Mission and objectives
As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience. UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.
Context
The UNDP Communications Unit is responsible for the implementation of the corporate communications strategy, as well as providing inputs to the design, management, and implementation of the Country Office’s partnerships and publication strategies which are geared to influence the development agenda, promote public and media outreach and mobilize political and financial support for UNDP. Through the Communications Unit, UNDP strategically communicates its strategic focus areas (aligned to the Global Strategy), project activities, and impact results to key stakeholders to essentially profile UNDP as a development leader and partner of choice in championing sustainable development. The UNV will support in particular the implementation of the CO’s digital communication function, with a focus on social media planning and analytics reporting, multi-media content creation, website and knowledge management. The UNV will also support other public outreach activities such as event planning, stakeholder/media relations, and knowledge sharing.
Task description
Under the direct supervision of the Communications Analyst, the UN Youth Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: Participate in, support and contribute to the improvement of UNDP’s digital footprint and active engagement through: • Contributing to the design of the CO’s digital strategy; • Creation of high-impact content (written, audio-visual, and graphic); • Development of written content for the CO website; • Consistent monitoring of social media platforms; • Support with the preparation of impact report: data analytics; • Monitor progress against the approved strategy; • Support with the development of Terms of Reference’s for communications service providers. Support, participate in, and contribute to the successful execution of public outreach activities through: • Support with the identifying of potential partnerships that can enhance the CO’s communication function; • Supporting the planning of events, public outreach activities, and workshops/conferences/seminars; • Support with the management and maintaining relationships with external partners such as media, implementing partners, and other UN communications counterparts; • Contribute to the planning of joint activities as part of the United Nations Communications Group (UNCG); • Representing UNDP at partner events and other outreach activities; • Contributing to the development of communication products. Assist with and contribute to knowledge building and sharing through: • Identification of new communication trends and help introduce; • Contributing to knowledge creation by supporting results content collection; • Building and maintaining a database of partners, media, and other relevant stakeholders; • Supporting content synthesis processes for reporting, branding, and communication; • Managing the proper upkeep of the CO knowledge management system (SharePoint).
Eligibility criteria
Age
18 – 26
Additional eligibility criteria
This assignment is funded by the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia and only nationals of that country are eligible to apply. You may apply to a maximum of three assignments and indicate the order of preference in the ‘Additional remarks’ field when filling in the application form. The deadline for applications is 13 October 2023.
Nationality
Candidate must be a national of a country other than the country of assignment.
Requirements
Required experience
1 years of experience in (minimum three months) economic development/poverty and inequality/ gender equality/ innovation/ digitalization/ social protection/ green economy / youthdevelopment/entrepreneurship/climate change; • Previous experience as a volunteer or experience of another culture, (i.e. studies, volunteer work, internship) would be an added advantage; • Design skills (Adobe Creative Cloud or Canva); • Photography and Videography; • Digital savvy–a deeper understanding of social media (analytics and algorithms); • Writing – the ability to prepare quality reports and impactful success stories; • Research (General) Knowledge of analytical tools, market research and methods for undertaking substantive research on various issues; • Data Analysis and Visualization Ability to evaluate, transform and model data to derive relevant findings- undertake & provide analysis of data to assess Org performance and or global trends;
Area(s) of expertise
Communication
Languages
English, Level: Fluent, Required
Required education level
Bachelor degree or equivalent in currently studying towards a degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Digital Marketing or another relevant field.
Competencies and values
Adaptability and Flexibility • Client Orientation • Commitment and Motivation • Commitment to Continuous Learning • Communication • Creativity • Knowledge Sharing • Planning and Organizing • Professionalism • Respect for Diversity • Self-Management • Technological Awareness • Vision • Working in Teams
Living conditions and remarks
The World Bank classifies South Africa as an upper-middle-income economy, one of only eight such countries in Africa. Yet the country is currently ranked just 109th out of 191 countries on the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI). South Africa is a developing country. It is diverse in all possible aspects, from language to religion, owing to the many, many ethnicities unified in this nation. In South Africa, you can find some of the most “Westernized”, wealthy, and progressive facets of the African continent, but also some of its most dire problems. The Economy of South Africa is the third largest in Africa and the most industrialized, technologically advanced, and diversified economy in Africa overall .https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_South_Africa South Africa remains a dual economy with one of the highest and most persistent inequality rates in the world, with a consumption expenditure Gini coefficient of 0.67 in 2018. High inequality is perpetuated by a legacy of exclusion and the nature of economic growth, which is not pro-poor and does not generate sufficient jobs. The South African economy was already in a weak position when it entered the pandemic after a decade of low growth, expanding only by an average 1% percent between 2012 and 2021, leading to a contraction of income per capita of 5.6% during this period. Longstanding structural constraints, such as electricity shortages, continue to be binding. South Africa experiences regular power outages known as “load-shedding.” According to the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) Travel Advisory: for South Africa, the security situation in South Africa demands constant vigilance. Health hazards are HIV – throughout the country; and malaria – mainly in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Kwazulu-Natal provinces.
Inclusivity statement
United Nations Volunteers is an equal opportunity programme that welcomes applications from qualified professionals. We are committed to achieving diversity in terms of gender, care protected characteristics. As part of their adherence to the values of UNV, all UN Volunteers commit themselves to combat any form of discrimination, and to promoting respect for human rights and individual dignity, without distinction of a person’s race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Note on Covid-19 vaccination requirements
Selected candidates for certain occupational groups may be subject to inoculation (vaccination) requirements, including against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) in line with the applicable host entity policy
How to apply
If you are interested, register and apply through this link:
Communication Associate: Digital and Outreach | UVP (unv.org)