The signing of Sudan’s Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) on 9 January 2005 marked the end of Africa’s longest civil war and opened the way for a transition to peace. A key requirement for this is restoring and strengthening security through Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration of ex-combatants who might otherwise, again, undermine public security and constrain progress towards development and sustainable peace. The primary responsibility for the positive outcome of the DDR process rests with national and local actors who are ultimately accountable for the peace, security and development of Sudan. In this context, the DDR process will be nationally owned and led. As part of its role in supporting the implementation of the CPA, the United Nations Mission in Sudan was mandated by UN Security Council Resolution 1590 (24 March 2005) to assist in the establishment of the DDR programme and its implementation. In this context, the Integrated UN DDR Unit, consisting in UNMIS, UNDP, and UNICEF has been established to assist the relevant national institutions in the DDR process. Over the course of 2005–2008, support has been provided through Preparatory Assistance and Interim DDR projects to prepare the grounds for implementation of the DDR Programme. Within the IUNDDRU, UNMIS is taking the lead in assisting with the design and operations of demobilisation component while UNDP assists the Government in the planning and implementation of the reintegration aspect of the DDR Programme. In the context of the DDR programme, which focuses on individual support to ex-combatants, reintegration implementation will be carried out by a network of field offices in North and South Sudan through working alongside North and South DDR Commissions’ staff at the sub-national and state level. UNDP will ensure assistance to the DDR commissions by means of technical and operational modalities. During the implementation of the programme, a sound reporting system will be in place to identify and address key strategic and operational issues. In accordance with the agreements reached with the DDR Commissions and funding agencies in August 2008, in order to ensure an effective reporting system and public information for the reintegration component of DDR programme in North and South Sudan, UNDP is looking for a Reporting/Public Information Officer. The organizational structure of UNDP/DDR reflects the needs of the DDR programme, the largest of its kind in the world, with a single headquarters in Khartoum, a North and a South Coordination Office in Juba and Khartoum respectively, as well as 20 State Offices. Organizational Context: UNDP Southern Sudan is at the crossroads of a dramatic change in terms of strengthening its operations to cope with a sharp increase in program delivery and to better support the implementation of the CPA, which is facing major challenges due to the recent political developments inside and outside of Sudan. UNDP Southern Sudan is also in the process of strengthening its operations support services to other UN agencies and major funds and programs that will play a critical role in promoting peace and development in Sudan.
Duties and Responsibilities |
Under the guidance and direct supervision of the DDR Public Information Specialist, the International UNV Public Information Officer will assist the Public Information Specialist to: - Support the South Sudan DDR Commission and relevant stakeholders in identifying their PI and outreach requirements
- Conceptualize and develop the UNDDRU communication and outreach strategy to inform ex-combatants and host communities of the program and its objectives as well as strengthen popular understanding of and support to the CPA.
The International UNV Public Information Officer will: - Conduct of communications needs assessments for the IUNDDRU
- Support the supervisor with engagement of government officials at senior-level –ministerial- to support and develop an information campaign explaining the DDR programme, its objectives, processes and target groups, in Southern Sudan.
- Development/production of communication and advocacy instruments and materials for DDR awareness-raising campaigns, including briefing materials and press releases in coordination with the supervisor.
- Provide support as may be required for specific aspects of public information, which may include for example the drafting/pretesting of appropriate and accurate messaging, development of work plans and budgets.
- Support the supervisor to conceptualize and develop outreach materials, including (interactive) radio programmes, printed material such as leaflets & posters, TV materials as deemed appropriate ,meetings with key leaders and individuals, and sensitisation forums,
- Support the delivery of public information and outreach outputs.
- Development/implementation of DDR website and other electronic information materials in coordination with the supervisor.
- Conduct information/communication audit at the national level, and identify the most appropriate and effective ways to disseminate information especially the traditional communication channels.
- Assess media presence in South Sudan. Develop and maintain fruitful relationship with national key media while developing and pitching DDR related success stories to journalists in general.
- Assist in preparation a DDR briefing package, as well as relevant media briefings, backgrounders, press kits and fact sheets.
- Devise media monitoring mechanism to obtain feedback, comments, and reactions from the public at large on DDR related issues.
- In cooperation with the supervisor undertake selected media capacity building projects, in so far as it is of direct benefit to the implementation of DDR and the support to the peace process.
- Perform any other tasks related to Public Information and media outreach, as requested by the Supervisor.
Promotion of Volunteerism UNV volunteers are expected to promote volunteerism and engage in volunteering activities. As such UNV volunteers are encouraged to: - Strengthen their knowledge and understanding of the concept of volunteerism by reading relevant UNV and other publications and taking active part in UNV activities;
- Get acquainted with traditional and/or local forms of volunteerism in the host community.
- Reflect on and integrate into their work plan activities that will be undertaken as part of their assignment in order to promote volunteerism for development (V4D)
Specific ways to promote volunteerism during the assignment and within working hours include:
- Networking and building relationships with local organizations, groups or individuals and supporting and/or participating in local volunteering initiatives;
- Encouraging, mobilizing and supporting co-workers, fellow UNV volunteers and members of the local community to play an active part in the development of their community;
- Contributing articles/write-ups on field experiences and submitting them for UNV publications/websites, newsletters, press releases, etc.;
- Initiating and/or participating in local volunteer groups. Assisting them in submitting stories, experiences to the World Volunteer Web site;
- Reflecting on the type and quality of voluntary action that they are undertaking, including participation in ongoing reflection activities.
- Promoting or advising local groups in the use of OV (online volunteering), or encouraging relevant local individuals and groups to use OV whenever technically possible.
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Competencies |
- Ability to assimilate and analyze information and derive programme-relevant findings
- Problem solving skills with the ability to design and implement innovative solutions
- Ability to multi-task and cope with competing demands under tight deadlines
- Excellent verbal and presentational skills
- Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships in a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment
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Required Skills and Experience |
Qualifications: - University degree in communications, journalism, international affairs or other social sciences ; Masters degree desirable.
Experience: - Minimum of three years relevant experience at the international level in public information, communications or advocacy
- Significant experience in using Corel Draw, Adobe Photoshop for publication purposes (Posters/Brochures/Fact Files etc.)
- Ability to operate video a camcorder and demonstrated willingness to learn the use a non-linear video editing system (Final Cut Pro)
- Willingness and ability to travel to different States with in Southern Sudan
- Technological Awareness: proficiency in (MS Word, Excel, etc) with good typing skills in English; good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based management systems
- Experience in post-conflict operations and familiarity with the UN system would be significant advantages
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| 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. |
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