Communications Associate - Brand and Design

Job Highlight

Drive UNOPS' global presence and impact through compelling content creation and strategic communication initiatives. This is a retainer position providing technical expertise on an intermittent and/or as-needed basis.

About the Region

The Asia Pacific Regional Office, based in Bangkok, Thailand, provides strategic leadership and oversight for UNOPS operations across 17 countries, ensuring high performance, operational excellence, and alignment with organizational goals. Operations currently span Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Pacific Islands. Across these countries, we work closely with key stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and maximize impact through five main operating units: Afghanistan (AFCO), Myanmar (MMCO), South Asia Multi-Country Office (SAMCO), East Asia and Pacific Multi-Country Office (EAPMCO), and the Asia Regional Health Cluster (ARHC). Through these entities, we provide agile, client-focused service delivery across diverse sectors - including infrastructure, health, procurement, and project management - supporting the implementation of sustainable development solutions across the region.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

The South East Asia and Pacific Multi Country Office (EAPMCO) supports, develops and oversees the UNOPS portfolio of projects in South East Asia and the Pacific. EAPMCO was established in January 2023 following the merger of the Thailand Multi-Country Office, which covered 20 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific, and the Cambodia Multi-Country Office, which covered 4 countries South East Asia - 3 countries in the Mekong Sub-region (Cambodia, Lao PDR and Vietnam) and the Philippines. EAPMCO currently covers 24 countries across North East Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific. With its head office in Bangkok, the Multi-Country Office comprises nine business units: EAPMCO Thailand, EAPMCO Indonesia, EAPMCO Pacific Operations Cluster, EAPMCO Papua New Guinea, EAPMCO China, EAPMCO Vietnam, EAPMCO Mekong, and EAPMCO Philippines.

In 2024, the UNOPS EAPMCO implemented projects worth more than USD 80 million, in the areas of Energy Transition, Digital Transformations, Sustainable Environmental Management, Climate Change, Waste Management, Rule of Law and Access to Justice, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Post Conflict Reintegration, Emergency Relief, Post COVID19 Economic Transformations, and Health, through HR, procurement, construction, contract management, fund and program management services.

The Multi Country Office head office in Bangkok provides strategic direction, operational support, delivery oversight and assurance of the excellence of business processes and quality standards across all of the entire Multi Country Office locations. It is also responsible for developing, delivering and managing the portfolio of engagements in the country of the MCO location itself.

Background Information – Philippines

Established in 2016, UNOPS Philippines provides expert support to ensure sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure activities in projects. With funds from the European Union (EU), UNOPS supports the Supreme Court, the Department of Justice, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government under the Governance in Justice (GOJUST) Programme (GOJUST2) through procurement, logistics, and grants and project management to advance the justice reform agenda of the government of the Philippines through innovations and interventions; as well as providing grants to civil society organizations to improve access to justice of marginalized groups. With funding from the European Union, UNOPS also supports the Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA) Programme, working with the Government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to strengthen capacities of the executive, legislative and judicial branches to ensure a smooth transition. Supporting the Department of Health under a World Bank in the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Program, UNOPS has provided nutritional commodities and services for expecting mothers and young children from 2023 to 2025.

UNOPS Philippines is in the process of expanding its area of engagement in cooperation with its development partners, focusing mainly on a portfolio of projects and programs in the infrastructure, logistics management, procurement in health, rule of law, and governance sectors.

About the Project Office

European Union Governance in Justice III (EU-GOJUST III)

Building on the gains of GOJUST I and II, the European Union, in partnership with UNOPS and the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), supports the third phase of the Enabling Justice and the Rule of Law Programme, otherwise known as the “EUGOJUST III”. This new action seeks to strengthen the rule of law in the Philippines through more coordinated, efficient, and people-centred justice services, while enhancing access to justice for all, especially women and vulnerable populations.

EU-GOJUST III continues the momentum from previous EU-funded justice programmes, including GoJUST I, GOJUST II, and the EU-Philippines Justice Support Programme (EPJUST II). While GOJUST I focused on strengthening national-level institutions, and GOJUST II deepened engagement with civil society and local justice mechanisms, the EU-

GOJUST III places greater emphasis on localized implementation and institutional sustainability. This new program will address access to justice by supporting legal aid services, enhancing the capacity of local governments as entry points into the justice system, increasing rights awareness, and building the capacity of justice actors to respond to the needs of women and people in vulnerable situations.

Despite notable achievements, challenges persist in scaling and sustaining reforms, ensuring equitable access to justice, and improving justice outcomes at the local level. EU-GOJUST III addresses these through a localization approach, strengthening the capacity of JZs and Local Government Units (LGUs) to deliver responsive, inclusive, and gender-sensitive justice services.

