ThaiNGO

~UN VOLUNTEER  DESCRIPTION OF ASSIGNMENT~

Preamble:
The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme is the UN organization that promotes volunteerism to support peace and development worldwide. Volunteerism can transform the pace and nature of development and it benefits both society at large and the individual volunteer. UNV contributes to peace and development by advocating for volunteerism globally, encouraging partners to integrate volunteerism into development programming, and mobilizing volunteers.
In most cultures volunteerism is deeply embedded in long-established, ancient traditions of sharing and support within the communities. In this context, UN Volunteers take part in various forms of volunteerism and play a role in development and peace together with co-workers, host agencies and local communities.
In all assignments, UN Volunteers promote volunteerism through their action and conduct. Engaging in volunteer activity can effectively and positively enrich their understanding of local and social realities, as well as create a bridge between themselves and the people in their host community. This will make the time they spend as UN Volunteers even more rewarding and productive.

1.  UNV Assignment Title: National UNV Communications and Outreach Officer

2.  Type of Assignment: National UN Volunteer 

3.  Project Title: Communications and Outreach

4.  Duration: Initially 6 months

5.  Location, Country: Bangkok, Thailand

6.  Expected Starting Date: 16 January 2016

7.  Brief Project Description: 

Working in UNDP Country Office in Thailand and under the direct supervision of the DRR (Deputy Resident Representative), the UNV Communications & Outreach Officer will work to raise the profile of UNDP Thailand in the media and among Government Agencies, (I)NGOs and other partners, manage the office’s information and communications requirements, and provide English editing services to the Office’s Programme Units.

8.  Host Agency/Host Institute: UNDP Thailand Country Office

9.  Organizational Context: UN organization

10. Type of Assignment Place: Assignment with family

11.  Description of tasks:

Under the direct supervision of DRR/P&O the UN volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

General:

• Lead and support the Communication and Outreach Work of the UNDP Thailand Country Office through direct support of the Office’s Programme Units and Senior Management.

Communication:

Upon request by CO Management
• Draft media advisories and press releases with input from relevant units of the office on events, publications, and programme achievements.
• Maintain active network among Thai and foreign journalists.
• Organize press events/briefings/conferences and press trips.
• Organize press interviews as appropriate.
• Liaise with selected media for press releases and events, make efforts in getting the media’s attention for press releases, special events, press interview either through broadcast or print media.
• Liaise with UNIS and participate in meetings for special activities (e.g. UN Day, International Volunteer Day, etcetera).

Outreach:

• Maintain and update the content of the UNDP Website, with input from Programme Units and with technical support from the IT unit.
• Coordinate the production of office communication products (e.g. brochure, fact sheets).
• Coordinate the production (copy editing, design, translation, printing and distribution) of office publications (e.g. NHDR, MDG Reports).
• Act as a focal point / helpdesk for public information enquiries on UNDP publication. Complex enquiries will be transferred to responsible programme officers.
• Manage the office documentation center (virtual and bookshelf).
• Oversee the distribution of UNDP publications to target audiences (government agencies, UN agencies, donors, NGOs, institutions, media).
• Keep abreast with current media news in line with UNDP focus areas and disseminate information to staff either electronically or in print.

Editing services and support to drafting documents

• Draft speeches and talking points.
• Provide English language editing services to Programme Teams to ensure that documents, correspondence, outreach material and website content meet the UNDP standards.
Furthermore, UN Volunteers are encouraged to:
• Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and external publications and take active part in UNV activities (for instance in events that mark IVD);
• Be acquainted with and build on traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host country;
• Reflect on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities;
• Contribute articles/write-ups on field experiences and submit them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
• Assist with the UNV Buddy Programme for newly-arrived UN Volunteers;
• Encourage, mobilize and support co-workers, fellow UN Volunteers and members of the local community to play an active part in peace and development activities on a voluntary basis;
• Promote or advise local groups in the use of online volunteering, or encourage relevant local individuals and organizations to use the UNV Online Volunteering service whenever technically possible.
• UNV Thailand is an integral part of UNDP Thailand and therefore the services described above will benefit UNV Thailand as well.

12.  Results/Expected Output:

• Successful implementation of described duties under previous section.
• A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development within the host community.

13.  Qualifications/Requirements:

• Degree in communications, social and political science, economics or related fields
• 2 years of experience in communications, outreach and/or media work with a total of 5 years of professional experience overall.
• Knowledge about the focus areas of UNDP’s work: human development, democratic governance, environment, HIV/AIDS, poverty reduction
• Creativity and innovativeness in communications and outreach, with an understanding of branding, impact, and strategic approaches.
• Outstanding English drafting and editing skills essential
• Knowledge and experience of document design and production
• Thai Nationals
• Previous experience with the UN or other international organization working in the area of development is desirable but not a requirement.
• Advanced IT skills are desirable, computer, web-editing skills as well as proficiency in photo and text editing are a must
• In-depth experience with communications through social platforms such as Twitter, Facebook etc.

14.  Living Conditions:

The candidate will be based in Bangkok, but the assignment may require traveling to other parts of Thailand.
 

15.  Conditions of Service

6 months with a possibility of extension depending on satisfactory performance and the availability of funds.

A 6 month contract; monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) intended to cover basic needs, accommodation and utilities. In addition, the UN Volunteer will receive a settling in grant (if applicable); life, health and permanent disability insurance, and end-of-assignment allowance will also be provided, along with travel to and from the duty station(if applicable). All UN Volunteers follow the Conditions of Service for National UN Volunteers.

Interested candidates please submit your application letter and CV to unv.th@undp.org
The closing date of application is Monday, 27 November 2015.