Communications Specialist

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 sustain progress towards achieving the 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 agency's Country Programme Document (2025-2029) reflects lessons learned and outlines the Area-Based Recovery (ABR) Framework, which emphasizes community recovery and the conditions necessary for returning to a development pathway. The 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 war.

Job Overview:
The Communications Specialist will play a crucial role in ensuring that the results and impacts of ABR projects are effectively communicated to stakeholders and the public. This position involves leading strategic communications, driving content development, managing media and partner relations, and overseeing visibility efforts related to events. The specialist will be responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive ABR Communications Strategy that aligns with UNDP corporate standards and donor visibility requirements. The role requires the development of project-level communication plans to promote ABR achievements and success stories at both local and national levels. Regular communications needs assessments will be conducted to identify gaps and opportunities, and the specialist will provide strategic recommendations to senior management. The position also entails fostering collaboration between the UNDP Country Office and ABR field teams to ensure coherent messaging across all communications.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communications Specialist will have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

• Strategic Communications Leadership: Design and implement a comprehensive ABR Communications Strategy, develop project-level communication plans, conduct communications needs assessments, and ensure messaging coherence across all communications.
• Content Development and Dissemination: Lead the content creation process, gather inputs from field teams, oversee the design and production of communication assets, manage media engagement, and ensure adherence to UNDP branding standards.
• Digital Engagement and Creative Campaigns: Plan and execute digital engagement initiatives, introduce innovative storytelling formats, and leverage partnerships for advocacy campaigns.
• Stakeholder and Partner Engagement: Coordinate with thematic teams and field personnel, develop partnerships, manage external communications consultants, and facilitate knowledge exchange.
• Team Supervision: Lead and supervise the ABR Communications Unit, provide guidance and support to team members, and conduct performance evaluations.
• Gender Equality Considerations: Integrate gender-sensitive language and visuals into communication products and adhere to UNDP principles on gender equality.
• Promote a safe and enabling environment free of discrimination and abusive behavior.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Communications, Media Studies, Public Relations, Journalism, Development Studies, Public/Business Administration, International Relations, Political Science, or related fields. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the aforementioned areas combined with two additional years of qualifying experience will be considered. The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in strategic communications, media relations, public information, or advocacy, preferably within development, recovery, or humanitarian contexts. Extensive people management skills and proven leadership experience are essential, along with experience in managing digital campaigns and stakeholder engagement.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Communications, Media Studies, Public Relations, Journalism, Development Studies, Public/Business Administration, International Relations, Political Science, or related areas is required. A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in these fields, combined with additional qualifying experience, will also be considered.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience for candidates with a master’s degree or 7 years for those with a bachelor’s degree. This experience should be at the national or international level in areas such as strategic communications, media relations, public information, or advocacy, ideally within development, recovery, or humanitarian contexts. Proven leadership experience, including supervision of personnel and oversight of consultants, is essential, as is experience in managing digital campaigns and stakeholder engagement.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Ukrainian is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and may involve supervising a team of thematic experts. UNDP is committed to creating an inclusive workplace 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.