This action aligns with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023–2028 and supports critical justice sector coordination structures such as the Justice Sector Coordinating Council (JSCC) and the Justice Zones (JZs), which have proven instrumental in advancing cross-agency collaboration, data sharing, and innovation in justice delivery. This action is also fully aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, contributing to SDG 16: promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

In collaboration with IDLO as Technical Lead, UNOPS will support the implementation of key components under the EU-GOJUST III. This includes coordination with Philippine justice institutions, civil society, and local actors, with a focus on improving legal aid services, rights awareness, and institutional capacity.

EU-GOJUST III will contribute to two Specific Objectives (SOs), as follows:

• Specific Objective 1 – Justice Coordination: To develop more coordinated, efficient, gender-sensitive, and people-centred justice services;
• Specific Objective 2 – Access to Justice for All: To enhance access to justice for all, especially for women and people living in vulnerable situations.

UNOPS, leveraging its experience as an implementing partner in GOJUST I and II, will continue to provide operational support, including training, procurement, grants management, and behavior change campaign in support of the justice sector reform in the Philippines.

Job Specific Context

The Enabling Justice and Rule of Law in the Philippines (EU-GOJUST III) aims to strengthen the Rule of Law through a two-pronged approach by combining improved administration of justice and enhanced promotion and protection of human rights. EU-GOJUST will build on the experiences and lessons learnt from the work done in the previous GOJUST programme and previous EU-Philippines Justice Support Programmes in the sector.

UNOPS will support the implementation of EU-GOJUST by providing logistical support (organisation of activities i.e. training, workshops, seminars, study tours, etc.) and procurement of necessary equipment. In order to deliver the project requirements, UNOPS KHOC is establishing a Project Management Support Unit (PMSU) based in Manila, Philippines, that will include both international and local as well as specialist experts within their respective fields.

EU-GOJUST leverages data, research, and evidence to inform policy decisions that can help unlock the transformative power of innovation and facilitate strategies to build a more accessible and inclusive justice system.

For instance, EU-GOJUST is conducting a first of its kind survey and qualitative study to examine in depth the justice needs of the Filipino public. Consequently, the project currently needs the services of a competent and professional Graphic Designer that will provide graphic design support to the UNOPS Communications Officer to develop communication products that visualize and communicate EU-GOJUST studies and other EU-GOJUST communications and visibility products such as Fact Sheets. The Graphic Designer will also work closely with UNOPS staff and the Technical Assistance Team in developing these products.

Role Purpose

The Communications Associate - Brand and Design contributes to developing and implementing communication efforts to enhance UNOPS’ visibility and reputation.

The position is responsible for creating and editing a wide range of content, including web stories, press releases and social media posts, ensuring all materials align with corporate style and partner requirements.

The Communications Associate - Brand and Design is a proactive professional who can manage content production.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Under the overall direction of the Project Management Support Officer, the Communications Associate - Brand and Design will be responsible for:

1. Ensuring familiarization with EU and UNOPS visibility requirements and ensuring full compliance of graphic and visual communication products with the requirements.
2. Designing communication materials for the project.
3. Designing and creating illustrations, artworks, tables, charts, and other graphic elements for presentations, communication, and promotional materials.
4. Determining the size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, and selecting style and size or type.
5. Assisting the Project Management Support Officer in developing infographics to present core messages and organize complex information into visual representations.
6. Providing guidance on printing requirements and quality assurance.
7. Supporting colleagues in the preparation of events as it relates to the production of communication materials.
8. Working with the Project Management Support Officer to provide final output(s) for each communication product that will be in the agreed format as a web-ready and/or print-ready version.
9. Expected examples of deliverables are, but not limited to:

• • Google Slide/Powerpoint Presentations
  • Project infographics
  • Project factsheets
  • Project Posters/ banners
  • Visuals for social media campaigns
  • Layout design for project reports including special characters
  • Design for project communications collaterals
  • Custom photo editing (restoration, noise reduction, tonal adjustment)

Skills

Communication, Corporate Communications, Internal & External Communications, Social Media Communications, Stakeholder Engagement

Competencies

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required

• Secondary school (or equivalent) with 6 years of relevant experience OR
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 2 years of relevant experience is required.

Desired

• A globally or nationally recognized professional certificate in communications, journalism, or digital and social media communications is desired.

Experience Requirements

Required

• Relevant experience is work in communications, public relations, media, journalism or related fields.

Desired

• Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.
• Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is desired.
• Experience in developing and monitoring content for grassroots-level audiences is desired.
• Experience in use of graphic design, video production, and content creation tools is desired

Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirementEnglishFluentRequiredFilipinoFluentRequired

Additional Information

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
• UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• For more details about the contract types, please click here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.