Communications Coordinator [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

UN City Copenhagen hosts 10 United Nations organizations that support development and humanitarian operations worldwide. From Copenhagen, resident agencies provide operational support to global programmes through procurement, supply chain management, partnerships, technical expertise, and programme support functions.

The work carried out from UN City Copenhagen contributes to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Communications function supports the visibility and understanding of the work carried out by the resident UN organizations and contributes to strengthening awareness of Copenhagen as an operational hub for the United Nations system.

The Communications Team is a part of UN City Common Services and coordinates digital communication, storytelling, stakeholder engagement, and communication related to the work of the UN globally and that of resident agencies including conferences and institutional initiatives hosted in UN City Copenhagen.

Under the supervision of the Head of Communications, the Communications Coordinator coordinates the day-to-day work of the Communications Team within the UN City Common Services and contributes to the planning and implementation of communication initiatives that strengthen the visibility of UN City Copenhagen and the work carried out by the resident UN organizations.

Communication activities increasingly rely on digital production tools, platform management, and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance communication workflows and audience engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Coordinate the work of the Communications Team

• Coordinate the work of the Communications Team, communication across the team and support work planning.
• Support the delivery of communication initiatives and related activities, advocacy as well as events.
• Ensure coherence and consistency of communication outputs across platforms.
• Guide the planning of communication activities related to campaigns, events, visits and institutional initiatives.
• Promote internal communications in the UN City across platforms.

2. Promote Editorial Coordination and Content Production

• Facilitate editorial planning and ensure coherence of communication outputs.
• Develop written, visual, and multimedia communication products and support coordination of such development across the team.
• Promote the work of the Common Services through communications support and development of products.
• Promote the use of efficient digital production tools and streamlined communication workflows.
• Support the integration of digital tools, data-informed communication practices, and emerging technologies, including AI-enabled communication workflows, into communication activities.

3. Facilitate Inter-Agency Coordination

• Liaise and coordinate with communications focal points across resident UN organizations.
• Coordinate communication inputs for use on the UN City platforms as well as for joint initiatives.
• Support stakeholder engagement and the development of strategic partnerships.

4. Support Strategic Communication and Positioning

• Liaise with the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the guidance of the Head of Communications, support public relations and advocacy efforts relating to the work of UN City.
• Contribute to development and implementation of communication strategies and priorities.
• Support preparation of communication materials and public relations related to high-level visits and institutional initiatives, including those involving the Danish Government
• Contribute to monitoring and reporting on communication activities.
• Ensure alignment of communication outputs with UN standards and narratives.

5. Contribute to capacity building and knowledge sharing as well as monitoring and reporting

• Conduct training sessions to enhance the communication skills of the Communication team members.
• Provide guidance and support to relevant staff in utilizing communication tools effectively.
• Coordinate monitoring and reporting on communication performance.
• Promote use of data and insights to inform communication planning and outputs.
• Ensure annual reporting to the inter-agency group as well as senior management.

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

The Communications Coordinator reports to the Head of Communications, UN City Copenhagen, and works closely with communications focal points across resident UN organizations.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

• 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

Business Management:

• 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
• Project Management
  • Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals

Digital:

• Social media
  • Knowledge of social media and ability to advise the use of social media for development outcomes.
• Digital Team design & management
  • Ability to create a clear sense of shared purpose while leveraging curiosity, expertise and agency at an individual level.
  • Set up and manage team rituals and rhythms that create a safe space for learning and reflection.
  • Foster a positive culture around failure, encourage exploration, experimentation.
  • Set the conditions and structures for 'fluid' team modelling and distributed leadership enabling the team to continuously develop and renew itself.
  • Ability to create synergy between team members with diverse professional and cultural backgrounds, being able to leverage their broad knowledge and skillsets.

Communications:

• Storytelling
  • Ability to convey information in engaging narratives through digital media to achieve communication outcomes

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced University degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Communications, Journalism, International Relations, or any other related field is required. Or
• A first Level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Applicants with master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience.
• Applicants with a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in communications or public relations.
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.)
• Hands-on experience with digital content production tools (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite) is desired.
• Familiarity with AI-enabled communication tools and workflows is desired.
• Extensive experience in communication and support to the preparation of communication products; effective and timely information flows and channels is desired.
• Experience and solid understanding of project management is desired.
• Proficiency in digital communication tools and platforms, including social media, digital marketing, and website management is desired.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Working knowledge of Danish or another Nordic language is an asset

Please note that the initial contract duration would be 6 – 12 months, subject to budget availability.

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.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

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.