COORDINATION OFFICERS FROM THE “DELIVERING AS ONE” PILOTS CONSULTATION MEETING

1. COORDINATION OFFICERS FROM THE “DELIVERING AS ONE” PILOTSCONSULTATION MEETING 13-14 NOVEMBER 2007 Topic: Communications

2. INTRODUCTION & OBJECTIVES from Communication for Change workshop • Three objectives: • To develop a shared understanding of communication challenges and opportunities associated with ‘One UN’ implementation • Including best practices sharing • To assist pilot countries in strategic communications planning • Identification of audiences, messages and channels for effective external and internal communication on the “One UN” pilots • To strengthen participants’ ability to use communication as an effective tool for implementing UN reform • Hands-on training component

3. Outstanding issues addressed in SA • Little common understanding among agencies of the benefits gained from the “One UN” exercise (“what is in it for us”); need to clarify and create “incentive structures” for closer agency collaboration; • Need for a better understanding of the “communication needs” of agencies at country level; • Carefully address corporate identity issues (e.g. logos, etc); • How do we achieve consensus without compromising “added value” of individual agencies • Communication around pilots seems “process-heavy” • Need for a better understanding of functioning of inter-agency communication mechanisms UN Communication Groups (UNCGs) • How do we ensure that communication efforts around pilots are seen as “owned” by the entire UN system; • More guidance needed on “end result” of pilot exercise • Pilots provide an opportunity to address negative perceptions of UN’s development work at country level (“inefficient”, “extension of government”);

4. Key Messages External –Government • Agencies are not competing for resources but working more strategically going forward • Funds saved by becoming more efficient will be reinvested into development • We are being responsive to government demands and the Paris declaration • We will be increasing the international image and visibility for the government (esp. for small countries) • This will save time and transactions costs / resources for the government • This will help with specific strategies to address national priorities and the MDGs • We are not closing UN agencies; the mandates remain the same but we are working more closely together • There may be some impact on the national staff – but if we don’t act, there definitely will be as our relevance will decline. We are working to minimize the impact on staff, and working closely with HR and staff assns. • Need to address Fed/Prov issues in some countries

5. Key Messages External –Donors • More flexible and unearmarked use of donor funds is ideal, where possible • Reform will lead to increased efficiency and reduction in txn costs • We are responding to donor concerns and the Paris declaration • Being a pilot country is a great opportunity

6. Key Messages External –Media • Goal is to be a “one-stop-shop” as much as possible, without creating an extra layer • The RCO can play this role by directing general inquiries to the appropriate lead agency • Journalists / others with existing agency contacts should of course continue to use them • Should reflect the way the media operates, i.e. local media in most pilot countries is very different than the international media • Messages of interest to international media could be Afghan/Pakistan border issues, as opposed to internal issues – understand the audience • Use phrases and messages that support people / national priorities without necessarily appearing to be a government puppet • “UN supports national priorities”, “serving people better” • In general focus on the UN’s comparative advantages and the benefits of One UN, even if specifics are not yet known • Wherever possible, give concrete examples of successfully working together or joint programmes

7. Key Messages External –Public • Focus on the future, helping the people, the MDGs • Understand the baseline of UN perceptions of the public (in country and internationally, depending on the media) • Address corporate identity issues carefully (e.g. logos, etc) • Be together at press conferences (RC and lead agency) • Note that in-country publicity is the focus here; donor-country publicity is important too but different • Public needs to know UN is working to address government shortcomings and issues…but sometimes using back channels to do so

8. Key Messages Internal –staff, HQ, etc. • Need to understand staff perceptions • Address issues of government advocacy as well as government partnership • Spokespeople can include RC (including RC a.i. when appropriate), heads of agencies, staff associations and other champions / key opinion leaders • Key messages around better serving the people / country, and how this is a must for the future relevance of the UN • Involve HR when appropriate • Support needs include design and management of attitudinal survey