Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in over 170 countries and territories, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. 

At UNDP, external and internal communication—nationally, regionally and globally—is critical to achieving both development results and business objectives. Skillful communication broadens the impacts of new policies, helps governance reforms take root, and attracts and fosters strong partnerships. The Office of Communications at UNDP is at the forefront of advancing online communications and outreach within the organization.

The Media and Advocacy Teams contribute to the overall UNDP communications vision and strategy. The teams serve as the main interface with the media; collaborates across UNDP units to develop corporate messaging on the organization’s priorities; protects and promotes UNDP’s brand via reputation management, positions UNDP’s leadership and messages externally, highlights donor contributions; harvests and showcases news and stories/results from Country Offices; leads on special events, liaison with Goodwill Ambassadors and liaison with other UN communications entities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Tracking, researching and analyzing information on assigned topics, gathering information from diverse sources and helping assess news value and other potential impacts.
• Assisting with the implementation of communications campaigns; identifying and proposing information opportunities, activities and approaches.
• Assisting with the organization of press conferences for communications campaigns on priority development issues.
• Media monitoring and preparing news compilations on priority development themes.
• Maintaining and updating media and subscription mailing lists.
• Any other assigned tasks as required.

Competencies

• Solid writing and editing skills;
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task;
• Attention to detail is crucial;
• Responsible, responsive, and enthusiastic;
• Interest in global issues and the United Nations;
• Must be able to work in a multi-cultural environment and be aware of political sensitivities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

(a) Be enrolled in a graduate school Programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); 

(b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree Programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent);

(c) Have graduated with a university degree (as defined in (a) and (b) above) and, if selected, must start the internship within one year of graduation. 

Experience:

Communications experience is an asset.

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.