues including plastic management would be an asset.
• Experience in personnel management is required.

Contract type: Local Individual Contractor Agreement
Contract level: LICA-10
Contract duration: Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

• This vacancy is open ONLY for SRI LANKAN nationals.

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions 

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 

• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.

• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.