Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Office/Unit/Project Description
On the ground in 170 countries and territories, UNDP works with national partners to eradicate poverty and inequality, protect the planet and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. UNDP’s multi-country office in Trinidad and Tobago (UNDP TT) has responsibilities for Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten as well. It supports these countries by connecting them to knowledge, experiences and resources that assist governments to adopt policies that help people build a better life.
UNDP TT builds on UNDP’s worldwide presence, thought leadership, and over 50 years of experience— to help countries and communities respond to a fast-changing development landscape. In particular, UNDP TT is bringing new solutions, building collaborative platforms and forging new partnerships to help national partners accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
In the UNDP TT Country Office (CO), the Community Flood Early Warning Systems (CFEWS) Phase 2 (August 2023 to July 2025) aims to contribute to risk-informed flood planning and development across Trinidad and Tobago to reduce loss of life, minimize displacement and poverty. Ten (10) communities are targeted to benefit; Arima, Guanapo (x 2), Guapo, La Canoa, Navet, and Tableland are in Trinidad, and Bacolet, Bloody Bay (x 2), Lois D’or and Richmond are in Tobago. The majority of these communities are in areas highly susceptible to flooding and are among the most vulnerable.
Additionally, the UNDP TT CO is supporting the Ministry of Digital Transformation to achieve national digitization priorities which include; implementing a National Electronic Identification (E-ID) System and Government Interoperability Platform (IOP), digitally transforming the operations of the Ministry of Social Development and Family Services, digitizing workflows at 9 Government Ministries and Agencies, and implementing a digital Government Project Management Platform and Monitoring Dashboard. All of these activities require public sensitization and awareness campaigns, internal change management at government agencies, and clear, standardized messaging from all implementing stakeholders.
Within this context, UNDP TT CO is seeking a Communications Associate to lead the development and implementation of the UNDP TT communications strategy and strengthen UNDP’s public and media outreach. The Communications Associate will have a special focus on (i) the formulation and implementation of communications and advocacy strategies to increase the standing and awareness of UNDP TT with local partners and donors, the media and other target audiences, and (ii) support the design and implementation of a Public Education and Awareness Raising campaign and engage in community-specific outreach activities as part of a communications and visibility strategy which promotes sustainability, involvement and ownership within the national community.
The communications strategy needs to be tightly linked to programme priorities and help position the UNDP TT multi-country office in key development markets as a leader in ways that boost demand for various service lines and increase overall business opportunities. UNDP TT brand and expertise can bring to bear a stronger value proposition in critical priority areas of government interest such as economic diversification, gender equality, public administration (modernization and digitization) and poverty reduction
Scope of Work
The UNDP TT CO is dedicated to enhancing its internal and external communication efforts, recognizing the significance of showcasing our impactful programmes and projects. To ensure consistency and effectiveness in our messaging, the Communications Associate will:
Support the Development and implementation an organization-wide communications strategy and plan, assisting UNDP TT in improving its capacity to communicate UNDP's programmatic work and leadership to the general public as well as donors, governments, and influential audiences. This Communications Plan will adhere to UNDP, donor and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago guidelines and policies for communication and visibility. Support coordination of communication efforts across the office and other UN agencies, funds and programmes, developing a mechanism to strengthen communications both within the organization and with the external stakeholders, which includes supporting the design, execution, monitoring and evaluation of Public Education and Awareness campaigns, for projects inclusive of but not limited to the CFEWS Project and the DigiTT project. Support Implementation of UNDP’s online and digital strategy, which includes project-specific sub-strategies, providing strategic and targeted advice and direction on digital communications, platforms, channels and applications including contributing to identifying and developing new directions and initiatives; overseeing quality and consistency regarding social media strategy and implementation; and supervising the maintenance of the UNDP website and multimedia public information, including project-specific pages. Assist oversight of marketing and branding, ensuring quality and consistency in the development and roll-out of training tools and toolkits covering all aspects of communication, facilitating capacity-building for the projects, as required, and the UNDP TT MCO; preparing and leading training sessions for staff to support the Communications Strategy, and supporting the preparation, coordination, execution and reporting of project-specific events (including but not limited to launches, press conferences, E-ID and early warning messaging), the coordination of logistical arrangements, invitations, and caterers. Provide support to projects with the development of original content and products, and photo documentation in conjunction with the leadership team, Project Manager, Project or assigned team, to lead UNDP socialmedia publications which illustrate and showcase inter alia the progress of the project and wider UNDP website with updated video and photography libraries, as required. Support effective strategic Communications, coordinating all communication with government counterparts and staff across projects and teams as needed, inclusive of the evaluation of potential vendors for the execution of communications campaign. The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation.Institutional Arrangement
The Communications Associate will report to the UNDP TT Resident Representative or his designate in close collaboration with project managers as needed.
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 Business Direction & Strategy Strategic Thinking
Ability to leverage learning from a variety of sources to anticipate and respond to future trends; to demonstrate foresight in order to model what future developments and possible ways forward look like for UNDP.
TC – Communications Campaign Management Abilityto produce andimplement communications and advocacy campaigns whichlead to impactful change TC – Communications Multimedia Production Abilityto create andcombine images, text, and audio- visuals to produce multimedia content CF – Business Management CommunicationAbility to communicate ina clear, concise, and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communicationmethods depending on the audience.
Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
Business Management Partnerships ManagementAbility to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with the UNDP strategy and policies.
Business Management Digital Awareness and LiteracyAbility and inclination to rapidly adopt new technologies, either through skillfully grasping their usage or through understanding their impact and empowering others to use them as needed.
Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA Min. Education Requirements
Secondary Education with specialized training in communications, journalism, international relations, public relations or other relevant discipline is required. A Bachelor’s Degree in communications, journalism, international relations, public relations or other relevant discipline is not a requirement but will be given due consideration.Min. years of relevant Work experience A minimum of seven (7) years’ experience with Secondary Education and Diploma or a minimum of four (4) years’ experience with a Bachelor’s Degree of relevant experience at the national level in providing communication services to international development organizations or national agencies. Is required.
Required skills and competencies
N/A
Desired additional skills and competencies Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.). Experience in the handling of web-based management systems is desired. Demonstrated experience of excellent writing, research and analytical skills is an asset. Demonstrated experience working in a multi-stakeholder international context is desired. Demonstrated experience organizing, supporting and participating in community/public outreach campaigns/ activities is desired. Demonstrated experience with events coordination and management is desired. Experience in developing informative blogs, feature articles, impact/human interest stories and social media posts is an asset. Experience in research, writing, design and production of communication assets, press releases, reports and publications is desired. Proven experience in the use of social media platforms to communicate development progress and results. Experience in emergency communications, disaster risk reduction or another related field would be an asset. Previous experience with the UNDP would be considered an asset, Required Language(s) (at working level) Excellent working level of English, both verbally and written. Fluency in Spanish would be considered an asset. Professional Certificates N/ADisclaimer
Important applicant information
All posts in the NPSA categories are subject to local recruitment.
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.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
Scam warning
The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.