UNDP is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges.

Are you interested to join a highly motivated and dynamic environment? Do you have the ability required to be part of the country office’s team? We seek a responsible, well spoken, dependable and highly organized individual with a professional approach to their work for the position of:

National Information Officer, United Nations Information Centre (UNIC).

Post Level:     National Officer (NO)

Location:        UNDP, Maseru

Duration:       4. 5 Months

Start Date:     19-03-2007

JOB SUMMARY
Under close supervision and technical guidance of the Deputy Resident Representative, the incumbent will advise on, plan and execute public communications campaigns that promote public understanding and media coverage of UN activities, events and views on specific topics/issues in accordance with prevailing policy and practices:
 Produce and oversee preparation of specific types of information products relating to the work of the UN and its image to ensure the UN’s visibility in the country and region
• Prepare press kits, press releases, feature articles, booklets, brochures and backgrounders
• In broadcast: propose topics, undertake research, determine appropriate medium and target audience
• Prepare production plans, writing drafts, obtain clearances and finalize tests, copy editing, procedures and distribution.
 Undertake outreach activities to promote greater participation in the region
• Prepare a diverse range of information products in support of major campaign initiatives
• Disseminate UN materials to appropriate audiences and undertake visits to schools, institutions and colleges
• Coordinate activities with educational institutions and supervise work of students.
 Develop partnership with the media, NGO’s and other groups of civil society to promote the purposes and the work of the United Nations
• Undertake activities to promote media coverage of priority issues and/or major events, initiating pro-active media outreach efforts
• Propose and arrange press conferences/media coverage, consult with media on story angle/approach as well as undertake appropriate follow-up action and analyze the impact of the coverage
• Maintain and develop liaison with non-governmental organisations, research and educational institutions to encourage teaching about the UN, as well as provide the various institutions with UN information for use in their publications.
 Strengthen collaboration and co-ordination between UN Agencies
• Initiate and maintain liaison with UN agencies in the country and spearhead collaborative programmes.
• Sustain professional relationships with key constituencies a common communication strategy
• Support the organisation in running joint UN programmes e.g. UN Days activities, implementation of the Millennium Development Goals as well as support the UN Country Team in its communications activities.
 Produce feed-back reports
• Assist the UN Resident coordinator in the day to day operation of the UN in Lesotho
• Act as focal point on specific issues, monitoring and reporting on developments and responding to inquiries
• Manage financial activities and reports of the Centre subject to the approval of the Deputy Resident Representative as per the allotted budget
• Handle operational and administrative queries
• Draft Monthly Activity Reports of activities undertaken by the Centre or any other report on information matters as may be required by the Headquarters

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE:
• Post Graduate qualification in Communications, Journalism, or Public Relations, and a minimum of 5 year’s experience working in information management, media and public relations, either in government, the private sector or a non-governmental organization.
• Thorough knowledge of and practical experience in the full range of communication approaches, tools and methodologies essential to planning and executing effective campaign strategies and programmes.
• Good organizational skills, initiative, sound judgement and interpersonal skills, the ability to perform under pressure and to meet tight deadlines.
• The incumbent must be well disposed to working in an international atmosphere, where focus is on achievement of results.
• Full command of both written and spoken English and high degree of computer literacy are essential.
 

Detailed contact address and telephone number plus names and addresses of two referees should reach UNDP not later than 1700 hrs, Wednesday 22nd February, 2007 addressed to:
The Resident Representative
United Nations Development Programme
3rd Floor UN House
P.O. Box 301
MASERU
Lesotho

In addition to their CV, Applicants should include a one-page summary statement that describes how their experience and qualification relates to the post applied for.

Applications should be marked “Recruitment of National Information Officer, UNIC.
Alternatively applications can be e-mailed to: registry.ls@undp.org and copy: veronic.sekhibane@undp.org

This announcement can be viewed on the UNDP Notice Board on the third floor of UN House or on the UNDP Lesotho Website www.undp.org.ls
Only short listed candidates will be responded to. Salary negotiable and commensurate with work experience and qualifications.

Closing date for applications: 17:00 h. Monday, November 13th, 2006