Background

Since the full-scale military aggression by Russian forces in February 2022, Ukraine has faced unprecedented destruction, displacement, and continued threats to human security. Thousands of people have lost their lives, critical infrastructure has been destroyed, and millions have been forced to leave their homes. The scale of devastation has profoundly affected every sphere of society and the economy, while also influencing global peace and stability. Without coordinated efforts built on the pillars of protection, empowerment, and solidarity, Ukraine risks succumbing to the escalating impacts of the war, with potentially irrecoverable consequences.

Against this backdrop, the Inclusive Recovery Support for Resilience and Human Security in Ukraine project has been launched to stimulate urgent recovery and strengthen resilience against the widespread death, destruction, displacement, and suffering caused by the war in Ukraine, for promoting Human Security in Ukraine. The project will undertake multi-sectoral and integrated immediate actions against interconnected and multidimensional threats that Ukraine is currently facing.

The project focuses on promoting human security nationwide through multi-sectoral and integrated interventions that respond to interconnected threats. Its priorities include restoring essential infrastructure such as electricity, water, and public facilities; improving safety through mine clearance and debris management; fostering economic recovery by supporting agriculture and small and medium-sized enterprises; ensuring social reintegration of war victims and veterans; enhancing anti-corruption capacity; expanding legal and social services for vulnerable groups; and strengthening governance at both national and local levels in the planning and implementation of reconstruction efforts.

The Inclusive Recovery Support for Resilience and Human Security in Ukraine project creates a framework for recruiting specialists who can contribute to reconstruction, economic revitalization, and the protection of human security in Ukraine.

In this context, UNDP is recruiting a Communications Analyst, who will be responsible for the effective implementation of communication activities as part of the Accessibility and Inclusion (A&I) Team’s projects, consistent with UNDP rules and regulations, as well as donors' requirements, and contributing to the achievement of UNDP CO programmatic goals.

The incumbent will promote UNDP's mandate as a gender-responsive organization with zero tolerance to discriminatory and abusive behavior, including sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse.

Duties and Responsibilities

Within the delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the A&I Project Coordinator, the Communications Analyst will:

A. Ensure development and effective implementation of the designated projects’ communication and outreach strategies:

Support communications related activates of the designated projects, including planning and executing relevant communication strategies and plans across multiple channels at national and regional levels, promoting civic education and community awareness where appropriate to the supported projects;  Support preparation of articles, success stories, and talking points on various issues relevant to the programme/project(s) objectives;  Substantially contribute to the preparation of donor reports; perform editing of projects reports and promotion materials and assure that projects promotion materials meet UN/UNDP and donors communications requirements;  Serve as a focal person and liaise with communications personnel of other projects and UNDP Country Office; convey designated projects news for publication at the UNDP website and social media;  Ensure development and publication of the projects` promotion and information materials such as leaflets, brochures, newsletters, and ensure quality and timeliness of their production; organize interviews for various Mass Media as part of the programme/projects activities;  Coordinate the work of relevant individual consultants contracted within the programme/project(s) for communications and/or monitoring related assignments; coordinate the production and printing agencies involved in creation of audio/video/animation/print products on the request of the programme/ projects under implementation; Contribute to the successful implementation of grant programmes launched as part of designated projects by leading capacity building for the UNDP grantees in the area of communications and outreach, as well as providing them with advisory support and consultations if needed; Prepare press-announces and press-releases on the activities of the programme/ projects in both English and Ukrainian (or Russian if needed) languages for distribution to mass media; organize the press-clubs, press-tours, press-conferences, conferences and other media-related events as part of the programme/projects activities.

B. Contribute to the corporate advocacy and outreach efforts in collaboration with UNDP CO Communication Unit:

Help to promote and disseminate the UNDP corporate advocacy materials for launching flagship initiatives and publications; Help to organize and conduct public information campaigns on issues including UNDP activities, Sustainable Development Goals, and UN Reform; Help to increase coverage and understanding of the UNDP's work in the country or practice area through regular media contacts and provision of newsworthy information to the national public and, where possible, donors; Provide support to the organization of roundtable discussions, press conferences, briefing sessions, interviews, launches, etc; Ensure effective responses to inquiries for information materials related to the supported projects.

C. Facilitation of knowledge building and management:

Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme country goals and activities; Contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice including corporate communications repositories; Provision of trainings for UNDP personnel and partner organizations, including but not limited to UNDP grantees supported under designated projects, on internal and external gender-sensitive and conflict-sensitive communications for development, with a focus on photography, video, blogging, managing social media, working with press, etc; Participate in the training for the programme/project personnel for further professional growth through active learning. 

D. Ensure the mainstreaming of gender equality and women’s empowerment considerations in the field of expertise; promote a safe and enabling environment free of discrimination and abusive behaviour corporate standards

Use the principles of gender-responsive design in line with the UNDP corporate standards. Be aware of relevant gender issues and concerns in the field of expertise and be familiar with gender issues relevant to the country/region. Support the promotion of team culture of gender equality and zero tolerance to any sexual misconduct in the team through leadership and personal example. Demonstrate respect for gender equality in professional interactions, identify and address sexism and gender discrimination.

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

Institutional Arrangement

The incumbent will directly report to the A&I Project Coordinator and work in close coordination with Capacity Development Officer, as well as UNDP CO Communications team.

Competencies

Core 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 Communications Media Relations Ability to develop media relations across all aspects of media work including relationships with media and preparing media materials such as messages Communications Multimedia writing/editing Ability to create and/or edit written content for multimedia General (across the functions) Public Relations Ability to build and maintain an overall positive public image for the organization, its mandate and its brand, while ensuring that individual campaigns and other communications and advocacy initiatives are supported in reaching the public Communications Social Media management Ability to represent and promote the UNDP brand in virtual communities and networks 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

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communications, public relations, journalism or related field is required; or A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional two (2) years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master’s degree.

Experience:

Minimum 2 years (with Master’s degree) or 4 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at the national or international level in public relations and/or communications. Experience of work at relevant positions in international organizations, programmes/projects. Extensive experience in presenting in public forums, including high-level national stakeholders. Advanced knowledge of and experience with blogging and social media. Advanced knowledge of and experience with newsletter design, photography or video production.

Knowledge and Skills:

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, demonstrated ability to build trust. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in the team, delivering through and with others.

Languages:

Fluency in English is required. Fluency in Ukrainian is required for local personnel.

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.