System Integration Assistant - Access to Information Programme, Dhaka

COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA SPECIALIST - ACCESS TO INFORMATION PROGRAMME
Location :     Dhaka, BANGLADESH
Application Deadline :    21-Jul-10
Type of Contract :    Service Contract
Post Level :    SB-4
Languages Required :    English

Background
UNDP Bangladesh in partnership with Prime Minister’s Office, PMO has established an ICT4D Programme titled, “Access to Information (A2I)”, BGD/06/005 to harness e-Governance activities in Bangladesh.
Access to Information Programme aims at ensuring the appropriateness of new initiatives and programmes for e-Governance/e-Services/ICT4D within the changed context of national priorities (ICT Policy 2009, ICT Act 2009, Digital Bangladesh declaration and over 50 Quick Win initiatives led by the Secretaries and facilitated by the ongoing A2I programme). With the declaration of Digital Bangladesh campaign with a development vision for 2021, government has incorporated ICT in the national development agenda and as a result this programme based at the PMO has gained added significance and visibility. It continue to identify, prioritize and mainstream ICT into national development policies and to assist in the formulation of national e-Governance/e-Services/ICT4D Vision and strategy that can harness digital opportunities for development in consultation with stakeholders. This programme will also support the implementation of the Vision and strategy by developing new projects and programmes for e-Governance/e-Services/ICT4D and provide technical assistance for monitoring and evaluation of these projects/programmes.
This programme will also support capacity development of the e-Governance Cell at PMO aimed at strengthening skills and competencies to execute the projects undertaken by the cell. Such assistance include assuming appropriate roles and responsibilities in project initiation, knowledge advisory support to projects quality assurance and monitoring of progress and evaluation of results during implementation, and in defining the exit strategy.
The A2I Programme is looking to recruit a Media and Communication Specialist, who will work as the media focal point of the project and coordinate other media related issues.

Duties and Responsibilities
Summary of Key Functions:
The Communication and Media Specialist will work closely with the Policy Advisor and National Project Director in forming an effective communication strategy and lead a dynamic media and communication team on a highly visible project at the prime minister’s office. Not only he/she will be in charge of building message and the content but also have to shape the narrative on a very prominent national campaign. He/she will be responsible for the following assignments:

• Develop a dynamic Communication Strategy of the project which is highly visible and prominent keeping in mind the national perception.
• Coordinate various press events and lead implementation of various strategic media initiatives both in the old and new media.

Development of Communication Strategy :

The role requires development of a finely tuned communication strategy for different audiences. He/She will develop a key message and customize it for different audiences. The distribution channel of the message needs to be identified. The role requires the leader to be comfortable with all forms of media and a very effective communicator both inside the group and externally. In a dynamic environment, the leader needs to be a quick thinker and effective executor. The person will work closely with the policy advisor in forming the strategy and will need to do relationship management with the media world. The role will be the face of a very highly visible national project to the outside world interacting with both the national and international media including but not limited to:

• Design and execute communication strategies for different stakeholders (citizens, policy makers, Parliament members, private sector, civil society, academia, media, development partners, among others) of e-Service delivery keeping in mind what is meaningful, important, and immediate for them (understanding that 'one-size-fits-all' communication strategies do not work is a fundamental prerequisite in doing well in this role)
• Assist in the policy formulation by communicating policy imperatives and policy decisions
• Ensure gender-sensitiveness in the communication strategy and materials
• Manage media campaign in the country connected with the launch of key knowledge products/reports, special events, speeches and statements
Coordinate various press events and lead implementation of various strategic media initiatives both in the old and new media:
• Organize and coordinate press conferences, press launches, media events as and when required
• Draft and manage the production and distribution of informational and promotional materials including audio-visual content, TV / radio advertisements / commercials / infomercials, edutainment, new media campaign such as blogs, social networking etc.
• Maintain cordial and effective relationship with the media at the editor and CEO level.
• Build active working relationship with different government press wings and agencies and the information ministry.
• Respond to media queries quickly and accurately and assist with all media relations raise public awareness of UNDP e-Governance activities and development issues.
• Support the knowledge Management Team to advocate and disseminate knowledge products and services
• Plan virtual events for interaction of government leaders with the public.
The Communication and Media Specialist will conduct any other function, responsibility which may be assigned by the Policy Advisor/UNDP Management/ National Project Director.
Impact of Results
The key results have an impact on the overall achievement of fostering e-governance and success in implementation of operational strategies.

Competencies
Corporate Competencies:
• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards (human rights, peace, understanding between peoples and nations, tolerance, integrity, respect, results orientation (UNDP core ethics) impartiality
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
Functional Competencies:
Development and Operational Effectiveness
• Strong analytical skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Computer proficiency
• Ability establishing and maintaining good working relationships to facilitate work goals
• Demonstrated results-oriented approach to work
• Strong networking and representational skills
• Strong ability in both spoken and written Bangla and English
Leadership and Self Management
• Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure
Knowledge Management and Learning
• Shares knowledge and experience
• Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices from within and outside UNDP
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more practice areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

Required Skills and Experience
Education:
Master’s degree in Business Administration, English, Development Studies, Media Relations, Mass Communication & Journalism, Publishing or any related field.
Experience:
7 years experience in working with advocacy, media and communication issues. Experience in working with ICT4D issues will be highly preferred. Applicants with 5 years of experience will be considered in case of exceptional track records.
Language Requirements:

Fluency in written and spoken English and Bengali.
N.B: The salary will commensurate with education and experience.

Closing Date: Wednesday, 21 July 2010