Communication Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is a global organization established to help countries achieve sustainable development and eradicate poverty. It was founded in 1965 and operates in approximately 170 countries and territories. UNDP's mission is to support countries in their efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to promote inclusive and sustainable development. The organization employs thousands of staff worldwide, working collaboratively with governments, civil society, and the private sector to implement development programs and initiatives. UNDP's strategic orientation focuses on innovation, effective communication, and partnership building to enhance its service delivery and visibility in the global arena.

Job Overview:
The Communication Specialist for the Regional Bureau for Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (RBEC) plays a crucial role in developing and implementing a comprehensive communication strategy for the Bureau. This position involves supporting the Bureau leadership and various units at RBEC HQs in their communications and advocacy efforts. The Specialist will work closely with the Regional Communication Team and engage with UNDP Country Office Communications officers to ensure that all public materials and messages are coherent and aligned with UNDP's corporate advocacy and media outreach strategies. The role requires a deep understanding of UNDP's global and regional positioning, as well as the ability to convey the organization's impact and relevance in Europe and Central Asia through strategic communication initiatives. The Specialist will also be responsible for enhancing internal communications capacity and ensuring that key results and success stories are effectively communicated to various stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a communication strategy for RBEC, outlining clear goals, innovative outreach initiatives, deliverables, timelines, budget, and performance indicators.
• Prepare internal communications tools such as presentations, blogs, bulletins, and op-eds.
• Manage content on RBEC's communication platforms and draft press releases, media advisories, and fact sheets.
• Provide communications support to RBEC leadership and facilitate information-sharing among staff and management.
• Identify public outreach opportunities for RBEC's senior leadership and produce multimedia packages.
• Maintain strategic partnerships with communications counterparts at other UNDP bureaus and engage in inter-agency taskforces.
• Organize training sessions and workshops to enhance knowledge sharing and communication skills among RBEC staff.
• Collaborate with the Partnerships team to create engagement and outreach products that align with RBEC's strategy.
• Ensure quality assurance of knowledge products and good practices within the Bureau.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced University Degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Communications, Media Relations, Journalism, or Public Relations-related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above fields combined with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience at the national or international level in public relations, media, communications, or advocacy (9 years with a bachelor’s degree).
• Proven experience in using media materials and tools, including web-based management and communication platforms, and social media.
• Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization and/or media networks is highly desirable.
• Experience in ensuring quality assurance and dissemination of knowledge products is an asset.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an Advanced University Degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Communications, Media Relations, Journalism, or Public Relations-related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the above fields, combined with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience, will be considered in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience at the national or international level in public relations, media, communications, or advocacy. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree must have at least 9 years of relevant experience. Experience in the use of media materials and tools, including web-based management and communication platforms, is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN language relevant to the RBEC is considered a plus, enhancing the candidate's profile for the position.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. UNDP is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where it operates. 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 one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement and may retain applications for other similar positions. The organization does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process.