Communications Senior Officer

The name of the project is Yemen Emergency Lifeline Connectivity Project (YELCP), funded by the World Bank.  The main objective of this project is to provide climate-resilient road access and employment and entrepreneurship opportunities to the food-insecure rural population of Yemen. The project is funded by the World Bank and implemented through the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The project activities are expected to complete by the end of November 2024. 

The Project has four components:

Component 1: Rural and Village Access Roads Improvement and Maintenance; Sub-Component 1.A: Rehabilitation of Lifeline Rural Access Roads; Sub-Component 1.B: Employment-Intensive Road Maintenance 

Component 2:  Strengthening Management Capacity of Transport Sector Public Institutions 

Component 3: Project implementation and monitoring support, studies and preparatory activities for future projects. 

We are currently looking for a qualified and experienced Communication Officer to provide communication support to the project.  The position will be based in Sana’a, Yemen with some travel outside of Sana’a depending on the project requirements.  Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Communication Specialist will be responsible for all communications aspects of the YELCP and will work in close collaboration with the Communications Specialist at UNOPS Hub in Amman as well as in UNOPS Headquarters in Copenhagen to seek publication of communication materials.

The Communication Senior Officer may be required to provide communication support for other projects as well depending on the need.  

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 is committed to achieving a fully diverse workforce.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment 

The Communication Senior Officer will be based in Sana’a, Yemen under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, YELCP. In addition to YELCP, the Communication Officer may be required to provide services to some other projects as well.  The incumbent will be required to perform the following duties and responsibilities:

a) Video and Film Production:

• Creating high-quality videos and films that showcase the objectives, activities, and impact of the YELCP project.
• Developing infographic videos to explain different aspects of the project components and activities in an engaging and easy-to-understand manner.
• Conducting interviews with project team members, implementing partners, and interns to showcase the project's operation and highlight their contributions.
• Collecting raw media materials, including photos and videos, from field visits to rural areas and project sites.
• Editing and producing videos that effectively communicate the project's progress, challenges, and achievements.

b) Data Visualization and Fact Sheets:

• Collaborating with the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) team to develop data visualization materials, including infographic videos, to present project indicators, progress, and impact.
• Creating fact sheets and other visual materials to convey project data and key messages in a clear and visually appealing manner.

c) Content Development and Management:

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive communication strategy for the YELCP project, including the production of various communication materials.
• Creating content for project-related publications, websites, and social media platforms, including blog posts, articles, and success stories.
• Identifying and promoting success stories, lessons learned, and best practices through interviews and storytelling techniques.
• Ensuring compliance with World Bank branding and visibility guidelines in all communication materials.

Stakeholder management: 

• Establish and cultivate relationships with the project stakeholders such as the Rural Access Program (RAP), Road Maintenance Fund (RMF)  Ministry of Public Works, Small and Medium Enterprises Promotional Services (SMEPS) local governments, contractors and other counterparts local self-governments, development organizations and programmes
• Establish and cultivate partnerships with the key national, regional and local media
• Collate and develop reports and presentations about the project  and its activities  for the key stakeholders.
• Maintain relationships with Communications Officer in the Amman Hub, as well as with HQ, CPG and external partners to gather information and provide advice on communications products and outreach;

Delivery and performance:

