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 creating conditions for sustainable development in Ukraine. UNDP's approach is holistic and systems-based, empowering all societal sectors to respond effectively 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 ABR project. This position requires the individual to ensure 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 also involves preparing high-quality communication content, including press releases, media advisories, and feature stories, and updating UNDP's social media platforms to highlight project achievements. The Associate will be responsible for maintaining a library of reference materials and coordinating with production agencies to create various media products. Additionally, the role requires organizing media-related events and ensuring compliance with UNDP branding and visibility standards, as well as promoting gender equality and women's empowerment within the project.

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 media 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.
• Edit and format project reports and promotional materials to meet UNDP communication standards.
• Regularly update booklets, factsheets, newsletters, and other informational materials.
• Coordinate with production agencies to create audio, video, animation, and print products. 1
• Maintain and update a library of reference materials related to project activities. 1
• Organize press conferences and media-related events. 1
• Prepare background documents for donor and corporate missions, including media coverage of project activities. 1
• Prepare media monitoring reports on project activities. 1
• Identify and document best practices and lessons learned from the project. 1
• Promote gender equality and ensure the project benefits both women and men. 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 the Organization.

Required Qualifications:

• Secondary Education is required; a University degree in Communications, Public Relations, Community Development, Social Sciences, or a relevant field is preferred but not mandatory.
• 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 using office software packages.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills in English and Ukrainian are essential.
• Desirable criteria include proficiency in graphic design tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva) and multimedia editing software, as well as experience in developing and implementing communication strategies for organizations or projects.
• Previous cooperation with international, governmental, and non-governmental organizations is an asset.

Educational Background:
The position requires at least Secondary Education, with a preference for candidates holding a University degree in Communications, Public Relations, Community Development, Social Sciences, or a related field. While a degree is not mandatory, it will be given due consideration during the selection process.

Experience:
Candidates must 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. Alternatively, candidates with a Bachelor’s degree are required to have at least 4 years of relevant experience. This experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of communication strategies and media relations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for all candidates. Additionally, fluency in Ukrainian is mandatory for local personnel to ensure effective communication within the local context and with stakeholders.

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 employment and values diversity, encouraging qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. The organization does not tolerate harassment, discrimination, or abuse of authority 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 in the future. Importantly, UNDP does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.