Background
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

The Communications Analyst supports the formulation and implementation of the communications and advocacy work for the Mayors for Economic Growth Facility (M4EG) Regional Project, and to increase the standing and awareness of the project with partners, the media and the public. The Communication Associate will work closely with relevant colleagues of the Regional Project Team at UNDP Istanbul hub, and closely liaise with the country project teams in the five Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries as needed.

The M4EG, initiated and funded by the European Union (EU), promotes inclusive economic growth and innovation in the Local Authorities (LAs) of the Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries. To that end, on January 1, 2021, the new phase of the “Mayors for Economic Growth Facility” (M4EG) commenced under UNDP’s lead. The project will support local authorities in Eastern Partnership countries to use innovative methods towards just and green development. For more information, please see https://eum4eg.com/
Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Regional Project Manager of the M4EG Facility in the Istanbul Regional Hub, the Communications Analyst is expected to perform the following functions:

Support the formulation and implementation of communications and advocacy strategies:

Provision of inputs and information for elaboration of the M4EG communication and visibility plan (in line with Annex 6 of the actions Description of Action).
Support to increased awareness of the M4EG intention and work through dissemination of information, including of organization of public and media events.
Under guidance, development and preparation of materials for marketing and awareness-raising including briefing materials and media materials.
Organization of publicity, advocacy, knowledge-sharing events and promotional opportunities. Provision of logistics support to events as needed (often online events).
Review of reference materials, identification of reference materials for retention. Maintenance of information database and photo library.
Updating and keeping alive the M4EG Communication Guidance Note and similar reference documents for the six implementing UNDP units.
Research and retrieval of data from internal and external sources.

Ensures maintenance of web sites, data bases and knowledge management systems:

Updates and maintains the M4EG web site in line with EU and UNDP branding requirements.
Preparation of content for the web sites ensuring consistency of materials.
Maintenance of other web sites, social media platforms and databases as assigned, including the Media Monitoring Tool.
Suggestions, inputs, content development, coordination of production and dissemination of media materials, publications, articles and sharing of the M4EG’s knowledge and successes.

Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and management:

Support to Country Office and Regional Hub staff in identification, documenting and drafting of learning and effects reports.
Organization of training and briefing sessions for project personnel on effective communications and advocacy.

Institutional Arrangement

The Communications Analyst will perform tasks under the supervision of the Regional Project Manager of the M4EG Facility. The position is home-based, however, the successful candidate is expected to be available during regular office hours of the Istanbul Regional Hub.

Competencies
Core Competencies:

Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies:

Business Management - Communications:
Ability to 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
Abilit to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
Communications - Brand & quality management:
Ability to position a UNDP brand and uphold it to a high level of quality
Communications - Creative direction and copywriting:
Ability to creatively communicate concepts in an engaging and simple way
Communications - Multimedia writing/editing:
Ability to create and/or edit written content for multimedia
Communications - Social Media management:
Ability to represent and promote the UNDP brand in virtual communities and networks
Communications - Web and social media analytics:
Ability to analyze and interpret data and statistics to measure web and social media performance

Required Skills and Experience
Education:

Master’s degree in Communications, Visual Arts, Design or other relevant areas.
Bachelor’s degree in combination with 2 years of qualifying professional experience will be accepted in lieu of Master’s degree.

Experience:

Minimum 2 years (with Bachelor's degree) of experience in creating visual/digital content and/or working in social, digital or new media.

Languages:

Fluency in oral and written English is required
Fluency in Russian is an asset

Required skills:

Experience in producing and editing communication products.
Experience in curating corporate social media platforms or similar.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section:

Experience managing and maintaining online archives and websites.
Prior work experience at or familiarity with the work of UNDP and/or other UN agencies is an asset.
Exposure to latest international development issues in UNDP’s areas of work is an asset (e.g., poverty reduction, democratic governance, human rights, environment and natural resources management, climate change, disaster risk reduction and resilience, gender equality and women’s empowerment) is an asset.
Experience in visualization and illustration is an asset.
Experience working in the Eastern Partnership is an asset.

The following documents shall be required from the applicants:

Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers.
A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position.
The CV (hyperlinked) or its attachments should include 2-3 examples of communication products (campaigns, visualisations, blogs and other write ups, webpages, social media products etc) to showcase any relevant experience.