• Conduct periodical mapping and documenting UNOPS stakeholders
• Prepare briefing materials, reports, analysis of political, socio and economic trends relevant for UNOPS Yemen
• Prepare materials for business development activities pursued by the Office, customizing to specific stakeholder needs and interests
• Develop a communications strategy for the YELCP and other projects, covering both internal and external communications; ensure and contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of the Communication Strategies and the Internal and External Communications Plans 
• Create videos for the World Bank and other stakeholders showing project activities, social media updates for the general public, create quality documents highlighting the progress of the project and achievements.
• Support the the projects with the officials visits, press conferences and public events
• Lead and supervise   the internal Office events such as training for UNOPS staff, government officers from RAP and RMF, Micro, Small and Medium enterprises (MSMEs) and promotional events for the project.
• Provide communication support for the  training and workshops conducted by the projects.
• Cooperate with media and provide information on UNOPS activities
• Maintain the media contact database and the library of UNOPS Yemen media coverage
• Ensure monthly qualitative and quantitative analysis of UNOPS media coverage and advise the projects. 
• Contribute to the updates of  UNOPS website and social network accounts related to project activities;  ensure that they are systematically updated and maintained
• Prepare visibility/promotional material and ensure or enhance the quality and relevance of project specific communication materials, activities, processes and messages for sharing with partners;
• Preparing briefings, presentations and background materials for the Regional/ Hub Director, the Head of Programme, Project Manager and/ or Partnerships Advisor on project activities;
• Maintain the  project website, highlighting project achievements and other relevant evidence-based information generating through monitoring process;
• Contribute in the development of  key messages on UNOPS programming in the region, including for partners, local and international media;
• Produce fact sheets on projects with success stories and UNOPS services in Yemen;
• Collaborate with mass media through activities such as organizing project site visits, facilitating photo coverage and TV footage and utilizing both web-based and traditional media as appropriate;
• Develop and maintain contact list of journalists and media outlets including print, TV, radio, web etc. and institutionalize a process of communicating and maintaining regular contact and close collaboration with the media to showcase and highlight the success and lessons from the ongoing UNOPS Projects;
• Ensure a well maintained and continually developed contact list of individuals, groups, organizations and fora (including Government, UN, and bilateral counterparts) for purposes of communication
• Ensure gender mainstreaming , gender equality and diversity principles and practices are incorporated into the communications products, in accordance with the UNOPS objectives 

Procedures:

• Ensure respect of project management, procurement and communications requirements/procedures
• Ensure efficient and effective management of the communications budget and compliance with UNOPS Financial Rules and Regulations (FRR)
• Contribute to identification and assessment of risks and implement mitigation measures in accordance with the UNOPS Yemen Risk Management Approach and project Risk Management Strategies.   
• Contribute to planning activities and timely delivery of approved work, procurement, and financial plans for the communications activities 
• Provide accurate and quality inputs needed for monitoring of the projects’ performance, outputs , benefits and reports 
• With the guidance of the Procurement Officer, support preparation of  tenders for the publicity material (including print, graphics, web, audio and video) 

Knowledge management:

• Participate in the UNOPS’ communities/contribute to the knowledge management and sharing in UNOPS´internal platforms.
• Contribute to identification and sharing of lessons learned and the best practices
• Close interaction with Programme/Project staff to share information and knowledge as related to projects and communications;

Personnel management:

• Supervise external consultants and contractors.
• Draft Terms of Reference for communications consultants 

 Education 

• Advanced university degree/Master’s degree preferabily in communications, journalism, or public relations or similar field of studies.

• Bachelor’s degree with an additional 2 years of relevant experience can be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Work Experience 

• 2 years of experience in a communication, public relations, Journalism or relevant role is required.
• Proven experience in producing high quality videos, films, and multimedia content, including infographic videos is required.
• Proficiency in video editing software, animation tools, and multimedia platforms is required.
• Strong photography and videography skills, with the ability to capture compelling visuals and interviews is required.
• Familiarity with data visualization techniques and tools is desired. 
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary team is desired
• Ability to travel to rural areas in Yemen over an extended period of time is highly desired.
• Computer literacy in particular Google suite of applications, MS Word, Excel, Visio, and PowerPoint is highly desired.
• Excellent understanding on the intersection of technology, web design, editorial, digital, social media and multimedia platforms is highly desired.
• Knowledge of digital media, visual communications and interactive storytelling methods is desired.
• Experience in research and analysis, reporting, external relations, communications, advocacy,  business administration, and/or outreach in international organizations is highly desired. 
• Experience in producing analytical reports and communications products is highly desired.
• Experience in the humanitarian and/or development sector is desired. 
• Experience in international organizations and/ or the UN system is desired.

• 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.