Communications Associate

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Position Title: Communications Associate
Location: Colombo
Country: Sri Lanka
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services) is an operational arm of the United Nations, established to support the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects globally. The organization aims to help people build better lives and assist countries in achieving sustainable development. UNOPS specializes in various areas including infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management, and human resources. The Sri Lanka office is part of the Sri Lanka Multi Country Office in the Asia Region, providing technical, operational, and administrative support to multiple countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. UNOPS Sri Lanka operates within the framework of the UN Sustainable Development Framework (UNSDF) and collaborates with UN Agencies to support the Government of Sri Lanka in key focus areas. The office currently manages infrastructure projects in health and solid waste management, and supports governance in public institutions.

Job Overview:
The Communications Associate will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager, focusing on ensuring timely and quality reporting, as well as strong communications and visibility for the Vriddhi Programme. This role involves adhering to established UNOPS policies, processes, guidelines, and standards while collaborating with project teams in both field offices and Colombo. The Associate will engage with various stakeholders including civil society members, local authorities, and communities, ensuring effective communication in a culturally sensitive manner. The position is based in Colombo but requires frequent travel to field and project locations as necessary. The Associate will be responsible for driving the communication function of the programme, formulating and executing communication plans, and supporting the delivery of communication activities such as events and media briefings.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support for Project Stakeholder Management: Maintain a comprehensive database of programme partners, civil society actors, local and national authorities, and journalists. Facilitate stakeholder management for the Vriddhi programme, including daily liaison and scheduling of meetings with relevant stakeholders.
• Communication of Programme Activities: Drive the communication function by formulating and executing a communication plan, supporting the delivery of communication activities, and managing content for various communication outputs. Organize press conferences and media facilitation for donor visits and field activities.
• Reporting: Develop high-quality, timely reports for projects, coordinating inputs from various stakeholders. Prepare concept notes and funding proposals, ensuring clarity and alignment with donor expectations.
• Other Duties: Participate in events, assist with interpretation and translation, and join monitoring visits as required.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with a high level of integrity and confidentiality. They should demonstrate adaptability and flexibility in their approach, along with creativity in developing communication strategies. The candidate must exhibit professionalism and self-management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with local stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, social sciences, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or certifications in relevant areas will be considered an asset.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience in communications, public relations, or stakeholder engagement. Experience working in a multicultural environment and familiarity with UN operations or similar organizations is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with proficiency in Sinhala and Tamil considered an advantage. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is essential for engaging with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The contract duration and seniority level will be discussed during the interview process. The role may involve international recruitment, and compensation will be competitive, with benefits aligned with UNOPS standards.