Communications Associate

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a prominent UN agency established to assist countries in eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, and building resilience. Operating in approximately 170 countries and territories, UNDP aims to help nations achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Ukraine, UNDP focuses on three main program priorities: Democratic Governance and Inclusive Social Fabric, Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Recovery and Growth, and Sustainable Environment and Energy Transformation. Since the onset of hostilities in 2014 and the full-scale invasion in 2022, UNDP has maintained a strong presence in Ukraine, supporting local authorities and civil society in emergency response and crisis management. The organization has developed a Country Programme Document for 2025-2029, which emphasizes the Area-Based Recovery (ABR) Framework, focusing on community recovery and the conditions necessary for returning to a development pathway. This framework promotes a holistic, systems-based response that empowers all societal sectors, including government, local authorities, the private sector, and citizens, to effectively respond to the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict.

Job Overview:
The Communications Associate will play a crucial role in enhancing the visibility, credibility, and stakeholder engagement of the Area-Based Recovery (ABR) project. This position involves ensuring clear, timely, and gender-responsive messaging across various media platforms and events. The associate will assist in developing and implementing communication plans at the regional level, design targeted communication campaigns, and collaborate with relevant units to create concept notes that incorporate outreach, advocacy, and communication components. The role requires the preparation of high-quality communication content, including press releases, media advisories, and feature stories, as well as the management of UNDP's social media platforms to highlight project achievements. The associate will also be responsible for organizing media-related events, ensuring compliance with UNDP branding standards, and preparing media monitoring reports. Furthermore, the position emphasizes the importance of gender equality and women's empowerment, requiring the associate to promote a safe and inclusive environment free from discrimination and abusive behavior.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in developing and implementing communication and media plans for the ABR project at the regional level.
• Design and implement targeted communication campaigns to promote project objectives.
• Collaborate with relevant units to develop concept notes that include outreach, advocacy, and communication components.
• Prepare press releases, media advisories, and feature stories for the UNDP website and social networks in both English and Ukrainian.
• Update UNDP's social media platforms to highlight project achievements.
• Develop talking points and information notes for UNDP senior management as requested.
• Edit and format project reports and promotional materials to meet UNDP communication standards.
• Regularly update informational materials such as booklets, factsheets, and newsletters for internal and external audiences.
• Coordinate with production and printing agencies to create audio, video, animation, and print products. 1
• Maintain a library of reference materials related to project activities. 1
• Organize press conferences and media-related events. 1
• Ensure branding and visibility materials are prepared according to UNDP standards. 1
• Prepare background documents for donor and corporate missions, including media coverage of project activities. 1
• Document best practices and lessons learned from the project and its partners. 1
• Promote gender equality and women's empowerment in all project activities. 1
• Support a team culture of gender equality and zero tolerance for sexual misconduct. 1
• Perform other duties as necessary for the efficient functioning of the office and organization.

Required Qualifications:

• Secondary Education is required. A University degree in Communications, Public Relations, Community Development, Social Sciences, or a relevant field will be considered an asset.
• Minimum of 7 years of practical experience in Public Relations, Media, Communications, Journalism, or related fields with Secondary Education, or 4 years with a Bachelor’s degree.
• Proven experience in the usage of office software packages.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills in both English and Ukrainian.
• Experience in graphic design tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, etc.) and multimedia editing software is desirable.
• Previous experience in developing and implementing communications strategies/plans is an asset.
• Experience working with international, governmental, and non-governmental organizations is preferred.

Educational Background:
The position requires at least Secondary Education. However, candidates with a University degree in Communications, Public Relations, Community Development, Social Sciences, or other relevant fields will be given due consideration, although it is not a strict requirement.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in Public Relations, Media, Communications, Journalism, or other relevant fields if they possess Secondary Education. Those with a Bachelor’s degree are expected to have at least 4 years of relevant experience.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and fluency in Ukrainian is required for local personnel. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve working in a challenging environment due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. UNDP is committed to equal opportunity and diversity, encouraging qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The organization does not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or abuse of authority and conducts relevant checks on selected candidates. UNDP reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions at the same grade level.