UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so that countries can sustain progress. As the United Nations’ development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In Ukraine, UNDP operates in five programmatic areas of support: government capacities for crisis response and management; sustaining provision of public services; emergency works facilitating return and reconstruction; incomes, livelihoods and the private sector response; and civil society and maintenance of the social fabric.

The war in Ukraine has already resulted in significant loss of life; unprecedented displacement, internally and towards neighbouring countries; and devastating destruction of infrastructure. Eighteen years of socio-economic achievements in Ukraine are at risk. UNDP’s core engagement is to preserve development gains as fully as possible, and to return Ukraine to pathways towards achieving the SDGs as quickly as possible.

UNDP launched its Resilience Building and Recovery (RBR) framework for Ukraine on 11 April 2022 to immediately respond to the development and humanitarian challenges. The overall objective is to preserve development gains in Ukraine, mitigating risks of descent into a governance and service delivery crisis, embedding activities for recovery from the onset of the humanitarian effort, and facilitating a swift return to development pathways and processes for national attainment of the SDGs.

UNDP in Ukraine invites applications from qualified and experienced Ukrainian professionals for the post of Communications Associate to support the implementation of communication strategies, enhance public awareness of development initiatives, and manage media relations to effectively promote UNDP’s mission and projects across the country as part of the Inclusive Development, Recovery and Peacebuilding (IDRPB) portfolio.

Within the delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the Communications Specialist, the Communications Associate will:
• Assist in developing and implementing communication and media plans for the Programme/Project at national and regional levels.
• Prepare press releases, media advisories, and feature stories for the UNDP website and social networks on various issues relevant to the Programme’s objectives in both English and Ukrainian.
• Act as a liaison with local media, including editors and journalists from key local news outlets, to facilitate reporting on UNDP’s development efforts.
• Handle media inquiries and interview requests from local journalists, NGOs, and external partners.
• Develop information and briefing notes as requested by UNDP senior management.
• Edit and format project reports and promotional materials, ensuring they meet UN communication standards.
• Coordinate with production and printing agencies to create audio, video, animation, and print products as requested by the Project/Programme.
• Organize press tours, press conferences, and other media-related events as part of the Programme/Project’s activities.
• Update official UNDP in Ukraine social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn) to highlight Programme/Project achievements.
• Regularly update booklets, factsheets, newsletters, and other informational materials for both internal and external audiences.
• Prepare background documents and assist in organizing donor and corporate missions, including audio-visual and media coverage of Programme activities and achievements.
• Assist in designing and implementing targeted communication campaigns.
• Collaborate with relevant units and personnel to help the Programme/Project develop proposals and concept notes that include outreach, advocacy, and communication components.
• Maintain and update a library of reference materials, such as reports, communication tools, booklets, photographs, and videos of Programme/Project activities.
• Prepare media monitoring reports on Programme/Project activities.
• Ensure the inclusion of gender equality considerations in communications, promote a safe and non-discriminatory environment, and deliver gender-responsive communications in line with corporate principles.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Programme/Project and/or UNDP management.
Communications Associate may be requested to provide the above services to other projects within the IDRPB portfolio, as required based on operational needs and agreed with the IDRPB Team Leader.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including team members, media representatives, and external partners.
• Strong creative skills to develop engaging content and innovative communication strategies.
• Proficiency in using digital tools and platforms, including social media management, basic graphic design software, and content management systems.
• High attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and consistency in all communication materials.
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to address challenges proactively and develop effective solutions.

Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Media or another relevant sphere.
• Proven experience in creating compelling content, including press releases, feature stories, social media posts, and other promotional materials.
• Proven experience in managing communication projects or campaigns, including the planning, execution, and evaluation phases.
• Demonstrated experience in working with media outlets, managing media inquiries, and securing media coverage.
• Experience in managing social media platforms and digital content strategies.

The contract lasts for the period indicated in the vacancy with the possibility of extensions subject to availability of funding, operational necessity, and satisfactory performance. However, there is no expectation of renewal of the assignment. This is a full-time contract.

Allowances:
• Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA): A Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA) USD 1587 (equivalent in UAH) is provided monthly to cover housing, utilities, and normal cost of living expenses. This includes Well-Being Differentials for the period while the ICSC applies hardship classification to duty stations in Ukraine as “E”.
• USD 400 entry lump sum, one-time payment.

Medical and life insurance:
• Medical insurance: The UN Volunteer and eligible PFU dependents will receive UNV provided medical insurance coverage. Coverage for UN Volunteers begins from the Commencement of Service and normally ceases one month after the last day of the UN Volunteer Contract date.
• Life Insurance: UN Volunteers are covered by life insurance for the duration of the UN Volunteer assignment. If a UN Volunteer dies during the UN Volunteer assignment, the eligible designated beneficiaries will be entitled to receive a life insurance lump sum.

Leave entitlements:
• Annual leave:  UN Volunteers accrue an entitlement to 2.5 days of Annual Leave per completed month of the UN Volunteer assignment. Unused accrued Annual Leave up to a maximum of 30 days is carried over in case of a contract extension within the same UN Volunteer assignment. Unused accrued Annual Leave may not be carried over in case of reassignment or a new assignment.
• Learning leave: Subject to supervisor approval and exigencies of service, UN Volunteers may request up to ten working days of Learning Leave per consecutive 12 months of the UN Volunteer assignment, starting with the Commencement of Service date, provided the Learning Leave is used within the contract period.
• Certified Sick Leave: UN Volunteers are entitled to up to 30 days of certified sick leave based on a 12-month cycle. This amount is reset every 12-month cycle.
• Uncertified Sick Leave: UN Volunteers receive seven days of uncertified sick leave working days in a calendar year. This amount will be reset at the established interval period.