Communications and Project Assistant (NPSA)

Description

• The Communications and Project Assistant performs a wide range of communications and project/programme support tasks related to the UNU-WIDER portfolio (projects and/or programmes) in Mozambique
• The programme is operationalized through a partnership between four institutions, the Directorate for Economic Policies and Development (DNPED) of the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), the Centre for Economic and Management Studies (CEEG) of the University of Eduardo Mondlane (UEM), the Development Economics Research Group (DERG) of the University of Copenhagen (UCPH) and UNU-WIDER

Duties

Supports the achievement of the knowledge mobilization goals of the UNU-WIDER portfolio in Mozambique

• Writes promotional copy in English and Portuguese for use in different dissemination channels, including UNU-WIDER project/programme website, social media, and email; proofreads and edits Portuguese documents into institutional format ensuring accuracy and consistency of language
• Ensures the timely management of the social media and web presence of the UNU-WIDER portfolio in Mozambique, especially in the management of the related YouTube and Flickr accounts
• Assists in the production of research translation and dissemination products including research and policy briefs, blurbs, news pieces, web articles, event reports and invitations, bulk mailings, social media items etc. in English and Portuguese
• Maintains a Mozambique-specific media list, stakeholder contact list, information databases, and other team data
• Assists in the monitoring, reviewing and recording media coverage of UNU-WIDER and its research in Mozambique on a regular basis
• Assists in the smooth communication and coordination on knowledge mobilization between with the rest of the
• Knowledge Mobilization Unit and presence of UNU-WIDER activities and research in Mozambique in UNU-WIDER channels

Supports the organization of online and face-to-face events and trainings under the UNU-WIDER portfolio in Mozambique

• Assists in the organization of assigned project/programme events, including conferences, seminars, workshops, roundtable discussions, press briefings, interviews, etc., by producing associated communication and dissemination components
• Planning and implementing related visual components and digital products, in coordination with local partners and stakeholders as well as key internal stakeholders (Knowledge Mobilization Unit)
• Acts as communication focal point for assigned events
• Supports in the organization of assigned project/programme events and trainings in terms of procurement, logistics and documentation, in coordination with local partners and stakeholders and key internal stakeholders (Procurement, Finance, and other UNU-WIDER support units)

Supports in project planning, implementation, and monitoring in Mozambique

• Supports supervisor in coordination of project/programme planning, implementation, and monitoring work; identifies inconsistencies and brings them to the attention of supervisor
• Analyzes and interprets rules and regulations of UNU and assists in providing solutions to issues related to finance, logistics and day-to-day administrative activities

Assist in preparing reports for UNU-WIDER portfolio in Mozambique

• Supports in various reporting tasks, including producing basic background and summary documents using appropriate technology/software and generating a variety of standard and non-standard statistical and other reports from various databases
• Monitors basic budgets and expenditures and prepares project expenditure and budget status reports when requested
• Supports project/programme reporting to relevant internal and external stakeholders and their operational closure

Provides administrative support to the UNU-WIDER portfolio in Mozambique

• Provides secretarial, administrative, logistics and travel support as required and ensures that project related records are properly maintained
• Liaises on administrative coordination of project/programme implementation between internal and external project/programme leaders/participants and administrative/finance/communications personnel
• Plans procurement needs and prepares needed documents for goods and services
• Prepares contract requests, monitors project/programme contracts, and coordinates with the consultants and service providers engaged by the projects
• Updates and maintains relevant websites and internal databases
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor

Requisites

• Completed high school degree; or bachelor’s degree in business administration, social sciences, communications or other related field
• Minimum of three (3) years of work experience for bachelor’s degree holder or five (5) years of relevant work experience for completed high school diploma holder, preferably in an international organization
• Demonstrated ability to support the planning, monitoring, and implementation of projects
• Understands key development and economic issues, in particular in the Mozambican context, and demonstrable skills in translating these for a variety of audiences
• Knowledge of the UN system is an advantage; knowledge and previous experience of working in international development organizations would be an asset
• Good command of MS Office, especially Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
• Knowledge of an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system (preferably Oracle/PeopleSoft) and/or of a
• Content Management System (Drupal or other) and database tools is an asset
• Working skills in graphic design and experience with Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign and Photoshop) is an advantage
• Ability to work under minimal supervision and with high level of resilience
• Ability to establish priorities, multi-task and work within tight timelines
• Excellent team player with strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as an ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity
• Excellent command of English and Portuguese language writing and editing for academic and non-academic target audiences

Notes

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
• Remuneration: The successful candidate will be employed under a national PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual gross salary of USD 23,856.00, commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days annual leave and a health insurance scheme
• UNU is not liable for any taxes that may be levied on the remuneration you receive under this contract. Payment of any such taxes remains the sole responsibility of PSA holders
• Duration of contract: The duration of the initial contract is 1 year. This is Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The combined duration on a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years
• Expected start date: As soon as possible
• Assessment: Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks and references
• Special notice: The position is subject to local recruitment and limited to persons who are a citizen of Mozambique or a permanent resident with a work permit for Mozambique. UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position
• PSA holders do no hold international civil servant status nor are they considered a “staff member” as defined in the UN Staff Rules and Regulations
• UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply and become part of the organization. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. Eligible internal applicants are also encouraged to apply
• UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination
• Information about UNU rosters: UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU
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