Communications Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been operational in India since 1951, focusing on various aspects of human development. The organization collaborates with the Government of India and other development partners to tackle issues such as poverty eradication, inequality reduction, local governance enhancement, community resilience, environmental protection, and sustainable development. UNDP India operates in every state and union territory, working with national and subnational governments and diverse development actors to achieve people-centric results, particularly for marginalized communities. The organization is committed to supporting India's national development vision and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its Country Programme (2023-2027), which emphasizes strong institutions, economic opportunities, social protection, and climate-smart solutions. UNDP promotes South-South cooperation, gender equality, and social inclusion across its initiatives, backed by strategic partnerships and innovative financing solutions.

Job Overview:
The Communications Officer will be a key member of the UNDP India Country Office Communications and Partnerships team, focusing on the Sustainable and Inclusive Growth portfolio project, specifically the initiative aimed at boosting female labor force participation through enhanced urban childcare systems. This role involves developing and implementing communication strategies that align with UNDP's objectives and the needs of various stakeholders. The Communications Officer will work closely with diverse partners to create country-specific solutions that promote sustainable development and address the needs of the most vulnerable populations. The position requires a proactive approach to communication, ensuring that UNDP's work is effectively communicated to the public and stakeholders, thereby enhancing visibility and engagement with the organization's initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communications Officer will lead all communication efforts for the Sustainable and Inclusive Growth Unit, particularly focusing on the project aimed at boosting female labor force participation. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing comprehensive communication and outreach strategies for the project, ensuring alignment with UNDP's organizational priorities.
• Building a strong digital presence for the program through social media campaigns, regular updates on UNDP's platforms, and creating engaging content for the UNDP India website.
• Facilitating knowledge management by drafting newsletters and other communication products to raise awareness of program objectives and share updates with stakeholders.
• Supporting business development and knowledge sharing by promoting public information campaigns and ensuring increased media coverage of UNDP's work.
• Organizing events such as roundtable discussions, press conferences, and interviews to enhance public engagement and understanding of UNDP's initiatives.
• Collaborating with various stakeholders, including government agencies, civil society, and the private sector, to ensure effective communication and advocacy for the program's goals.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in journalism, communication, social science, or a related field. A first-level university degree (bachelor's degree) combined with two additional years of relevant experience will also be considered. The ideal candidate should have a minimum of two years of relevant working experience in development communication, journalism, public relations, or a closely related field. Additional years of experience are highly desirable. Required skills include demonstrated experience in communications and media visibility, knowledge of public information and advocacy techniques, and proficiency in English editing and writing. Candidates should also have excellent social media management skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while taking independent initiative.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in journalism, communication, social science, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor's degree) with two additional years of qualifying experience will be considered. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively communicate and advocate for UNDP's initiatives.

Experience:
The role requires a minimum of two years of relevant working experience for candidates with a bachelor's degree, or up to two years for those with a master's degree. Experience in development communication, journalism, public relations, or closely related fields is essential. Additional relevant experience is highly desirable, particularly in leading or supporting communications efforts within the development sector or with international organizations. Candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of gender equality and inclusivity in communications work, which would be an advantage.

Languages:
Excellent written and oral communication skills in both English and Hindi are mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effectively engaging with diverse stakeholders and ensuring that UNDP's messages are clearly communicated to the target audience. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not required.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and is based in New Delhi, India. UNDP is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. The organization encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply, ensuring that employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role. UNDP is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and does not tolerate harassment or discrimination of any kind. The organization reserves the right to select multiple candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for similar positions at the same grade level. UNDP does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.