Communications and Partnership Specialist
Organizational Context
The UNDP Multi-Country Office (MCO) in Samoa supports Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, and Tokelau in achieving the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. Operating in a complex Pacific island environment, the MCO focuses on inclusive governance, sustainable growth, and climate resilience. It emphasizes a whole-of-society approach, leaving no one behind, with a focus on gender equality, youth empowerment, and persons with disabilities. The office in Apia hosts approximately 40 personnel.
Job Purpose
This role provides crucial technical, analytical, and operational support to the UNDP Samoa MCO's environment and climate change programmes. The specialist will strengthen project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting, ensuring effective programme delivery. Key contributions include enhancing stakeholder engagement, advancing Samoa's sustainable development priorities, and bolstering climate resilience efforts through knowledge management and capacity-building initiatives. The position aims to support the MCO's strategic objectives in peace, prosperity, and planet, aligning with the UNDP Multi-Country Programme Document for the Pacific Island Countries and Territories 2023-27.
Responsibilities
The Communications and Partnership Specialist will support the MCO by developing and implementing project communication strategies, creating media content, and capturing human-interest stories to ensure donor-aligned visibility. Responsibilities include building and managing strategic partnerships, coordinating joint initiatives, and assisting in concept note and proposal development. The role also involves managing knowledge systems to capture and share best practices and lessons learned, fostering organizational learning and ensuring secure information handling. Specific tasks include preparing communication materials, monitoring local media, liaising on project reports, identifying and developing strategic partnerships, facilitating collaboration with external counterparts, and implementing knowledge management systems for information sharing and documentation.
Work Experience
A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience is required, including at least 2 years in communications, partnership development, or programme support. Experience should encompass implementing communication strategies, supporting strategic partnerships, knowledge management, and producing outreach materials within development, social, or environmental programmes. Experience with international or development programmes is preferred. Skills in project planning, reporting, stakeholder coordination, research, analysis, and event organization are essential.
Skills
Core competencies include Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Building Trust, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Ethics and Values, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Self-Management, Technological Awareness, and Working in Teams. Technical skills and expertise areas include Communication, Advocacy, Public Information, Project Management, Programme Development, and Strategy.