Communications Assistant

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.

With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale. 

The UNOPS Myanmar office develops, supports and oversees UNOPS portfolio of projects in Myanmar which focus on post-disaster recovery, health programmes and food security.

UNOPS Myanmar is under the UNOPS Asia Region Office and was established to support, develop and oversee UNOPS’ portfolio of programmes and projects in Myanmar which focus on health programmes and livelihoods and rural development. UNOPS Myanmar ensures that synergies between programmes and projects are effectively developed.

The UNOPS Myanmar portfolio currently includes fund management of the multi-donor Three Millennium Development Goals Fund (3MDG) and the Livelihoods and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT). In addition, UNOPS is the Principal Recipient of The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria grants to Myanmar (PR-GFATM), as well as the Regional Artemisinin Resistance Containment Initiative (RAI). UNOPS is also expanding its infrastructure and procurement services in Myanmar, including advisory services in these areas.

UNOPS Myanmar plays a critical role in ensuring quality services to UNOPS’ partners that meet stringent requirements of speed, efficiency and cost effectiveness. It is also responsible for liaison with Government counterparts, Donors, NGOs and UN Agencies.

UNOPS Myanmar develops, supports and oversees a portfolio of programmes and projects in Myanmar which focus on post-disaster recovery, health programmes and food security. UNOPS Myanmar ensures that synergies between programmes and projects are effectively developed. UNOPS is also expanding its infrastructure and procurement services in Myanmar.

The UNOPS Myanmar portfolio currently includes fund management of the multi-donor Three Millennium Development Goal Fund (3MDG) and the Livelihoods and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT). In addition, UNOPS is the Principal Recipient of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria grants to Myanmar (PR-GFATM).

UNOPS Myanmar plays a critical role in ensuring quality services to UNOPS’ partners that meet stringent requirements of speed, efficiency and cost effectiveness. It is also responsible for liaison with government counterparts, donors, UN Agencies and other development partners.

The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

UNOPS Myanmar is looking for a dynamic, proactive and creative Communications Assistant to join the Communications and Partnership Unit. Under the overall supervision of the Head of Communications and Partnerships and the direct supervision of the Communications and Partnerships Officer, in accordance with UNOPS policies, procedures and practices, the Communications Assistant will work closely with the UNOPS Myanmar team in the area of communications.

Functions will consist of the following:

Assistance in Creative Content Production (25%):

• Assist the Communications and Partnership Officer in the implementation of the UNOPS communication strategy for Myanmar, to ensure an adequate and accurate flow of information about UNOPS Myanmar: its objectives, the alignment with global policies, and key achievements locally.
• Assist the production and uploading of clear, concise, vivid, and dynamic digital content for, e-newsletters, websites, intranet and social media channels in English and Myanmar language.
• Assist in researching, writing and drafting copy and press releases, in English and Myanmar language, to effectively convey key messages to target audiences such as donors, interested stakeholders, and the media.
• Assist the preparation of materials (e.g. factsheets, brochures, posters, presentations) for meeting, workshops, seminars, briefings and other events organized by the Communications and Partnerships Unit and UNOPS administered projects and Funds.
• Assist the production of printed and offline/online audio-visual materials, as well as UNOPS visibility items (e.g. T-shirts, hats and diaries) by proactively share creative visual input and sketching graphic designs.
• Assist in photographing/videoing internal and external events.
• Assist in interviewing and liaising with colleagues and partners for content collection and research in English and Myanmar language.
• Assist in monitoring and evaluating of the success and efficacy of communication activities.

Translation, Printing and Media Liaison (25%):

• Translate information materials from English to Myanmar and vice versa for internal and external communications products.
• Proactively identify additional translation needs, and liaise with translators for product finalization.
• Proactively identify printing needs, and liaise with suppliers for product finalization.
• Maintain an updated media and journalist database, and liaise with media contacts in English and Myanmar, to disseminate information about UNOPS and its projects and administered funds.
• Mann booths at promotional events and communicate with visitors about UNOPS.
• Participate in media field visits organized by UNOPS or its funds. 

