Project Communications Officer (Tonga Coastal Resilience Project)

Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and planet. The Fiji multi-country office covers ten countries including Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu as well as provides support to regional initiatives.

UNDP in the Pacific has developed its multi-country programme document (MCPD, 2023-2027) to guide its interventions in the next five years in full alignment and directly to contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF, 2023–27). The Office covers 10 countries in the Pacific with an extensive portfolio which has grown over time. The UNSDCF and UNDP MCPD are designed in full alignment with the 2030 agenda, Samoa Pathway, and 2050 Blue Content Strategy, which is endorsed by the Pacific Island Countries (PICs) among others. The UNDP Pacific Office next five-year plan strategic priorities are encapsulated under three outcome areas: (i) Planet, (ii) Prosperity, and (iii) Peace.

Resilience is one of UNDP’s six signature solutions – alongside poverty and inequality, environment, energy, governance, and gender equality - to support countries towards three directions of change: structural transformation, leaving no one behind and resilience. As per UNDP’s new Strategic Plan 2022- 2025, and the new MCPD (2023-2027), UNDP Pacific office aims to supporting countries and communities in building resilience to diverse shocks and crises, including conflict, climate change, disasters and epidemics.

Climate change is expected to bring Tonga serious impacts that include more heavy rainfall events, severe tropical cyclones and extreme sea level events, which will require adaptation for people, infrastructure, and coastal ecosystems. Tonga faces a potential long-term threat from permanent inundation and wave-driven flooding, with studies suggesting significant community displacement (World Bank, 2021a). The largest island, Tongatapu, which holds around 74% of the population (74,320), faces significant frequent flooding risks and potential permanent losses from sea level rise (SLR) without future adaptation measures. This population is expected to grow as Tongans relocate from outlying islands to Tongatapu. With most of Tongatapu’s populated areas only 1m above sea level, SLR could inundate many settlements without adequate adaptation strategies. Geographic isolation and economic vulnerabilities, including dependence on remittance and foreign aid, exacerbate the challenges faced by communities and decision-makers, compounding the risks associated with climate change.

The project therefore seeks to address coastal inundation in critical areas through immediate coastal protection measures in the northeastern parts of Tongatapu, while fostering long term adaptation measures through the provision of critical climate risk information and planning tools supported through key training, knowledge sharing and capacity. The project also proposes a transformative adaptation approach through the establishment and support for multi-stakeholder decision making on critical adaptation needs and land use planning. Ongoing climate change threats, risk, and impacts to date have challenged Tonga and brought the issue of transformative adaptation to the forefront. Therefore, the overall objective for the project is to support the transformative adaptation agenda setting through a participatory process; supporting development and spatial planning (community development plans, district plans and island strategic plans) to consider climate risks and promote appropriate and transformative adaptation options. Specifically, these are to be achieved through three key outputs:

• Output 1 Strengthened knowledge, capacity and engagement for incorporating climate risks into long-term adaptation planning supported through multi-sectoral, multi-stakeholder engagement and dialogue platform.
• Output 2 Strengthened national and local capacities for effective monitoring and assessment of climate risks
• Output 3 Reduced vulnerabilities of coastal communities in Hahake to climate hazards through coastal protection measures

Duties and Responsibilities

• The successful candidate will work directly under the overall guidance of Project Manager and direct supervision of the RCC Team Leader.
• The candidate will work with PMU staff and stakeholders at local and national levels.

The Project Communications Officer is expected to:

Design and implementation of internal and external communication strategy and outreach.

• Preparation of Project Communication Strategies which map communications objectives, target audiences, key messages, and tactics and includes the types and number of internal and external communication outreach with the project implementation. At minimum, the Strategy should require the following Communication tools and activities: Regular project updates (at least once a week), to social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc). Periodic project progress updates (at least once a quarter) for key stakeholders, in a newsletter or other format.
• External outreach to local and regional media (as well as coordination with Bangkok Regional Hub for global coverage)
• Event-based outreach at national, regional and international events
• Communications with project partners and stakeholders to ensure they aware of the project and its progress, and that there is a mechanism for feedback.
• Provide input to the Annual Work Planning process to ensure that sufficient resources are secured to carry out activities to implement the Communication Strategy
• Establish a database of all internal and external communication materials with a corresponding file management system.
• Act as the communications and media focal person for the projects.
• Produce a quarterly communications report on media coverage, online metrics (website and social media) and other.
• Capture high-quality photos and videos documenting the progress of the project.

Work closely with the UNDP Country Office to ensure effective communication of the project activities to the relevant parties

• Ensure that the Project Communication Strategy and its implementation is aligned with the CO communication strategy and plan.
• Ensure that all print, digital and audio publications and communication materials are in alignment with UNDP publication guideline and that of donor partners (including logo placement and donor acknowledgement across products.
• Produce a range of communications products – including web and social media updates, videos, photos, human interest stories, news articles and printed materials – to ensure maximum exposure of the Projects, (donor), partners, UNDP and, particularly, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji.
• Coordination and management of CO publication activities (including for, such as content management, norms for publishing, design, etc.
• Produce communication materials that demonstrate the contributions of the project towards key development goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Provide information about the project progress to UNDP Senior Management as needed.

Undertake systematic capacity development of project team (and partners/stakeholders)

• Analysis of ongoing practices with project partners for disseminating information on project outcomes.
• Identify and conduct necessary capacity development activities targeting the PMU staff and, upon request, with project partners (may include areas such as effective use of social media, storytelling and writing skills; basic photography or other).

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Competencies

Core competencies

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements 
• Learn Continuously:  LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
• Engage and Partner:  LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Business Management           

• Knowledge Generation - Ability to research information and to turn it into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Ability to apply existing concepts to new situations, and to develop new concepts to generate workable solutions and new approaches. Knowledge of relevant concepts, conceptual models, and theories that can be useful in addressing new situations.           
• Results- based Management - Ability to manage programmes and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results     
• Resource Management - Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools.            
• Working with Evidence and Data - Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making            

Digital 

• Data storytelling and communications - Skilled in building a narrative around a set of data and its accompanying visualizations to help convey the meaning of that data in a powerful and compelling fashion.   

Communications       

• Brand & quality management - Ability to position a UNDP brand and uphold it to a high level of quality                   

Business Direction and Strategy      

• Systems Thinking - Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system    

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Communications, Journalism, International Development, Legal Studies, Public Policy, Social Sciences is required OR 
•  A first level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in above mentioned fields in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years (with master’s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible relevant experience in journalism, politics, communication or advocacy related fields.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling web-based management systems.
• Experience in working, liaising, and collaborating with UN agencies, governments, NGOs, civil society organizations, and public international organizations
• Experience in preparing case studies, minutes, donor reports, country context analyses and creative communications and outreach products.
• Prior experience in results-based reporting/monitoring and evaluation and other communications and reporting related functions in-line with TOR requirements.
• Demonstrated experience in originating and/or editing written content for media and the public to be disseminated through press or other online outlets

Required Languages

• Fluency in English and Tongan is required.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

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 description, experience and educational requirements.

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