Project Communications & Public Relations Assistant
Organizational Context
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the Pacific, specifically the Fiji multi-country office, supports ten island nations in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Fiji, highly vulnerable to natural disasters, is implementing the National Disaster Management Act 2024. This role supports the Government of Fiji and UNDP's Green Climate Fund Programme to enhance disaster risk reduction and climate resilience through effective communication.
Job Purpose
This role serves as the primary focal point for communications and public relations within Fiji's National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO), supporting the implementation of the National Disaster Management Act 2024 and the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative. The purpose is to ensure timely, accurate, and accessible disaster information, strengthen public confidence, and facilitate the effective dissemination of warnings through Fiji’s Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (MHEWS) and Common Alerting Protocol (CAP). The position contributes to promoting disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, and public safety by leading strategic communications, media engagement, and awareness activities.
Responsibilities
The Project Communications & Public Relations Assistant will develop and implement communication strategies, annual plans, and national public awareness campaigns for disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response, and recovery. This includes leading proactive risk communication and emergency information dissemination, especially during National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) activations, ensuring accurate and consistent official warnings. The role involves building and maintaining strong partnerships with media and telecommunications providers for rapid alert dissemination, managing the NDRMO's digital presence, and creating accessible, multilingual content. Additionally, the incumbent will monitor media for misinformation, issue clarifications, manage media relations, and establish feedback mechanisms to gauge public trust and improve communication effectiveness. The position also oversees documentation for donor visibility and manages key campaigns like 'Know Your Risk Fiji' and the 'Disaster Ready Fiji Schools Initiative'.
Work Experience
A minimum of 5 years of demonstrated experience in strategic communications, media relations, and public awareness campaigns is required with a high school diploma. This requirement reduces to 2 years if the candidate holds a bachelor's degree. Experience in disaster risk management, climate change, or development programs is desirable.
Skills
Strategic Thinking, Partnerships Management, Communication (written and verbal), Public Relations, Digital Literacy, Multimedia Writing/Editing, Social Media Management, Computer Proficiency (MS Office, databases).