Administration and Procurement (50%):

• Coordinate the organization of the internal weekly meetings of the Communications Unit.
• Draft and circulate meeting minutes and internal documents in a timely manner.
• Coordinate internal deadlines to compile and distribute the local, regional and global internal e-newsletters.
• Coordinate the logistics for internal and external distribution of the communications products produced locally and at global level by UNOPS Headquarters or other UNOPS offices.
• Proactively initiate communications-related procurement activities, in liaison with the Procurement Unit, by sourcing suppliers, assisting in the preparation of terms of reference, preparing requisitions/purchase orders and follow up until product/service delivery, including quality control of every item/service provided (e.g. poster or brochure printing, visibility items, video services, etc.).
• Proactively initiate hiring activities for translators, in liaison with the Human Resources Unit, by assisting in the preparation of terms of reference and follow up until the person is hired. Also assist in contract administration and quality check, during provision of services.
• Proactively manage appropriate logistic arrangements for meetings or events (e.g. venue, refreshments, projectors, microphones, computers, transportation, etc), including drafting terms of reference for contracts and other related operational activities.
• Proactively handle travel and accommodation arrangements and required travel and security authorizations for the Communications and Partnerships Unit.
• Proactively handle payments for all activities mentioned above, through UNOPS procurement management systems and following internal standard operating procedures, also liaising with the Procurement and Finance Units.
• Assist in maintaining and/or re-thinking an efficient electronic and hard-copy filing system for the Communications and Partnerships Unit.
• Assist in maintaining an inventory of UNOPS visibility items, such as t-shirts, stickers, caps, umbrellas, etc.
• Other duties as may be assigned by the Head of Communications and Partnerships and the Communications and Partnership Officer, as required.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

The Communications and Partnership Officer will monitor the performance of the incumbent in weekly follow up meeting to ensure the task performed and the quality of performance is in line with the tasks assigned. The performance will be evaluated yearly, based on mutually agreed SMART objectives for the year. 

Final Product/Results

The incumbent is expected to proactively contribute to the achievement of the following results:

• The administrative operation (including travels, procurement, payments, etc.) of the Communications and Partnership Unit are run smoothly and are efficiently managed.
• The communications products (newsletters, brochures, posters, factsheets, photo, video, etc.) and the visibility items (hats, t-shirts, notebooks, keychains, mugs, umbrella, etc.) produced and disseminated by the Communications and Partnership Unit adequately support the communication strategy and are of high quality and attractive to the target audience.
• The communications products and the visibility items produced and disseminated by the Communications and Partnership Unit reach the relevant audiences in a timely manner.
• An efficient filing and tracking system is maintained, both online and off line.
• All initiated actions are followed up promptly and efficiently to successful completion.

a) Education

• Secondary education is required. Bachelor degree would be an advantage.
• Diploma, Bachelor degree or higher school certificate with certification in communications (Media Studies, Journalism, Political Science, or International Relations) is an asset.

b) Experience

• At least 5 years of cumulative experience in the area of communications, operations, and office management, preferably with an international organization (or) Bachelor degree plus minimum one year of related experienced is required.
• Good communication, confident writing, and good analytical skills are essential.
• Previous experience managing suppliers (i.e. commercial printers), organizing events and travels are an asset.
•  Documented experience in creating and distributing e-newsletters and/or producing content for websites and social media in English and Myanmar is asset.
• Documented experience in creating and distributing e-newsletters and/or producing content for websites and social media in English and Myanmar is an asset.
• Documented translating experience is an asset.
• Excellent knowledge of the Microsoft Office Package is required.
• Knowledge of Atlas ERP and UN Procurement Procedures is an asset.
• Documented experience working with graphic design software (InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator) is an advantage.
• Documented experience working with video production and related editing software (Adobe Premiere, Final Cut) is an advantage.

c) Language

• Excellent command of both English and Myanmar oral and written communication is required.

• Professionalism – Ability to conduct independent research and analysis, identify issues, and recommend solutions; proven analytical skills. Familiarity with UN and UNOPS administrative rules, regulations and policies, protocol procedures, broad directives.
• Communications - Proven ability to write in a clear and concise manner and to communicate effectively orally.
• Planning and organizing - Ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan.
• Problem solving - Ability to interpret, analyze the situation and resolve the problems.
• Result-oriented - Ability to focus on the result for the clients and respond positively to feedback.
• Client orientation - Ability to identify clients' needs and appropriate solutions; ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships with clients.
• Teamwork - Strong interpersonal skills and; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Analyzing Skills – Ability to make rational judgments for the available information and analysis and probe for further information or greater understanding of a problem and present with alternative options.
• Self- reliant: Ability to act independently with a minimum of supervision. Routine duties are performed independently. Ability to maintain complete confidentiality and discretion.
• Technological awareness - Solid computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point). Knowledge of Photoshop, In Design or other design software, web designing and video editing software is a plus.

Contract type:              Local Individual Contractor Agreement

Contract level:              LICA-5

Contract duration:        One year with possibility of extension

This is a local position therefore it is open to Myanmar National.

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:

https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx  

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time (CET)
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.