Brief Description:

DURATION: 9 months

EXPECTED DEPARTURE DATE:
Departure date is contingent upon completion of administrative file and approval of visa. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and position will remain open until filled.

OVERVIEW:
World University Service of Canada (WUSC) and Canadian Executive Services Organization (CESO) are working in partnership to implement the Mongolia: Enhancing Resource management through Institutional Transformation (MERIT) initiative. MERIT is a multi-year initiative that will enhance the public sector management of the Mongolian extractive sector to maximize its contribution to sustainable economic and social development. With the technical support of qualified Canadian volunteers, MERIT is working closely with several partners to build capacity in a number of areas, including gender equality, monitoring and evaluation, environmental management, delivery of quality training, public consultation and inter-agency collaboration, with the overall objective of responsible resource management in Mongolia.

PARTNER DESCRIPTION:
The Ministry of Environment and Tourism of Mongolia (MET) is the central administrative body of the government in the environment and tourism sectors. MET holds responsibilities to undertake protection, conservation and restoration of environment and natural resources for sustainable development, and to promote tourism development. MET is also mandated to approve rules and procedures to be followed by local administrative bodies and capital city administrations in respect to environmental permitting and compliance.

Environmental requirements and their application in Mongolia have seen many changes over the past few years. Public expectations of MET are very high to carry out its mandate, but with MET’s inconsistent management and the impact of political changes, there is a lack of public understanding regarding MET’s policy and regulations.

Whereas the MET’s mandate is broadly stated as policy coordination, collaboration with other public agencies (such as the Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry), implementing agencies and subnational governments is equally important to implement a robust communications strategy and plans. Therefore, MERIT will provide capacity strengthening support to raise the profile of the Ministry by expanding its outreach programme through information, education and communication, taking into account the full range of communication objectives of MET, as well as the expectations of both the internal and external stakeholders.

With the aim to enhance coordination and communication between key public sector agencies and stakeholders involved in the extractives sector, MERIT is requesting a Communications Advisor to provide assistance to MET to build capacity of staff to develop and implement a communications strategy (audience segmentation, targeting, key messages, channels and media) to ensure effective content and outreach to diverse audiences.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The long-term Communications Advisor will provide hands-on support and expertise to the Ministry of Environment and Tourism (and other MERIT partners, if needed) for developing and implementing a well-structured, systematic and coordinated communications strategy. The strategy will aim to increase awareness, improve knowledge and build support for the MET’s mandates for environmental protection, restoration and conservation, especially with respect to managing the extractives sector. This advisory service will address communication gaps and facilitate information sharing at different levels: international, inter-agency and cross-agency and general public communications (i.e. for regulating industry operations). Embedded within the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, the Communications Advisor will work closely with managers and communications staff, and support the Ministry’s external and internal communications programming in order to better inform and engage different target audiences about the MET’s priorities, and to maintain a positive public perception of the MET’s environmental policies and activities.
- Under the direct supervision of the MERIT Project Director, the Communication Advisor’s efforts will undertake the following key tasks. This is not an exhaustive list and additional tasks may be required during the assignment:
- Provide advice and guidance to the MET (and other partners) on developing and implementing a communications strategy;
- Provide coaching and mentoring to communications staff in the delivery of communication products and information materials;
- Build internal capacity by sensitizing Ministry managers and staff on communications strategy;
- Facilitate skill development of communication officers through on-the- job training, coaching and mentoring;
- Support implementation of related plans, tools, and activities of the MERIT project;
- Encourage the participation and inclusion of women and youth in all activities.

QUALIFICATIONS:
- Work experience in communications, public relations and public administration, preferably in the environmental sector;
- Expertise in developing, implementing and evaluating communication plans;
- Excellent networking and relationship building skills;
- Ability to work independently and to exercise judgement;
- Strong written and oral communication skills;
- Cultural, gender, religion, nationality sensitivity and adaptability;
- Knowledge about building websites and an online database will be an asset.

VOLUNTEER BENEFITS AND SUPPORT:
- Support and guidance prior to departure and while on assignment in country.
- Participation in a pre-departure training where you will have the opportunity to learn about the program, gain practical skills for living and working in an intercultural context and meet other volunteers. Travel, meals and accommodation are covered.
- In-country orientation and briefing upon arrival in-country.
- Language training in-country where required.
- Return flights, visas and work permits.
- Cost of required country specific vaccinations and antimalarials.
- Comprehensive health insurance.
- Modest monthly living allowance while overseas.
- Accommodation while overseas.
- Vacation leave entitlement.
- Return debriefing in Canada after completion of assignment. Travel, meals and accommodation are covered.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
- Applicants must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada between the age of 18-70.
- Departure date is contingent upon the timely completion of all administrative requirements (e.g. visa processes, medical clearance, police checks, travel documentation).
- With the support of the program, all volunteers shall undertake to make a minimum financial contribution of $1,500 for participating in the program.

TO APPLY:
http://agora.ceci.ca/SGC/WUSProje.nsf/va_WPO/3F4D2F8C6AE4596F85258130006A88CC?OpenDocument&lg=enok

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