Communications Associate (Open to Tier 0, 1 & 2 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

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Cuba works closely with the Government and other national stakeholders to support the country’s national development priorities in alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has approved the new Country Programme Document for Cuba, which will guide the agency’s cooperation with the country from 2026 to 2030. The areas of focus include economic recovery and productive transformation, environmental management and disaster risk reduction, social protection programs and services, and the strengthening of institutions and modernization of public administration.

Strategic themes addressed by this roadmap include development financing, including environmental aspects; efforts to achieve robust statistics, with an emphasis on integrated vulnerability measurement; capacity building for macroeconomic management; and digital transformation with equity, with particular attention to implementation of services for the population.

The Programme promotes developing capacities for decentralization, ICT usage to digital transformation, low-carbon models in sectors and communities, targeted support for vulnerabilities, as well as a broad health and development approach.

Other topics reflected include nature-positive and low-carbon development, adoption of circularity principles, a just energy transition, risk management, disaster risk reduction and climate resilience, preparedness and response, food security, social protection, equity and non-discrimination, and care services.

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.

Position Purpose

Under the guidance and direct supervision of RR, DRR, Communications Specialist, or Communications Analyst, the Communications Associate supports the formulation and implementation of the communications and advocacy strategies to increase the standing and awareness of UNDP with partners, the media and the public. The Communications Associate promotes a client-oriented approach in UNDP.

The Communications Associate works in close collaboration with the CO Programme, Operations and project teams, staff of other UN Agencies, UNDP Communications Region and HQ staff, government officials, media, donors and civil society. The Communications Associate may supervise support staff of the Communications Unit.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities

1.) Support the implementation of communication and outreach strategies in the country office.

• Provide support to UNDP projects and programs in implementing communication action plan.
• Gather information from different programmes and projects and archive it for any communication needs.
• Research and retrieve data from internal and external sources.
• Maintain information database and photo library that includes reviewing and identifying reference materials for retention.

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

• Provide support in sharing information for different publications both internally and externally.
• Maintain contact with printers and other suppliers to ensure production and dissemination of publications.

3.) Maintain database for digital communications (audio, video, infographics, photos, and other information).

• Assist in updating CO website in line with corporate guidelines.
• Prepare TORs for hiring vendors and suppliers to create content for digital communications.
• Maintain database of digital content for web sites and social media platforms.

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.

• Under guidance of Communication Analyst, develop and prepare materials for marketing and awareness-raising including briefing and media materials.
• Assist in organizing roundtable discussions, press conferences, briefing sessions, seminars, and interviews.
• Organize publicity, advocacy, knowledge-sharing events and promotional opportunities. Provide logistics support to the events as required.
• Implement joint UN information campaigns (UN Day, World AIDS Day).
• Regularly report on progress of campaign and advocacy activities.

5.) Assist Communications Specialist/Analyst in knowledge management and dissemination.

• Collect knowledge products from programmes and projects, and archive them properly.
• Upload content on Internal database and website guided by the Communications Specialist or Communications Analyst.
• 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 Organization.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: May supervise support staff in the Communications unit in the Country Office

Competencies

Core Competencies

• ACHIEVE RESULTS - LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.
• THINK INNOVATEVELY - 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 Competencies

• BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
  Technical Competencies Required Skills and Experience Education: Experience: Additional desirable criteria: Languages: Important applicant information All posts in the GS categories are subject to local recruitment. 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, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. 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 with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements. Scam alert UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert. #LI-DNI
  • CUSTOMER SATISFACTION/CLIENT MANAGEMENT: Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients' immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.
  • COMMUNICATION: Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to 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.
  • DIGITAL AWARENESS AND LITERACY: Ability to monitor new and emerging technologies, as well as understand their usage, potential, limitations, impact, and added value. Ability to rapidly and readily adopt and use new technologies in professional activities, and to empower others to use them as needed. Knowledge of the usage of digital technologies and emerging trends.
  • EXTERNAL RELATIONS & ADVOCACY - COMMUNICATIONS
    • DIGITAL ASSET MANAGEMENT: Ability to use digital asset management (DAM) systems to effectively store, share and organize digital assets such as images, videos and other media.
    • MULTIMEDIA WRITING / EDITING: Ability to create and/or edit written content for multimedia.
    • SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGEMENT: Ability to represent and promote the UNDP brand in virtual communities and networks.
  • Secondary education is required.
  • A university degree in communications, journalism, or advertising will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.
  • Minimum of 6 years (with high school diploma) or 3 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant communications experience preferably providing communication packages at the national level to promote the activities of an international development organization.
  • Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), database packages, and web-based management systems such as ERP.
  • Proficiency in the use of digital tools and corporate platforms for content management, information repositories, and knowledge management.
  • Demonstrated experience in documenting, packaging, and disseminating programme results, including support to publications and visibility products.
  • Experience supporting communications campaigns, advocacy activities, and institutional events (e.g. launches, briefings, outreach activities).
  • Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to adapt messages to different audiences and communication channels.
  • High level of organization, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines in line with corporate standards and accountability requirements.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Fluency in Spanish is required.
  • Knowledge of English language is desirable.