Communication Associate ([Open to internal and external applicants]

Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

1- Office/Unit/Project Description

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We are on the ground in 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people on their own solutions to global and national development challenges to help empower lives and build resilient nations.

Based on the UNSDCF 2025-2030 in line with Djibouti Vision 2035 and the National Development Plan 2025-20302-2024, UNDP Country program CPD has developed a new Country Programme for 2025-2030 focus on two pillars: Governance and Social cohesion and Economic Diversification and Resilience to climate change. The main objective of UNDP Djibouti country program is to accelerate the achievement of sustainable development goals. It tackles the interrelated challenges of development, climate risks and challenges through climate change adaptation and climate change mitigation, innovative and inclusive financing, provides assistance and resilience and seeks to reduce poverty, gender inequalities, geographic inequalities, and exclusion. It promotes environmental sustainability and resilience through integrated strategies. It supports the most vulnerable and strengthens national institutional capacities for inclusive growth, poverty reduction, prevention of violent extremism, climate action, and strengthening social cohesion.

The role of the Country Office Communications Unit is to adopt UNDP’s global communication strategy to a local context and the Country Office development priorities. Through the production of high-quality communication materials and innovative use of relevantly targeted communication channels (internal and external), the communications team works collaboratively to position UNDP as a leader in the development arena, promote visibility of UNDP program outcomes/development results, mobilize support for Sustainable Development Goals in the country, and practice delivery as one UN.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Residente Representative, the Communications Associate supports the formulation and implementation of the communications and advocacy strategies tightly linked to the program priorities, helps position the Country Office in key development markets as a leader in ways that boost demand for various service lines and increase overall business opportunities. Under guidance, increases the standing and awareness of UNDP with partners, the media and the public.

The Communications Associate promotes a client and community oriented approach in UNDP and works in close collaboration with the CO Programme, Operations and project teams, staff of other UN Agencies, UNDP Communications Regional and HQ staff, government officials, national and international media, donors and civil society. The Communications Associate may supervise support staff of the Communications Unit.

2. Scope of Work

Under direct supervision of the country office RR, the Communication Associate will carry out the following primary responsibilities:

1- Support the implementation of internal and external communication and outreach strategies in the country office.

• Provide support for the country office communication needs assessments (e.g., projects, country program, and corporate change initiatives).
• Provide support to UNDP projects and programme in implementing the country office communication action plan.
• Gather information from different programmes and projects to share with country office teams and to archive for future use in communication activities.
• Maintain an information database and photo library that includes reviewing and identifying reference materials for retention.

2- Support the implementation of the country office publication strategy and plan.

• Coordinate with projects and programmes to identify leads for different communication publications.
• Provide support to translate, edit and proofread different articles and content.
• Supervise publications dissemination that includes maintaining contact with printers and other suppliers to ensure both production and dissemination of publications.

3- Ensure application of corporate guidelines for any digital content included on country office website, intranet and social media.

• Assist in updating CO website in line with corporate guidelines.
• Design content for website and social media in line corporate guidelines.

4- Support country office communication campaign and advocacy initiatives to increase awareness of UNDP’s mandate and goals through dissemination of information and organization of public and media events.

• Develop campaign materials for marketing and awareness-raising campaigns, including briefing and media materials in coordination with the supervisor.
• Organize roundtable discussions, press conferences, briefing sessions, seminars, and interviews.
• Track and generate a report on the progress of campaign and advocacy implementation.

5- Assist the Country office in knowledge management and dissemination.

• Compile knowledge products from programme/projects and ensure they are properly archived.
• Upload content on Internal database and website.
• Work with suppliers/vendors as and when necessary,

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

3. Institutional Arrangement

The Communication Associate will report directly to the Country Office Resident Representative. The incumbent will also work closely with other programme, operations, and project staff within the UNDP Djibouti Country Office, as well as with implementing partners, government entities, and development stakeholders.

Approved costs to arrange meetings, workshops, travel costs, and DSA during field visits shall be covered by UNDP.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: May supervise support staff in Communications unit.

4. Competencies

Core Competencies Description of Competency at Level Required Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Thematic Area Name Definition Business Management Working with Evidence and Data

• Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions, and supporting decision-making
  Business Management
  Digital Awareness and Literacy
  • Ability and inclination to rapidly adopt new technologies, either through skillfully grasping their usage or through understanding their impact and empowering others to use them as needed. Knowledge of the usage of digital technologies and emerging trends.