Vacancies
Communications and Project Assistant

United Nations University objectives

The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars, engaged in research, postgraduate teaching, capacity development, and dissemination of knowledge in furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The mission of UNU 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 more information, please visit www.unu.edu.

United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER)

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.

The Institute is looking for an outstanding individual with skills and expertise in project work and communications to support the implementation of the Inclusive Growth in Mozambique – Scaling-Up Research and Capacity programme, which is undertaken in partnership by UNU-WIDER, Copenhagen University, the Directorate of Economic and Financial Studies (DEEF) of the Ministry of Economics and Finance, and the Centre for Studies in Economics and Management (CEEG) of Eduardo Mondlane University. This position is based at CEEG in Maputo, Mozambique.

Inclusive growth in Mozambique – scaling-up research and capacity

The overarching objective of the programme is to support inclusive growth that substantially improves the living standards of the majority of the Mozambican population. This overall objective is pursued through a focused research and capacity-building programme, meant to increase analytical capabilities and inform better policy-making, organized in four policy areas targeted on the following key impacts: (i) employment creation and protection of vulnerable groups; (ii) maintaining long-run macroeconomic balance; (iii) furthering structural transformation; and (iv) improving socioeconomic information systems for monitoring and evaluation.

The programme aims to achieve these objectives through four sets of activities: (i) inquiries, (ii) regular research and policy support, (iii) dissemination and communication, and (iv) training and capacity-building.

Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of UNU-WIDER’s Chief of Administrative and Programme Services — and the thematic supervision of UNU-WIDER’s Programme Officer and UNU-WIDER’s Communications Coordinator, as well as in close collaboration with UNU-WIDER Research Fellows based at DEEF and CEEG — the Communications and Project Assistant will perform a wide range of project support and communications functions in relation to the Inclusive Growth in Mozambique – Scaling-Up Research and Capacity programme, including the following duties.

Communication duties:

• draft research translation and dissemination products, event reports and blurbs, invitations, web articles, news pieces, bulk mailings, and briefs, in English and Portuguese;
• research, compile and verify background material for promotional material; draft promotional copy in English and Portuguese for use in different dissemination channels, including website, social media, and email;
• organize events and activities relating to the programme in co-ordination with communications, procurement, and other support units;
• disseminate information and publications; assist in communications at public events such as roundtable discussions, press conferences, briefing sessions, interviews;
• maintain a Mozambique specific media list, information databases, and other team data;
• monitor, review and record media coverage of UNU-WIDER and its research in Mozambique monthly, and circulate to relevant authorities;
• improve the programme’s online presence as part of the social media team.

General duties:

• assist in the co-ordination of programme planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting and closure;
• compile, summarize, and present a wide variety of documents and reports relating to the programme using appropriate technology/software; provide research and administrative support in preparation of presentations;
• provide office support to the programme team; respond to complex information requests and inquiries; process, draft and finalize correspondence and other communications; set up and maintain files/records, organize meetings, monitor deadlines, etc.;
• provide logistical and travel support to the programme;
• edit and proofread Portuguese documents into institutional format to achieve fluency, accuracy and consistency of language;
• update and maintain website and internal databases; generate a variety of standard and non-standard statistical and other reports from various databases;
• liaise on administrative co-ordination of programme implementation activities between internal and external project leaders/participants and administrative/finance/communications personnel;
• provide secretarial, administrative and logistics support as required;
• other duties as requested by the supervisor.

Required qualifications and experience

• Completion of secondary school education with at least five (5) years of relevant work experience preferably in an international organization. Or,
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with at least two (2) years of relevant work experience preferably in an international organization.
• Excellent command of English and Portuguese language writing and editing for academic and non-academic target audiences.
• 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.
• Outstanding command in the use of MS Office such as Excel, and Word; knowledge of a Content Management System (Drupal or other) and database tools is an asset.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision and with high level of resilience.
• Strong 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.

Remuneration

Remuneration will commensurate with qualifications, experience and level of responsibilities within the administration.

Duration of contract

This is part-time employment (60%) on a one (1) year Individual Contractor (CIC) contract with UNU-WIDER, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance until the end of the programme (31 December 2019).

This is a locally-recruited post and no relocation allowance applies. The post is limited to a person residing in Mozambique, including persons holding a valid work permit. The successful candidate will be employed under a local contract and will not hold international civil service status nor be a ‘staff member’ as defined in the UN Staff Rules and Regulations. The contract type does neither entitle to annual leave nor to sick leave.

Starting date: As soon as possible.

Application procedure

Interested applicants should submit their applications online using this form and must upload the following:

• A cover letter setting out how the qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position.
• A completed and signed UNU Personal History (P.11). Please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organizations.
• An up-to-date CV.
• A copy of highest educational degree obtained.

UNU-WIDER shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs (Charter of the United Nations, Chapter 3, Article 8).