Organization Mission

UNDP’s Programme of Assistance to the Palestinian People (PAPP) derives its mandate from the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 33/147 of 20 December 1978. Called upon by United Nations Member States in that year, UNDP was requested “to improve the economic and social conditions of the Palestinian people by identifying their social and economic needs and by establishing concrete projects to that end”. UNDP/PAPP is a responsive development agency that works together with the Palestinian people to fulfil their aspiration for sustainable human development based on self-determination, equality and freedom.

Context

The Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MoPIC) is the central governmental body in Palestine responsible for strategic planning, policy formulation, and coordinating international cooperation efforts. Established to guide national development priorities, MoPIC plays a critical role in aligning government strategies with international standards and donor frameworks. Its mandate includes facilitating cross-sectoral planning, resource mobilization, and policy integration across various governmental and non-governmental stakeholders.
As part of UNDP support to MOPIC under the Italian-funded “Supporting Gaza Recovery, Reconstruction, and Development Planning”, a Gaza Reconstruction Unit (GRU) will be established. Operating under the umbrella of the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (MoPIC), the GRU is tasked with translating the Gaza Recovery, Reconstruction and Development Plan (GRRP) into technical programs and projects. As part of this structure, the Communications and Public Relations Expert will be responsible for developing and managing the GRU’s communications strategy, public relations outreach, media engagement, and coordination of messaging between the GRU, national government bodies, and external partners.

Key Responsibilities

The Communications and Public Relations Expert will serve as the lead focal point for developing and implementing the GRU’s strategic communication and public engagement efforts, ensuring consistent messaging, increased visibility, and transparent outreach aligned with the Gaza Recovery Plan. The Expert will:

• Design and implement a strategic communication plan for GRU, aligned with MoPIC’s public outreach and the Gaza Recovery Plan.
• Coordinate with MoPIC’s media office, government entities, and partners to ensure consistent messaging and dissemination of public information.
• Develop communication products including press releases, newsletters, social media content, infographics, videos, and human-interest stories highlighting progress and impact.
• Organize press conferences, media briefings, public campaigns, and community events to promote GRU’s work.
• Oversee media monitoring, stakeholder feedback, and perception tracking to adapt messaging accordingly.
• Provide strategic guidance to GRU staff on communication standards and visibility protocols.
• Serve as the focal point for communications with the UN system, donors, and civil society regarding GRU visibility and public engagement.

Required Skills and Experience

• Strong portfolio in content development and media production, with demonstrated experience managing multi-platform communication campaigns.
• Excellent writing and editing skills in Arabic and English, with the ability to translate technical content into accessible messaging.
• Proven experience engaging national media, government institutions, and development actors.
• Familiarity with the political and social context in Palestine, and sensitivity to messaging in fragile settings.
• Strong interpersonal skills; able to build rapport with journalists, officials, and community representatives.
• Proficiency in digital communication tools, graphic design platforms, and social media analytics.
• Organized, responsive, and proactive communicator, capable of managing deadlines and media crises.
• Desirable: Experience in humanitarian communication or crisis recovery visibility work.

Core Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Planning and organizing
• Professionalism
• Self-management
• Communication
• Team building
• Innovation and Problem Solving

Living Conditions

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. A 12-month contract with subsequent contract extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity and satisfactory performance. A Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) of ILS 9,441 is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities and normal cost of living expenses. Life, health and permanent disability insurance are included (health insurance for up to 3 dependents), as well as Exit allowance for satisfactory service.