Communication Officer: Digital & Public Outreach
Organizational Context
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN's lead agency for international development, working in 170 countries to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. UNDP helps countries build resilience, develop policies, and strengthen institutions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Its focus areas include sustainable development, democratic governance, peacebuilding, and climate and disaster resilience. The UNDP South Africa Communications Unit implements the Country Office's communications strategy, enhancing visibility and impact through strategic storytelling, media engagement, and digital outreach.
Job Purpose
The National UN Volunteer Expert will provide high-level technical support to the UNDP South Africa Communications Unit, assisting in the planning, coordination, and implementation of strategic communications activities. The role involves translating complex development results into compelling multimedia stories, coordinating communications support across programme teams, and strengthening knowledge management systems. The incumbent will contribute to multimedia production and integrated communications campaigns to advance UNDP's strategic priorities, positioning UNDP as a trusted development partner through effective storytelling, media engagement, digital communications, and public outreach.
Responsibilities
The UN Expert Volunteer will support the Country Office's digital communications strategy by creating high-quality editorial, visual, and multimedia content. This includes coordinating the development of compelling stories showcasing UNDP's impact, researching and documenting human-interest stories, and managing multimedia field missions. The role involves producing written, photographic, video, podcast, and graphic content for various platforms, drafting website articles, newsletters, and social media content, and coordinating audiovisual productions. The volunteer will also manage website content, monitor digital performance, and develop creative briefs for service providers. Additionally, the volunteer will support integrated communications planning across programme teams and external stakeholders, coordinate the editorial calendar, and assist in developing and implementing communications plans for initiatives and events. This includes providing communications support for assigned portfolios, liaising with internal and external partners, supporting media engagement, and representing the Communications Unit at meetings. The role also involves identifying opportunities to strengthen strategic partnerships and coordinating external communications service providers. Furthermore, the volunteer will strengthen organizational knowledge management by coordinating the collection of programme results and multimedia assets, supporting the production of corporate publications, and maintaining the Unit's SharePoint platform and digital asset library. Building and maintaining databases of contacts, coordinating editorial planning, and synthesizing programme information into accessible products are also key responsibilities, ensuring compliance with UNDP branding and standards.
Work Experience
Requires three years of professional experience in communications, journalism, public relations, strategic communications, digital communications, or multimedia production. Experience producing high-quality storytelling in international development or public sector environments is essential. Proven ability to translate complex development issues into audience-focused communications, strong multimedia storytelling skills (photography, videography, podcasting), and experience coordinating multimedia productions and diverse teams are necessary. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud and familiarity with content management systems are also required.
Skills
Key competencies include Accountability, Adaptability, Client Orientation, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication, Creativity, Ethics and Values, Judgement and Decision-making, Knowledge Sharing, Leadership, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Self-Management, Technological Awareness, Vision, and Working in Teams. Specific skills include communication, advocacy, public information, digital and social media expertise, and multimedia production.