Communications Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the leading United Nations organization dedicated to combating poverty, inequality, and climate change. Established to improve the economic and social conditions of the Palestinian people, UNDP operates in 170 countries, working with a broad network of experts and partners. The organization aims to build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet, focusing on democratic governance, inclusive economic opportunities, and sustainable natural resource management. UNDP's Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (PAPP) was mandated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1978, and its current Palestinian Programmatic Framework (PPF) for 2023-2025 emphasizes transformative resilience, self-reliance, and community leadership. UNDP/PAPP has developed an integrated emergency response and early recovery program to address urgent needs in Gaza, focusing on critical services, emergency employment, and support for civil society organizations.

Job Overview:
The Communications Associate will play a pivotal role in supporting the implementation of UNDP/PAPP's communication and outreach strategies, particularly focusing on Gaza-related components and activities. This position is crucial for increasing the visibility and awareness of UNDP/PAPP’s response in Gaza and its early recovery efforts among various stakeholders, including partners, media, and the public. The incumbent will work closely with the Head of the Communication Unit and the Head of the UNDP Gaza Office to develop and implement communication plans that align with UNDP/PAPP’s overall communication strategy. The role involves collecting and consolidating information from various program and project teams to create effective communication materials, thereby enhancing UNDP's position as a leading development actor and expanding partnership and resource mobilization opportunities. The Communications Unit also emphasizes innovative media and communication strategies to advocate for inclusive and gender-sensitive human rights in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Duties and Responsibilities:
1) Support the implementation of PAPP communication and outreach strategies, focusing on Gaza-related components and activities. This includes developing communication plans for Gaza projects, collecting information from project teams, coordinating with donor communication focal points, and preparing donor communication reports. 2) Assist in the development of publications, knowledge products, and content related to Gaza programs. This involves drafting and editing content for various materials, coordinating design and translation processes, and ensuring compliance with UNDP branding guidelines. 3) Maintain a digital communications database for Gaza-related audiovisual materials, ensuring proper organization and accessibility of content. 4) Support Gaza-specific communication campaigns and advocacy initiatives, including organizing media events and preparing visibility materials. 5) Assist the Communications Analyst in internal knowledge management and dissemination, archiving knowledge products, and uploading content to internal databases. The incumbent may also perform other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of a High School Diploma or a Bachelor's degree in communications, media, public relations, journalism, or a relevant field from a recognized academic institution. Candidates should have a minimum of 6 years of progressive professional experience with a High School Diploma or 3 years of experience with a Bachelor’s degree in communications or related fields. Required skills include proficiency in office software packages, experience in large-scale organizations, and a strong understanding of strategic communications and outreach, particularly in humanitarian and development contexts. Candidates should also have demonstrated experience in drafting and coordinating publications and managing media relations.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess at least a High School Diploma or a Bachelor's degree in communications, media, public relations, journalism, or a relevant field from a recognized academic institution. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of communication strategies and outreach efforts in the context of UNDP's work.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience with a High School Diploma or 3 years of experience with a Bachelor’s degree in communications, media, or public relations. Candidates should have progressive professional experience that demonstrates their ability to develop and implement communication strategies effectively, particularly in challenging environments such as Gaza.

Languages:
Proficiency in both English and Arabic languages is mandatory, with strong written and oral communication skills in both languages. This bilingual capability is essential for drafting, editing, and coordinating communication materials that cater to diverse stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve working under challenging conditions due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. UNDP is committed to equal opportunity employment and values diversity, encouraging qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The organization does not tolerate harassment or discrimination and ensures that all selected candidates undergo relevant checks. UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions at the same grade level.