Background

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.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the development arm of the United Nations, UNDP supports strategic capacity development initiatives to promote inclusive growth and sustainable human development. Through partnerships with national, regional, and local governments, civil society, and the private sector, UNDP strives to support Ukraine in its efforts to eliminate poverty, develop people’s capacity, achieve equitable results, sustain the environment, and advance democratic governance.

In Ukraine, UNDP has been working since 1993 with the Government and local authorities, with partners across the UN system, with civil society and with local communities to help identify and develop targeted solutions to the country’s development challenges. We work in close collaboration with several key ministries, departments and agencies in a robust, integrated manner in three thematic priorities/portfolios:

1. Inclusive Development, Recovery and Peacebuilding,
2. Democratic Governance, and
3. Energy and Environment.

Today Ukraine is facing its most serious challenges since achieving independence in 1991. The ongoing war has already resulted in significant loss of life, unprecedented displacement, internally and towards neighboring countries, and devastating destruction of infrastructure. The UN Ukraine Flash Appeal shows that at least 15.7 million people are in immediate need of emergency assistance and protection. Early projections indicate that if the war should continue int he medium to long term, up to 90% of the Ukrainian population could face poverty and extreme economic vulnerability, and the country’s socio-economic progress could be set-back by almost 20 years. Through its programme implementation, UNDP will seek to enhance the resilience of war-affected communities.

To further assist in this effort, UNDP is recruiting a Communications Associate in ensuring effective communication strategies, enhancing public outreach, and promoting transparency and inclusivity in crisis response initiatives.

The incumbent will prioritize gender equality and women’s empowerment within all implementations and promote UNDPs mandate as a gender-responsive organization with zero tolerance to any kind of discriminatory and abusive behaviour, including sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse.

Duties and Responsibilities

Ensure effective project communication:

• In consultation with the Strategic Communications Specialist, develop a project communications strategy/plan/reporting (for internal and external communications, defining target audiences, purpose and objectives of communications, methods, timeframes, resources, and responsibilities), incorporate it with the annual work plans and update it annually in consultation with project stakeholders;
• Under the supervision of the Project Manager, coordinate the implementation of the project communications strategy;
• Coordinate and oversee the implementation of public awareness activities across all projects;
• Under the supervision of the Project Manager and programmatic team, UNDP CO communications, and global UNDP communications teams to support key partnerships with Government, non-government and implementing partners to ensure effective communication and collaboration across a broad spectrum of stakeholders to maximize the impact of the project initiatives.

Facilitate knowledge building and sharing:

• Support and coordinate the development of project knowledge management outputs;
• Support in training relevant staff in communications and branding guidelines;
• Support the design and maintenance of the UNDP website/webpages/social media and ensure it is up-to-date and dynamic;
• Facilitate learning and sharing of knowledge and experiences relevant to the projects.

Avoid any kind of discriminatory behavior including gender discrimination and ensure that:

• Human rights and gender equality is prioritized as an ethical principle within all actions;
• Activities are designed and implemented in accordance with “Social and Environmental Standards of UNDP”;
• Any kind of diversities based on ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, class, gender are respected within all implementations including data production;
• Differentiated needs of women and men are considered;
• Inclusive approach is reflected within all actions and implementations, in that sense an enabling and accessible setup in various senses such as disability gender language barrier is created;
• Necessary arrangements to provide gender parity within all committees, meetings, trainings etc. introduced.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization. 

   Institutional Arrangement

The incumbent will report directly to the Project Manager and will work in close coordination with UNDP CO. Communications team under the overall guidance of the Strategic Communications Specialist

Competencies

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Secondary Education is required. 
• A university degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Relation, Political Sciences, Social Sciences or other relevant field will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7 years (with Secondary Education) or 4 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant professional experience in Public Relations, International Relations, Media, Communications, Journalism or other relevant fields.

Required skills:

     •     Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) 

Desirable Criteria:

    •     Strong professional working capacity to use information and communications technology, specifically including website design and desk top publishing software is desired.
•     Proven previous experience in developing and implementing communications strategies for organizations or projects. 
•     Extensive contacts within mass media outlets would be an asset.
•     Extensive experience of cooperation with international, governmental and non-governmental organizations would be considered an asset.

Required Language(s):   

 •     Fluency in English is required.
•     Fluency in Ukrainian is required for local personnel.
 

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.