Application Deadline: 9 July 2023
Location: Maputo, Mozambique
About UN University (UNU)
The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge, furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. UNU’s mission is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.
For the past four decades, United Nations University (UNU) has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU’s work spans the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe.
United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER)
UNU-WIDER is one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system.
UNU-WIDER is a leading international development economics think tank. The Institute provides economic analysis and policy advice with the aim of promoting sustainable and equitable development for all. The Institute began operations in 1985 in Helsinki, Finland, as the first research centre of the United Nations University. Today, it is a unique blend of think tank, research institute, and UN agency — providing a range of services from policy advice to governments, as well as freely available original research. More information on UNU-WIDER and its current work programme are available at www.wider.unu.edu.
Responsibilities of the Communications and Project Assistant
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.
1. The Communications and Project Assistant 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.
2. The Communications and Project Assistant 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).
3. The Communications and Project Assistant 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.
4. The Communications and Project Assistant 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.
5. The Communications and Project Assistant 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.
6. The Communications and Project Assistant performs other duties as assigned by supervisor
Communications and Project Assistant Key performance indicators
- Timely delivery of project/programme research translation, dissemination, and promotional outputs.
- Quality contribution to increasing UNU-WIDER and project/programme visibility in Mozambique through various outreach channels.
- Timely and quality administrative, logistical, and programmatic support to UNU-WIDER portfolio in Mozambique.
- Maintains positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Communications and Project Assistant Competencies
Values:
- Inclusion — take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity
- Integrity — act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards
- Humility — demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others
- Humanity — act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet
Behaviours:
- Connect and collaborate — build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
- Analyse and plan — seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
- Deliver results with positive impact — hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
- Learn and develop — pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
- Adapt and innovate — demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways
Communications and Project Assistant: Qualifications
Required Qualifications and Experience:
- 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.
Language Requirements:
- Excellent command of English and Portuguese language writing and editing for academic and non-academic target audiences
Communications and Project Assistant: 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.
Communications and Project Assistant: Duration of contract
The duration of the initial Communications and Project Assistant 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
How to Apply for Communications and Project Assistant role:
To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:
- Apply via the apply link;
- fill out the UNU P11 form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
- provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and
- answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.
You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified Communications and Project Assistant candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks and references.