I. Position Information

Job Code Title: Project Communications Assistant

Position Number:

Department: The PMO of the Rugao Project

Reports to: NPD and PM of the Rugao Project

Approved Grade:

Position Classified by:

Classification Approved by:

Position Status: Service Contract

II. Organizational Context

In September 2015, the member states of the United Nations adopted a new development agenda for the next 15 years that included 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These new goals are a plan of action for our planet and call for new and innovative methods to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all (goal 7). Part of the targets under this goal is to integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning and by 2030.

Closely linked with the UNDP-GEF Fuel Cell Vehicle project, UNDP China has been working in partnership with China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges (CICETE) on initiating an umbrella programme, China Hydrogen Economy Pilot, on promoting use of hydrogen-powered FC in sectors beyond FCV, so as to promote the sustainable development of China and mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change. The implementation of the proposed umbrella programme will significantly contribute to the commercialization of hydrogen powered FC technologies as well as the wide application of hydrogen energy, legislation, planning, institutional management, and capacity building.

As one of a first project within the umbrella programme, the UNDP China Hydrogen Economy Pilot Project in Rugao of Jiangsu Province, (a.k.a. “the Rugao Project”), which will be implemented in August 2016 – July 2020, aims to demonstrate the application of hydrogen production and technology in the field of manufacturing and consumption, and build the first “Hydrogen City” to demonstrate the hydrogen economy, with the goal of promoting the sustainable development of China and mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change.

Following a request of the PMO, UNDP and CICETE are looking for a project communication assistant to support the project’s communication related work as well as help with the development of UNDP China’s hydrogen economy programme portfolio.

Under the direct supervision of the National Project Director (NPD) and under the leadership of the Project Manager of the Project Management Office (PMO) of the Rugao Project, the Communications Assistant will be a full-time position with specific responsibilities including project communication and portfolio development.

III. Functions / Key Results Expected

Summary of Key Functions:

• In charge of the project communication and advocacy

• Support to the development of Hydrogen Alliance as well as the Hydrogen Economy Programme.

Project communication

• To develop the communication plan for the project under the guidance and support of the project manager.

• Be responsible for the implementation of the project communication plan.

• Management of project’s communication related activities under the supervision of project manager, including but not limited to the awareness raising and information dissemination activities under project Component 6.

• Be responsible for the project outreach platform design and operation, and ensure that the website is kept up to date with recent developments on the project and in related fields and that it is easily accessible in China and worldwide.

• Collect and summarize project results on a regular basis for advocacy and communications.

• Interview the beneficiaries, field works of the projects and discover stories from the field on a regular basis.

• Develop knowledge sharing practices among key stakeholders at national, provincial and local level, as well as other cities in this programme.

• Liaison with media to ensure targeted organizations receive updates on project activities and particularly on progress of the demos.

• Contributing to project ideas of how to share the best practices of the project as well as enhance the acceptance of hydrogen utilization.

• Liaison work with international organizations on hydrogen energy and/or FC technologies.

• Editing and polishing the project reporting documents, including but not limited to project work plans and project progress reports.

• Other tasks upon the request of the NPD/PM

Portfolio Development of Hydrogen Alliance as well as the Hydrogen Economy Programme

• Assisting with the development of the Hydrogen Alliance under the programme. The role includes but not limited to: drafting the media articles, developing and managing the execution of the communication plan, assisting with the Alliance events organization as well as the outreach efforts.
• Assisting with the development of the Hydrogen Economy Programme development, which including preparing project documents, organizing meetings with potential partners as well as other ad hoc tasks.
• Assisting with the formulation of the Fuel Cell Vehicle Partnership. The role includes but not limited to: drafting the media articles, developing and managing the execution of the communication plan, assisting with the Partnership events organization as well as the outreach efforts.
• Other tasks upon the request of the NPD/PM

IV. Impact of Results

Effective communication of project/programme achievements through posting of success stories and other project/programme-related materials;

Well-established communication links with key stakeholders in the project/programme to promote the wide application of Hydrogen;

Increased public awareness, participation and understanding on the Hydrogen as renewable energy source.

V. Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values.

• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Functional Competencies:

• Excellent Communications Skills (in particular writing and speaking) in both Chinese and English

• Demonstrated understanding and experience in communications and outreach

• Strong imitative-takers

• Maintains strong relations with key national and local key stakeholders engaged in hydrogen utilization/development, using inter-personal skills to network effectively;

• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and handle multiple tasks simultaneously;

• Excellent analytical skills;

• Good command of office software and internet

Development and Operational Effectiveness:

• Ability to perform a variety of specialized tasks related to Results Management, including support to design, planning and implementation of programme, managing data, reporting.

• Ability to provide input to business processes re-engineering, implementation of new system, including new IT based systems

Leadership and Self-Management

• Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback

• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude

• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure

• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

VI. Recruitment Qualifications

Education:

A Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Media, Advertising, Visual Arts and Design, Social Science or related discipline preferred.

Experience:



Minimum 2 years of experience in communications at the national or international level, including experience in media relations. Experience in on-line outreach and multimedia is an asset;

Good IT skills, including databases and office software packages;

Familiarity with renewable energy issues is an asset

Outstanding oral and written communications and editing skills, with proven ability to meet tight deadlines;

Experience working in a computer environment using multiple office software packages