| Description |
CONSULTANT: COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER -- NATIONAL CONSULTANT | | Location : | Ministry of Renewable Energy and Public Utilities, MAURITIUS | | Application Deadline : | 20-Feb-09 | | Additional Category | Environment and Energy | | Type of Contract : | SSA | Languages Required :
| English | Starting Date :
(date when the selected canditate is expected to start) | 23-Mar-2009 | | Duration of Initial Contract : | 12 Months | | Expected Duration of Assignment : | 12 Months | | | Background | The Maurice Ile Durable Fund (the Fund) was set up on the 19th of June 2008 under the Finance and Audit (Maurice Ile Durable Fund) Regulations 2008. As per the Regulations, the Fund is administered and managed by a Committee chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry responsible for the subject of public utilities. Ten persons either representing various relevant Ministries and institutions or nominated by the Minister of Finance, after consultation with the Minister responsible for the subject of public utilities, constitute the other Committee members. It is proposed that a Project Management Unit (PMU) be set up so as to execute the operational aims of the Fund. This would permit a smooth running of the projects, enable follow up thereof, and provide for transparent accountability reporting protocols. In accordance with the request from the Ministry, the UNDP is now recruiting on behalf of the MID Fund a Communications Officer, for the MID Fund Project Management Unit which will be composed of four team members and who will report to the MID Fund. | Duties and Responsibilities | The key results have an impact on the efficiency of the PMU. Accurate analysis and presentation of information strengthens the capacity of the Unit and promotes the image of the MIDF as an effective contributor to the sustainable development of the country. Incumbent’s own initiative is decisive in results of work and timely finalization. Accurate and professional data entry, filing and logistics have an impact on the quality and implementation of the MIDF Strategic Plan 2008-2011. Under the overall guidance of the Head Of Operations, the Communications Officer will have the following key responsibilities: 1. Corporate Communication: Ensures development of a brand identity for the MIDF that encompasses all the elements of the Maurice Ile Durable concept and vision and build relationships with the relevant stakeholders for the following results: - Develop a corporate image or brand for the MIDF
- Integrate the MIDF into the national endeavour to promote sustainable development in Mauritius
- Create imagery that strengthens the Maurice Ile Durable initiative
- Coordinate and integrate multiple corporate or institutional brands and group or individual voices into common aims and projects
- Communicate a shared vision of the different stakeholders as part of “Delivering as One”
2. Programme Communication: Facilitates the inter-institutional coordination of MIDF activities resulting in: - The building of effective partnerships focusing on the achievement of national sustainable development objectives with representatives of local, and locally based, international print and electronic media
- The organization and facilitation of coverage of MIDF project activities and events
- The establishment of enhanced citizen participation in the sustainable development discourse and public sphere and of a common understanding of and approach to communications by the MIDF
- The support to the social process based on dialogue using a broad range of tools and methods
3. Advocacy and Change Management: be responsible for the development and implementation of both internal and external communication plans which will lead to the following results: - An understanding of and support for the Maurice Ile Durable concept
- A strong ownership of communication strategies within senior officials, management and staff of the various ministries and stakeholders involved and within the external partners
- The identification of relevant audiences and the assessment of communication needs for each audience
- The execution of detailed internal and external communication plans - process sequence, timeline and accountabilities, and the monitoring of results and assessment of impact
- The development of an advocacy campaign on the Maurice Ile Durable concept and the engagement of people to build public consensus and bring about change to achieve sustainable development goals
- The promotion of communications as part of an overarching rights-based approach to development and the safeguarding of access and right to correct information
4. Knowledge Sharing and Media Relations: Actively engages local and international media using all available tools and mechanisms to support outreach where and when appropriate for the following results: - Ensure that key sustainable development challenges and achievements are widely covered on behalf of the MIDF and of other partners utilizing appropriate, timely, and relevant public information channels
- Support the MIDF PMU Head of Operations to serve as a Spokesperson for the Maurice Ile Durable concept
- Provide support through response to press queries, schedule interviews, issue press releases and organise press briefings, open discussion forums, conferences, consultations with other agencies and partners, etc.
- Advise the HOO on communication challenges and undertake regular media monitoring of the national & international media channels
- Keep abreast of most recent political, economic and social developments in Mauritius and keep the PMU informed of any news which can affect project activities
- Keep the PMU informed of events, missions, meetings, etc organized by the government agencies, donors, international and local organizations
- Create and maintain information networks
| Competencies | Corporate Responsibility & Direction: - Serves and promotes the Maurice Ile Durable concept as a key MIDF resource
- Translates policy objectives and strategic aims into achievable plans, with established priorities, management requirements and accountability reviews
People Skills: - Recognizes and responds appropriately to the ideas, interests, and concerns of others; gives credit to the contribution of others
- Promotes a learning environment; facilitates the development of individual and team competencies
- Demonstrates sensitivity to social and political issues of national interest
Communication: - Demonstrates excellent listening, writing and speaking communication skills
- Applies the required depth and breadth of knowledge and expertise to meet job demands
- Uses Information Technology effectively as a tool and resource
- Effectively handles and manages direct communication lines with a broad array of stakeholders from politicians and senior decision-makers as well as scientists and technical experts, to others such as industrialists, the teaching profession, NGOs, community leaders, special interest groups, the private sector, the general public and the international research community
Partnering & Networking: - Builds and sustains relationships with key constituents (internal/external, local/international, public/private, group/individual, etc.)
- Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and best practices
Organisation and Management: - Plans and prioritizes work activities and programmes to meet MIDF goals
- Conceptualizes and analyzes problems to identify key issues, underlying problems, and how they relate
- Generates creative and practical approaches using innovation and judgment to overcome challenging situations
| Required Skills and Experience | - Master’s Degree or equivalent in Journalism, Political Sciences or related field
- 5 years of post Master’s relevant experience at the national or international level in public relations, communications, advocacy programmes.
- Experience in the use of computers and office software packages, good knowledge and experience in handling design & content of web-based communication tools.
- Excellent knowledge of English and French is essential and fluency in both languages is expected
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