• Develop and oversee the implementation of a Regional Programme communications strategy based on corporate communications goals and priorities, in collaboration with the RBA and BERA;
• Pursue partnerships to leverage emerging and new technologies to produce industry-leading communications materials that showcase UNDP’s Africa work, such as data visualizations, infographics, virtual reality/immersive experiences, interactive storytelling, and animation;
• Assess the impact of the communication strategy and make adjustments accordingly;
• Integrate issue-based advocacy into the communications strategy around key priority areas relevant to the Regional Programme and UNDP’s Africa work; 
• Ensure key results and relevant success stories are incorporated into strategic communications outreach; 
• Ensure an active presence on a diverse array of communications channels/mediums to promote the Regional Programme’s work and success stories, designed to increase engagement and awareness of UNDP’s impact in Africa.

• Promote, advocate and raise awareness around Regional Programme activities, results, flagship initiatives through a variety of communication vehicles, such as roundtable discussions, press conferences, briefing sessions, interviews, report launches, etc.;
• Promote UNDP’s Africa work with special attention to results and impact through media outreach, including social media platforms and communication tools as appropriate; 
• In collaboration with BERA and RBA Communications teams, proactively market UNDP’s Regional Programme for Africa work by regularly pitching UNDP success stories and experts for interviews and commentaries in print and multimedia outlets;
• Draft and/or edit a range of materials, including press releases & advisories, news briefs, fact sheets, multimedia human interest stories for inclusion in media kits and further public outreach;
• Ensure articles, press releases, stories, blogs and publications are posted on the UNDP Africa regional website and contribute to the overall direction of UNDP’s online presence;
• Monitor and analyze media coverage in the region and share information with the RBA and BERA Communications;
• Provide communications support to UNDP senior management visiting the region; 
• Foster outreach partnerships with new media, innovation groups and social media influencers who can help UNDP achieve its global and regional objectives.

• Project UNDP as a substantive thought leader within Africa, promoting its mandate, mission and purpose via effective communication, promoting UNDP’s principles as a tangible value proposition with regional audiences;
• Work closely with UNDP experts to produce and market RBA/Regional Programme publications and campaigns, using innovative communication tools and various types of media including digital and social media content creation, graphic design, and more;
• Increase coverage and understanding of UNDP’s Africa work through strategic media and/or donor outreach;
• In collaboration with BERA HQ and the RBA Partnerships and Communications team, produces results-based communications materials for distribution to donors and other key constituents;
• Support regional public campaigns that promote UNDP and influence the development agenda based on the current programme and new initiatives.

• Provide support to senior officials working in Africa on media outreach, messaging, positioning and interview techniques in close collaboration with the communication team at BERA; 
• Work to produce op-eds and speeches, organize interviews and support country visits and attendance of flagship conferences and events;
• Provide strategic training and support to guide country offices on cohesive region-wide campaigns, Regional Programme-related outreach, and timely responses to reputational management inquiries raised by media and donors, in close consultation with the Communications Group at HQ; 
• Provide support and guidance as needed to regional innovation initiatives, including Accelerator Labs, on communications activities and opportunities for amplification;
• Work with various RBA units on knowledge management, mitigating risk to institutional reputation, and sharing successes/information internally. 

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in in journalism, communications, external relations, public affairs, public relations, or related field.

• At least 5 years of relevant experience at the national or international level in public relations, multimedia communications, journalism or advocacy;
• Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization in Africa;
• Experience collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders, across agencies, government, NGOs, civil society, private sector, and others; 
• Experience formulating strategic documents to guide communications, media, and publication plans;
• Experience leading teams, and planning, chairing, and managing records of meetings and working groups;
• Proven knowledge and experience using social media for development messaging;
• Experience supporting and advising senior management and high-level officials through the development of talking points, speech writing, as well as high-level VIP visits and conferences;
• Media relations experience and proven ability to secure earned media placements in print, broadcast, and/or new media. Clear background with direct engagement with media in sensitive environments;
• Experience implementing innovative solutions and tracking performance results. Background in data innovation and digital analytics a distinct advantage;
• Background in training and collaborating proactively with non-technical stakeholders in the achievement of shared results;
• Previous experience with management of procurement processes, budgeting, and recruitment for a department. Direct supervision of consultants and vendors is required.

Technical Skills:

• Exceptional writing and editing skills, adaptable for different platforms and audiences, including web/social, corporate, local, regional and international media;
• Expert knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including creating advanced Excel spreadsheets for data analysis and strong presentation skills in Powerpoint. Technical knowledge of other office collaboration applications and tools is an asset; 
• Technical knowledge of web design and digital infrastructure, email and customer management software, including HTML, CSS, AEM, digital analytics and advertising platforms;
• Continually updated knowledge of trends and emerging platforms for effective content strategy, including knowledge of social media monitoring technology and social media measurement and listening tools;
• Knowledge of innovation for development space, and how horizon-scanning and adaptive design can be harnessed for communications, technology and development gains; 
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with the ability to produce photo, video, and infographic content with Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Final Cut Pro. Knowledge of web-based social video and animation creator platforms an advantage;
• Professional DSLR photography and videography skills, including the usage of external audio/lighting, as well as post-production software. Technical knowledge of emerging innovative storytelling formats relevant to the development space, is an asset; 
• Demonstrated ability to track and analyze performance and synthesize information into reports;
• Demonstrated ability to manage innovative projects, events and activities through to completion.

• Fluency in English. Knowledge of French is an advantage.

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment. 

UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.

Applicant information about UNDP rosters

Note: 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.

Workforce diversity

UNDP is committed to achieving diversity within its workforce, and encourages all qualified applicants, irrespective of gender, nationality, disabilities, sexual orientation, culture, religious and ethnic backgrounds to apply. All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

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Contract Duration: 1 Year with possibility for extension