Communications Associate

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations helping a wide range of partners in delivering peace, security, humanitarian and development projects across the world.

UNOPS Sri Lanka implements tailored socio-economic development projects that benefit vulnerable communities and supports the Government national capacities. UNOPS has been working across Sri Lanka managing education, public health, roads, water and sanitation, fisheries, agriculture and solid waste infrastructure projects. UNOPS also provides expertise in procurement, fund management and human resources management services.

As part of its programme implementation and advisory capacity, UNOPS will work closely with members of the Government of Sri Lanka and its representatives, and the Sri Lankan civil society to deliver agreed sets of projects and activities to support the work of Sri Lankan civil society in assisting the people and communities of Sri Lanka.

The Communications Associate will be responsible for all communications activities related to the Vriddhi project.

As such, s/he will work with UNOPS project teams located in field offices and in Colombo in protection, project management, financial management, advisory services, grants management, ICT services, GIS, supporting artistic creation and other related areas of work.

In addition, s/he will have extensive working relationships with members of the civil society in Sri Lanka whose activities will be monitored by the incumbent as part of the grants awarded and services provisions by UNOPS. Under the supervision of the Programme Manager, the Communications Associate will ensure all communication activities are delivered as per UNOPS agreed policies, processes and standards.

S/he will have a high sense of integrity, confidentiality and the ability to engage sensibly with local stakeholders including local authorities, local partners and communities. This position is based in Colombo with extensive travel to field and project locations.

Media Outreach & Information, Education & Communication (IEC) management

• Support to the digital and other media outreach of the program in a strategic manner

• To provide support in visibility to the Programme and its activities to stakeholders and the public.

• Provide support to manage all print, electronic and social media platforms to effectively disseminate the project activities and process documentation, reports for events and project activities conducted for donors.  

• To provide support to the country manager in the collection of success stories from the  field with good pictures and videos.

• Support in preparing press briefs, notes, releases and liaise with the media wherever required.

 Documentation Support 

• Assist in the development of technical specifications and terms of references for purchase of services and goods needed for delivery of print, and audio-visual communication materials.

• Assist in the preparation of requisitions, payment requests and other administrative documentation related to the communication activities.

• Support in preparation of project reports/ brochures/ fliers and other communication materials as necessary.

• Maintain physical inventory of all communication material procured and disseminated by the project. 

• Support in incorporation of gender mainstreaming into the communication activities in accordance with the project objectives.

• Any other communication and/or related administrative support tasks.

Impact of Results 

• Publications are delivered to relevant audiences in a timely manner.

• An efficient filing and tracking system is maintained.

• Actions are followed up promptly and efficiently.

Education:

• High School Diploma is required. 
• Bachelor or  Masters degree in communications or related field (Media Studies, Journalism, Political Science, or International Relations) would be an asset  and may substitute some of the required years of experience.

Experience:

• Minimum 6 years of cumulative experience in communications and operations, preferably with an international organization are required.
• Good communication, confident writing, and good analytical skills are essential.
• Experience in creating and distributing e-newsletters and/or producing content for websites and social media in English is an asset.
• Experience /knowledge of web-based applications and Google Suite products especially google forms, sheets, docs and slides is an asset.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required. 
• Knowledge of Sinhala or/and Tamil is an asset.

• 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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. 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.