Communications Specialist (Open to external applicants) Post level IPSA-11 Apply by Jan-28-26 A[...]

Stellenbeschreibung:

Background

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

Office / Unit / Project Description

The UN Secretary‑General established the UN SDG Action Campaign to inspire people and organizations from all backgrounds and every part of the world to take actions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, while holding decision‑makers to account for society‑wide progress. The Campaign is hosted and supported by UNDP and is based in Bonn, Germany, with a lean team that marshals rapid support for new initiatives as opportunities arise and provides partners with on‑demand strategic creative services that inspire SDG action with an engaged community of activists and concerned individuals.

The UN SDG Action Campaign leverages advocacy to foster transformation because today’s challenges transcend any person, government or organization. The Campaign’s advocacy for change approach inspires hope and champions actions to achieve the SDGs. It calls for rethinking, recalibrating and re‑imagining economies and societies so that they serve people and the planet.

Scope of Work

a) Lead the Campaign’s Communications and Advocacy Strategies and Workplans

Develop and implement communications and advocacy strategies and workplans, including digital strategies, to raise awareness, drive engagement and build support in line with Campaign priorities.
Lead the communications for flagship events, including the UN SDG Action Awards, and other relevant Campaign events and activities.
Manage editorial planning and content calendars, and craft compelling narratives and messaging across Campaign platforms.
Monitor, evaluate and report on communications activities, capturing lessons learned.

b) Lead Content Development and Media Outreach

Produce high‑quality editorial content such as blogs, newsletters, reports and presentations, ensuring clarity, accuracy and alignment with organisational branding.
Oversee the development and dissemination of multimedia content (e.g., videos, infographics and digital art) and compelling storytelling products to drive engagement.
Oversee the development and dissemination of creative content, including artistic content and exhibits.
Identify media opportunities, prepare press kits, media pitches and coordinate media outreach during campaigns and events.
Ensure that all communications and advocacy products adhere to high‑quality standards, branding guidelines and deadlines.

c) Oversee Content Dissemination across Digital Platforms

Oversee and contribute to the growth of the Campaign’s social media presence on digital platforms ensuring consistency in messaging and branding across all channels.
Oversee the development and maintenance of the Campaign website, in coordination with relevant colleagues, including managing full digital project lifecycles and annual redesigns.
Supervise consultants, external vendors and developers, ensuring efficiency and alignment with UNDP data governance policies.
Monitor and analyse performance metrics across digital platforms (social media, newsletters, websites) to evaluate effectiveness and drive steady growth and share reports.
Leverage and optimise digital tools to enhance engagement in events.

d) Oversee the Internal Communication Workflows and Support Strategic Partnerships

Oversee and streamline communication workflows between the communications and other workstreams to enhance efficiency, quality and strategic alignment of Campaign events and initiatives.
Coordinate regular team meetings for content planning and editorial production ensuring timely delivery of assets.
Support the engagement and collaboration with strategic creative partners to amplify the Campaign’s advocacy impact.
Identify and maximise joint communication opportunities with partners including the UN system and collaborate with external partners, donors and stakeholders to deliver joint outreach and advocacy initiatives.
Support donor and partner engagements by monitoring partner and donor communications and tailored outreach materials.
Supervise one PSA Communications Analyst and one PSA Web Developer; supervise consultants as required, including offshore development teams.

e) Facilitate knowledge and capacity building, knowledge sharing, and advocacy relevant to the assigned thematic areas.

Ensure project reports capture results, lessons learned and good practices for possible wider application.
Participate in and ensure sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice on development and project related issues; support establishment of knowledge platforms for the project, facilitate innovative mechanisms for dissemination of knowledge from the project and develop knowledge resources and products to share with project partners and to support UNDP’s engagement in this area.
Promote advocacy and opportunities for collaboration in addressing development trends in coordination with the project partners and stakeholders, including relevant UN teams.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation.

Institutional Arrangement

The Communications Specialist will report to the Deputy Director and will be given access to relevant information necessary for the execution of the tasks under this assignment. The Communications Specialist is expected to work at the UN Bonn Office in Germany.

Expected Demonstration of Competencies

Core Competencies

Achieve Results – Level 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact.
Think Innovatively – Level 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems.
Learn Continuously – Level 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences.
Adapt with Agility – Level 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands.
Act with Determination – Level 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results.
Engage and Partner – Level 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter‑agency collaboration.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion – Level 3: Appreciate benefits of a diverse workforce and champion inclusivity.

Cross‑Functional & Technical Competencies

Communication: Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.
Advocacy strategy and implementation: Ability to create and implement advocacy strategies which lead to impactful change.
Media Relations: Ability to develop media relations across all aspects of media work including relationships with media and preparing media materials such as messages.
Business Direction and Strategy – System Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact other parts of the system.
Digital content creation: Ability to coalesce multiple skills to identify a topic to engage intended audiences, decide which form the content should take – e.g., blog, social media, video, paid media, etc. – and produce material to specification and a high level of quality.
Storytelling: Ability to convey information in engaging narratives through digital media to achieve communication outcomes.
General (across the functions) – Event planning and execution: Ability to plan, manage and execute public and private events to ensure that they support and amplify individual communications and advocacy initiatives, as well as UNDP’s overall brand and mandate.

Required Education, Experience, Skills and Competencies

Minimum Education Requirements

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Communications, Media Studies, Journalism, International Relations, Development or related fields.
Or a first‑level university degree (Bachelor’s) in the above areas, in combination with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Minimum Years of Relevant Work Experience

Minimum of 7 years (with master’s degree) or 9 years (with bachelor’s degree) of experience in developing and implementing communications and advocacy strategies and workplans in the context of the UN system.

Required Skills

Proven excellent drafting skills including articles, newsletters, web content, blogs and talking points.
Proven track record managing media relations and facilitating media engagement for UN teams.
Experience in coordinating communications for high‑level international events, including UN events.
Experience in digital platforms and social media management.

Desired Skills

Experience in digital community building.
Experience in donor relations and partner engagement.
Substantive knowledge of the Sustainable Development Goals and of current international debates and negotiations on major global issues related to the Goals.

Required Language

Fluency in written and verbal communication skills in English.

Equal Opportunity

As an equal‑opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organisation. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse of authority: UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates therefore undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to Select Multiple Candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.