All Things Urban

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, helping a range of partners implement $1 billion worth of aid and development projects every year. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

Cities Alliance, which is hosted by UNOPS, is the global partnership promoting the role of cities in poverty reduction and sustainable development. Headquartered in Brussels and supported by a Secretariat, it is a unique partnership with a diverse membership which has come together to strengthen both impacts and coherence in urban development. Cities Alliance is a global leader, with a strong track record in grant-making to support strategic citywide planning, slum upgrading strategies and national policies designed to make cities more inclusive and sustainable. Through UNOPS, the Cities Alliance operates a Multi-Donor Fund supported by an efficient, flexible grant-making mechanism with global reach.

Cities Alliance is seeking a highly motivated and dynamic Communications Specialist to support the new business model and the 2018-2021 Strategic Plan with the aim of expanding the visibility and outreach of the organisation as well as the developmental results delivered and, ensure the organisation is branded in way that is consistent with its vision and mission, and leverages its niche positioning. The incumbent will mainstream gender equality and women’s empowerment in the narrative and messaging on Cities Alliance work. The Communications Specialist will report to the Head of Strategy and Results, and manage a small team dedicated to communication activities.

Communications strategy to support the 2018-21 Strategic Plan:

• Coordinate and manage the development and implementation of a corporate communication, advocacy and branding strategy and roadmap in support of the Strategic Plan 2018-21 and the results achieved. The strategy will be comprehensive of a social and multi-media strategy.
• Support the Partnership Officer to develop a set of communication services that can strengthen communication within the partnership, demonstrate the value added of membership and strengthen the involvement and ownership by members.
• Monitor views and perceptions of the various target audiences of the Cities Alliance. This includes monitoring social media sites and the press to assess attitudes about Cities Alliance, general urban trends and make recommendations about the organisation’s positioning.
• Mainstream gender equality and women’s empowerment strategically in all activities related to communication, advocacy and branding.
• Engage proactively with communication representatives of UN agencies in Brussels and the communications group in UNOPS.

Branding the Cities Alliance within the urban space:

• Lead the content development, editing, production and dissemination of communication and marketing materials for the Cities Alliance to promote the identity, value-proposition, DNA and achievements of the organisation. Materials may include: Newsletters, flyers, brochures, corporate powerpoint presentations, speeches etc.; Web content, social media and blogs; Multimedia, videos and photos; Flagship products, annual reports and scorecards;
• Establishment of an annual communications work plan which includes a production pipeline and dissemination plan for Cities Alliance’s materials ensuring effective identification and outreach to targeted audiences at the global and country levels;
• Review Cities Alliance style guide and ensure consistent approach, standards and branding across all products.
• Provide support to Cities Alliance programmes to boost their visibility and awareness including identification of key stories, content and results;
• Support the membership and business development functions of the team with the conceptualisation of fundraising and marketing materials to raise awareness of Cities Alliance and its work, and with a view to reaching new audiences and potential donors;
• Compile specialized media coverage press packages for projects as deemed necessary; arrange media briefings and respond effectively to inquiries to media as well as for public information materials.

Communication tools, social media, and corporate events:

• Maintain the Cities Alliance website and other social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, etc). Generate, draft and edit content for the web sites ensure material content is consistent, fresh and up to date.
• Manage and coordinate the communication aspects of Cities Alliance participation in major international events, such as the World Urban Forum, Africities, the Common Wealth Government Forum, etc.
• Create and run a Cities Alliance Forum in Brussels to establish regular outreach to European and local constituencies.

Teamwork and effective and efficient management of resources for communications:

• Manage a small team of staff dedicated to communication. Provide direction, set clear objectives and monitor performance.
• Foster teamwork and space for innovation and creative thinking.
• Supervise external consultants and firms on contract (editing, translations, design, and printing) ensuring quality of work and value for money.
• Participate in corporate exercises that drive organisational maturity and operational excellence, and contribute to gender equality.

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in journalism, communication, international development, political science, economics or a related field is required.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in communications in public, private or international sector organizations is required.
• Good understanding of international development and the work of multilateral, bilateral and civil society development partners in development is required.
• Knowledge of international agreements such as the SDGs, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, the New Urban Agenda, the 2030 Agenda is required.
• Some experience in the UN system organizations and/or a developing country is an asset.

Language:

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French, Spanish, and/or Portuguese is considered as an asset.

Competencies:

• Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.
• Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
• Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
• Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
• Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
• Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
• Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
• Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type: Fixed Term Staff Contract
Contract level: ICS 10 / P3
Contract duration: One year initially, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability.

Additional Considerations:

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• 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.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• 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.

We’re not fully sure whether this role is open to international candidates. If you would need visa sponsorship or work authorisation, we recommend checking directly with the employer before applying.