Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

1- Office/Unit/Project Description

UNDP is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We are on the ground in 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people on their own solutions to global and national development challenges to help empower lives and build resilient nations.

Based on the UNSDCF 2025-2030 in line with Djibouti Vision 2035 and the National Development Plan 2025-20302-2024, UNDP Country program CPD has developed a new Country Programme for 2025-2030 focus on two pillars: Governance and Social cohesion and Economic Diversification and Resilience to climate change. The main objective of UNDP Djibouti country program is to accelerate the achievement of sustainable development goals. It tackles the interrelated challenges of development, climate risks and challenges through climate change adaptation and climate change mitigation, innovative and inclusive financing, provides assistance and resilience and seeks to reduce poverty, gender inequalities, geographic inequalities, and exclusion. It promotes environmental sustainability and resilience through integrated strategies. It supports the most vulnerable and strengthens national institutional capacities for inclusive growth, poverty reduction, prevention of violent extremism, climate action, and strengthening social cohesion.

The role of the Country Office Communications Unit is to adopt UNDP’s global communication strategy to a local context and the Country Office development priorities. Through the production of high-quality communication materials and innovative use of relevantly targeted communication channels (internal and external), the communications team works collaboratively to position UNDP as a leader in the development arena, promote visibility of UNDP program outcomes/development results, mobilize support for Sustainable Development Goals in the country, and practice delivery as one UN.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Residente Representative, the Communications Associate supports the formulation and implementation of the communications and advocacy strategies tightly linked to the program priorities, helps position the Country Office in key development markets as a leader in ways that boost demand for various service lines and increase overall business opportunities. Under guidance, increases the standing and awareness of UNDP with partners, the media and the public.

The Communications Associate promotes a client and community oriented approach in UNDP and works in close collaboration with the CO Programme, Operations and project teams, staff of other UN Agencies, UNDP Communications Regional and HQ staff, government officials, national and international media, donors and civil society. The Communications Associate may supervise support staff of the Communications Unit.

2. Scope of Work

Under direct supervision of the country office RR, the Communication Associate will carry out the following primary responsibilities:

1- Support the implementation of internal and external communication and outreach strategies in the country office.

Provide support for the country office communication needs assessments (e.g., projects, country program, and corporate change initiatives).
Provide support to UNDP projects and programme in implementing the country office communication action plan.
Gather information from different programmes and projects to share with country office teams and to archive for future use in communication activities.
Maintain an information database and photo library that includes reviewing and identifying reference materials for retention.

2- Support the implementation of the country office publication strategy and plan.

Coordinate with projects and programmes to identify leads for different communication publications.
Provide support to translate, edit and proofread different articles and content.
Supervise publications dissemination that includes maintaining contact with printers and other suppliers to ensure both production and dissemination of publications.

3- Ensure application of corporate guidelines for any digital content included on country office website, intranet and social media.

Assist in updating CO website in line with corporate guidelines.
Design content for website and social media in line corporate guidelines.

4- Support country office communication campaign and advocacy initiatives to increase awareness of UNDP’s mandate and goals through dissemination of information and organization of public and media events.

Develop campaign materials for marketing and awareness-raising campaigns, including briefing and media materials in coordination with the supervisor.
Organize roundtable discussions, press conferences, briefing sessions, seminars, and interviews.
Track and generate a report on the progress of campaign and advocacy implementation.

5- Assist the Country office in knowledge management and dissemination.

Compile knowledge products from programme/projects and ensure they are properly archived.
Upload content on Internal database and website.
Work with suppliers/vendors as and when necessary,

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organisation.

3. Institutional Arrangement

The Communication Associate will report directly to the Country Office Resident Representative. The incumbent will also work closely with other programme, operations, and project staff within the UNDP Djibouti Country Office, as well as with implementing partners, government entities, and development stakeholders.

Approved costs to arrange meetings, workshops, travel costs, and DSA during field visits shall be covered by UNDP.

Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: May supervise support staff in Communications unit.

4. Competencies

Core Competencies	Description of Competency at Level Required
Achieve Results:	LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively:	LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
Learn Continuously:	LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility:	LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
Act with Determination:	LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner:	LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion:	LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies

Thematic Area	Name	Definition
Business Management	Working with Evidence and Data	Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions, and supporting decision-making
Business Management	Digital Awareness and Literacy	Ability and inclination to rapidly adopt new technologies, either through skillfully grasping their usage or through understanding their impact and empowering others to use them as needed. Knowledge of the usage of digital technologies and emerging trends.
Business Management	Customer Satisfaction/Client Management	Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients’ immediate requests. Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns.
Business Management	Communication	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 channels.
Business Management	Monitoring and Evaluation	Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results. Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming. Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make an independent judgement based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns.
Technical - Finance	Budget management	Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets
Technical – _Procurement	Procurement management	The ability to acquire goods, services or works from an outside external source

5. Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA

Min. Academic Education	Secondary education is required. A university degree (bachelor´s degree) in Communication or, Journalism, Marketing or any relevant field of study will be given due consideration but is not a requirement.
Min. years of relevant Work experience	Minimum 7 years (with secondary education) or 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant communications, marketing or public relations experience.
Required skills and competencies	Experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Desired additional skills and competencies	Experience with management of social media, Digital Marketing, Advertising, Graphic Design, Videography, or any other Content Creation fields Experience in event management. Experience in video shooting and editing skills (Adobe Premiere Pro, CapCut, or similar). Experience in graphic design and using one or more graphic design tools like Adobe Creative suite; Illustrator, Photoshop, After Effects, IndesignAI tools, or Canvas. Experience in journalism, publishing or public relations for a private sector entity. Experience with UNDP or another UN agency. Ability to manage multiple projects and deliver under tight deadlines
Required Language(s) (at working level)	Fluency in French and English is required.

6. Required Documents for Application

Personal CV or UNDP P11 form indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers.

A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers themselves to be suitable for the position.

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.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

Communication Associate ([Open to internal and external applicants]