New Job 2022 at UNDP, Communications, Outreach and Advocacy Lead (Analyst) (NPSA9)
Outreach and Advocacy Lead (Analyst) (NPSA9)
Background
UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
The development sector is changing very quickly, and innovation is becoming the central ingredient in any development intervention. Business as usual no longer has a place in development. UNDP is at the forefront of deploying innovative solutions to development challenges in order to help nations achieve sustainable development goals. One of those initiatives is the integrated innovation ecosystem support programme, the Funguo Innovation Programme (also simply referred to as FUNGUO).
Building on the work of the former Human Development Innovation Fund programme (HDIF), the ultimate aim of FUNGUO is to increase the number of successfully scaled innovation ventures/ startups to contribute to the national development goals and the SDGs in Tanzania. This will be achieved through the programme’s contribution in addressing the stumbling blocks and gaps in the innovation ecosystem that hinder innovative impact ventures from scaling while promoting an environment that empowers innovators and enablers. The three main pillars of the programme are:
Innovation Financing: This will include, but not be limited to, building a viable pipeline of innovation impact ventures/ startups, working with partners to provide relevant and flexible financial and technical support innovation ventures /startups and ultimately setting up an autonomous Funguo Innovation Facility that will leverage public funding to unlock private/third party financing and investment.
Innovation Service Delivery: Contributing to strengthening the capacity of service delivery institutions (hubs, incubators, accelerators, professional business development services providers, etc…) in order to support and lead innovative start-ups to a stage where they could attract impact and/or commercial investments.
Innovation Enabling Environment: working with and supporting policymakers and other innovation stakeholders to promote strategic dialogues, policy influencing and engagement across the innovation ecosystem.
The programme is initially being funded by UNDP, the European Union Delegation to Tanzania and EAC, as well as the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO). The implementation is being led by UNDP Tanzania in partnership with the United Nations Capital Development Fund, UNCDF.
Scope of Work
The Communications, Outreach and Advocacy Lead (Analyst) will assume the overall responsibility to the communication and advocacy function of the Funguo Innovation Programme. S/He will be expected to design mechanisms, strategies and interventions to come up with innovative and impactful content, platforms and strategic engagements to promote innovation and reach the right audience. The holder of the position will lead on mobilizing strategic partnerships around key innovation platforms such as Innovation Week and others and will coordinate the programme’s engagement via key social media channels, and develop and nurture partnerships with relevant media houses.
The following are key duties of the Communications, Outreach and Advocacy Lead:
i. Initiate and coordinate efforts to promote innovation for development in Tanzania:
Working with other team members, and under the guidance of the Programme Manager, design and roll out relevant initiatives geared towards promoting innovation in Tanzania;
Come up with innovative ways of keeping the wider innovation ecosystem engage in impactful conversations as far as innovation is concerned;
Showcase and amplify key innovation achievements and milestones registered by any of the programme’s strategic partners, beneficiaries or any other actors within the innovation ecosystem;
Highlight and disseminate any policy recommendations towards improving the innovation enabling environment in Tanzania;
Highlight and amplify any progress made in supporting and improving the Tanzanian innovation ecosystem;
Identify partners pushing the innovation agenda and explore means of supporting or amplifying their efforts rather than coming up with similar initiatives.
ii. Lead in the design, implementation of and support to key innovation ecosystem events such as the Innovation Week Tanzania (IWTz):
Coordinate internal and external partners in designing and implementing key innovation themed events in Tanzania;
Identify existing innovation events and advise the programme which ones to support and amplify;
Work in partnership with Partnerships Leads in mobilizing resources to support the identified innovation ecosystem events.
iii. Promote the programme work and partners’ brand visibility:
Ensure the programme’s website and social media channels are constantly active and updated;
Ensure visibility of the programme’s activities and those of partners and beneficiaries;
Oversee the design and deployment of branded communication materials to enhance the programme and partners visibility (banners, logos, etc).
iv. Develop and implement a vibrant communication strategy for the programme (with emphasis on digital communication):
Refine and oversee the implementation of the programme’s communication strategy;
Ensure the programme’s digital communication plan is in place and implemented.
v. Development and dissemination of relevant and impactful content:
Oversee the development and dissemination of relevant digital content;
Ensure relevant insights, learnings and lessons from the programme and its partners’ work are generated and disseminated.
Institutional Arrangement
The Communications, Outreach and Advocacy Lead (Analyst) will report directly to the Programme Manager – Funguo Innovation Programme.
Competencies:
Core competencies
Communication – Ability to listen, adapt, persuade, and transform;
People Management – Ability to improve performance and satisfaction;
Innovation – Ability to make new and useful ideas work;
Leadership – Ability to persuade others to follow;
Delivery – Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement.
Technical/functional competencies
Knowledge Management – Ability to capture, develop, share and effectively use information and knowledge;
Relationship Management – Ability to engage and foster strategic partnerships with other parties, inter-agency coordination and forge productive working relationships;
Development Planning and Monitoring – Ability to develop business and planning processes at the national and local level and the ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
First University degree in a relevant field, preferably in Mass Communication, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, or another relevant field;
A Master’s degree in a relevant field is an added advantage;
Training in the innovation-related field will be a great asset.
Experience:
Minimum two years (with Masters), or four years with (bachelor’s degree) of experience in communication, marketing and branding, business development, relationships management, stakeholders’ engagements, etc;
At least 2 years experience working with innovators, SMEs or Startups in Tanzania or wider East Africa;
Experience organizing and supporting large complex events with multiple partners and sponsors;
Ability to conceptualize and execute a communication strategy (track record in developing and implementing a social media strategy);
Understanding and experience in fundraising or sponsorship management;
Strong ICT skills with the ability to work with web-based management systems;
Strong track record in organizing and hosting both physical and virtual events, using a variety of platforms;
Demonstrable network within the Tanzanian innovation ecosystem and media fraternity;
A strong understanding of Tanzania’s development landscape and SDG agenda and ability to link it to the Funguo Innovation Programme work;
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office package such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and familiarity with remote working tools such as Teams, Zoom, Skype, etc;
Track record in stakeholders’ engagement in private, public and development partners’ circles;
Past work experience with a UN agency and/or international organization in Tanzania is considered an asset;
Experience in project proposal writing and/or resource mobilization;
Critical, structured and strategic thinking;
An outside-the-box kind of thinker;
Digital and social media savvy.
Language
Strong Communication skills (written and oral) in both English and Swahili;
Knowledge of an additional UN official language is an asset.
Professional Certificates
Any professional certification will be considered an asset.
Travel
Limited travel within Tanzania to engage with programme partners, take part in conferences, trainings, and events.
Disclaimer
Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional-level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP 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 UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job descriptions, experience, and educational requirements.
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The deadline for submitting the application is 01 February 2022.
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