Background
UNDP multi-country office in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam provides technical UNDP is one of the World’s premier development organizations. It is focused on improving the lives and wellbeing all of peoples, especially those who may be struggling to benefit from greater social and economic opportunities.
Working in over 170 countries and territories globally, UNDP delivers programmes spanning climate action, the environment, governance, social protection, and women’s empowerment. We build the strength of institutions and the capacity of people.
UNDP is the largest United Nations Agency operating in Malaysia. UNDP has been delivering programmes in Malaysia for over 60 years having established its Country Office in Kuala Lumpur in 1961. UNDP is today present across Malaysia and the Country Office is now a multi-country Office representing UNDP across Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam.
The Country Office is headed by a Resident Representative who is among the United Nation’s most senior representatives responsible for oversighting all aspects of UNDP’s operations for the Multi-Country Office. The Resident Representative is also a key interlocutor for the United Nations regularly meeting with the highest levels of Government, the civil service, the private sector and civil society.
The incumbent performing in the role of Head of Communications, is a key member of the Resident Representative’s Office assisting in the management of communication initiatives and strategies across the Country Office. The Head of Communications also works closely with the Country Office’s senior management team assisting their efforts and the coordination of their respective functions under the direction of the Resident Representative.
The Country Office is now seeking a Head of Communications. A critical position, it will guide the building of UNDP’s brand in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam. The Head of Communications will ensure that messaging is clear, consistent, and aligned with the UNDP’s goals. In this role, the Head of Communications will advise of brand and brand and reputation management. They will lead on internal and external communication, strategic messaging, crisis management, media and public relations, drive the Country Office’s digital and social media strategy and its broader communications strategy and assist in stakeholder engagement.
UNDP is now seeking a suitably qualified and experienced candidate to fill the role of Head of Communications.
Duties and Responsibilities
Reports directly to the Resident Representative. The incumbent will be leading the Communication Unit and supervising the Communication Analyst, Communication Assistant, Digital Communication Associate and external consultants (translators, videographers assigned to communication related tasks).
Planning and design of internal and external strategies for communications and outreach:
Prepare and conduct communication needs assessments for the country office (projects, country programme and corporate change initiatives). Drafting/editing of CO communications and outreach strategy and plan based on CO strategic priorities, ensuring compliance with RBAP Key Performance Indicators ( KPIs) for Communication. Provide constructive and timely advice on inclusion of communications components in programme and projects formulations to integrate advocacy and communication strategies into all aspects of UNDP’s development programmes. Promote and facilitate increased coverage and understanding of the UNDP’s work in the country or practice area through local and global media stories as guided by the UNDP External Communications Action Plan. Implement the CO publications strategy and plan, based on the corporate publications policy.Lead strategic external communications, media engagement, and public outreach
Strengthen UNDP’s brand visibility by publicizing local UN reform efforts, joint programmes, and organizing thematic information campaigns (e.g., UN Day, SDGs). Maintain high visibility of UNDP’s work through local and international media; provide newsworthy information to the public and donors in line with the UNDP External Communications Action Plan. Promote and disseminate corporate advocacy materials and flagship publications (e.g., Human Development Report), identify impactful storylines, and draft substantive articles on development issues. Foster and maintain relationships with media outlets to ensure positive coverage and effective dissemination of key messages. Organize media engagements such as press conferences, briefings, roundtables, and civic awareness events to support project implementation and enhance community understanding Ensure media access to subject-matter experts and deliver prompt responses to public information requests. Coordinate and manage media engagements, including press releases, interviews, and press conferences. Monitor and analyze media coverage to assess the effectiveness of communication strategies and adjust as necessary. Lead crisis communication efforts to manage and mitigate potential reputational risks. Coordinate all stages of the publication process—content development, design, adherence to publishing norms, and liaising with printers and suppliers for production and distribution.Oversee the design and maintenance of the UNDP web site, intranet, CO web-based knowledge management system:
Oversee the design, development, and ongoing maintenance of the country office website, intranet, and web-based knowledge management systems, ensuring alignment with corporate standards and in collaboration with ICT staff. Manage and ensure consistency of content across all digital platforms, including the official website and social media channels. Develop and implement a strategic approach to digital communications tailored to the country office's priorities. Coordinate closely with the global web management team to ensure the country office’s digital presence adheres to UNDP’s branding and technical guidelines. Track and analyze engagement metrics across social media platforms to enhance outreach and public interaction.Supports business development :
Assist in the preparation and submission of programme proposals for donor consideration, working closely with programme staff and supervisors. Enhance visibility and understanding of UNDP’s work within the country or sector through strategic local and global media coverage, in line with the UNDP External Communications Action Plan. Promote knowledge building and sharing within the country office by providing guidance on communication strategies to all relevant stakeholders, focusing on achieving key development results. Identify, compile, and synthesize best practices and lessons learned that directly support programme objectives and country goals. Actively contribute to knowledge networks and communities of practice, including participation in corporate communications platforms. Deliver training, advisory services, and consultancy to UNDP staff on effective internal and external communication for development purposes.The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
Competencies
Core competencies
Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivityPeople Management
UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Digital
Social media - Knowledge of social media and ability to advise the use of social media for development outcomes Story Telling - Ability to empathize with people's perceptions, motivations, feelings and mental models and craft narratives to build an emotive argument for change accordingly. Ability to convey information in engaging narratives through digital media to achieve communication outcomes. Ability to present data, insights or information in compelling ways to mobilize resources, talent or action. Ability to choose media and channels that is fit for purpose to reach specific target audiences.Business Direction & Strategy
System Thinking - Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.Communications
Brand and Quality Management - Ability to position t UNDP brand and uphold it to a high level of qualityPartnership Management
Private Sector Engagement - Ability to identify, conduct outreach, and manage relationships with the private sector.Business Management
Risk Management - Identify and organize action around reducing, mitigating and proactively managing risks. Communications - 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 channelsRequired Skills and Experience
Education:
Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Communication, International Relations, Public Administration Media Relations, Journalism, Publishing, Media and Cultural Studies, Digital Media and Multimedia Production or any related/relevant field. 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 Master’s degree.Experience:
Minimum of 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at the national or international level in public relations, advocacy, or communications. Experience in the use of computers and office software packages, multi-media technologies in creating multimedia content and working with graphic and video production tools. Experience operating in the Asia Pacific region specifically experience in Malaysia/Singapore/Brunei context. Previous communication experience with multilateral or international organizations. Experience in designing and implementing communication and outreach strategies which lead to impactful change. Experience in managing communications internally and externally, through media, social media, and other appropriate channels. Experience in working with multiple stakeholders including government, donors, media and public. Experience in working in a multicultural environment.Required Languages
Fluency in English is required. Fluency in Bahasa Melayu is required for local staff. Knowledge of another UN language is desirable.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
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