Communications Associate (Open to internal and external applicants)
Organizational Context
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) operates in approximately 170 countries, assisting governments in achieving development goals, poverty eradication, and reducing inequalities. The UNDP Multi-Country Office (MCO) for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean serves nine countries, aiming to foster inclusive and sustainable human development. The MCO is structured around three clusters: Nature, Climate and Energy; Prevention, Recovery and Resilience; and Poverty and Governance, with its hub located in Barbados.
Job Purpose
The Communications Associate will support programmatic activities by enhancing project visibility through mainstream media, multimedia, and social media platforms. Working under the MCO Communications Analyst, the role involves drafting and editing communication materials, developing advocacy and campaign content, and organizing press launches. This position requires close collaboration with UNDP communications staff, project teams, government officials, media, subject matter experts, and civil society to ensure the effective implementation of project communication strategies across the Eastern Caribbean region. The goal is to increase coverage and understanding of UNDP's programmatic work.
Responsibilities
The Communications Associate is responsible for coordinating, implementing, and monitoring project communications and partnership strategies. This includes providing communication inputs for project plans, budgets, and deliverables, and measuring communication impact. The role involves engaging in media outreach across priority countries and the region, promoting projects, and increasing coverage through strategic media use, including digital and social platforms. Proactively marketing project activities by pitching success stories and positioning stakeholders for interviews is key. The associate will also manage reputational inquiries, monitor media, and ensure project websites and social media align with corporate goals. Additionally, the role supports the development of communication products, multimedia content, and knowledge management, including drafting reports, press releases, and other materials, while ensuring compliance with branding guidelines.
Work Experience
A minimum of seven years of experience with Secondary Education, or four years with a Bachelor's degree, is required in areas such as institutional/corporate/development communications, journalism, media relations, public information, digital content creation, or stakeholder engagement. Experience in managing advocacy campaigns, using office software, and handling web-based systems is also required. Desirable experience includes developing diverse communication products, supporting digital platforms, event logistics, and working within the development sector or with UN agencies.
Skills
Key skills include: Achieving Results, Innovative Thinking, Continuous Learning, Adaptability, Determination, Engagement and Partnership, Diversity and Inclusion. Cross-functional competencies involve Business Direction & Strategy, Effective Decision Making, Business Development, Knowledge Facilitation, and Business Management. Technical competencies include Partnership Management, Relationship Management, Media Relations, Creative Direction and Copywriting, and Storytelling.