Communications and Advocacy Specialist (Open to all Applicants)

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  (max 300 words)

The scale, severity and complexity of needs across Syria remains overwhelming. An estimated 70% of the country’s population is in need as of the end of 2024. The increase in numbers of returnees to various Syrian governorates increases the pressure on the already existing overwhelmed services. 

Six UN Organizations have developed a Joint Programme to Strengthen Urban and Rural Resilience and the Conditions for Recovery in Syria, with a current budget of approximately US$ 18 million during the period 2025-2026 to be impmented in Eastern Aleppo, Syria.

The United Nations Joint Programme (UNJP) enables the participating UN organizations to respond to people’s needs in the dynamic Syria context with the required early recovery and resilience programming that supports basic social services provision and livelihoods, while facilitating social cohesion and supporting the resolution of local disputes.

To support the effective implementation of the programme, the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office is looking to recruit a Communications and AdvocacySpecialist. Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Joint Programme Manager, and as part of the Programme Management Unit (PMU), the M&E and Coordination Specialist implements the communications strategy, designs, manages and facilitates the implementation of Joint Programme communications and publication strategies of the Joint Programme, to promote public and media outreach and to advocate and mobilize support for UN Organizations. 

The Communications and Advocacy Specialistplans and prepares the communications products of the Joint Programme and has a working relationship with the Joint Programme Manager and Communication & Public Information Specialist at the UN Resident Coordinator Office. The Communications and Advocacy Specialistalso works in close collaboration with the Participating UN Organizations, national stakeholders, international and local media, subject matter experts, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and civil society ensuring successful Joint Programme communication and advocacy strategy implementation.

2- Scope of Work 

Summary of Key Functions:

1. Planning and design of internal and external strategy for communications and outreach 
2. Elaboration and implementation of the publications strategy and plan
3. Support the campaigns, outreach and public information
4. Facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing

1- Ensures planning and design of internal and external strategy for communications and outreach focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Planning and elaboration of communications needs assessments for Joint Programme
• Elaboration of the Joint Programme communications and outreach strategy based on the UN communications strategy.
• Integrate advocacy and communication strategy into Joint Programme. 
• Follow up with UN agencies to ensure receiving  timely and quality inputs to be utilized in communication and visibility 

2- Ensures elaboration and implementation of the Joint Programme publications strategy and plan focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Elaboration and implementation of the JP publications strategy and plan based on the UN publications policy.
• Identification and development of storylines for publications and substantive articles contributing to debates on key Joint Programme issues.
• Coordination and management of all JP publication activities, including content management, norms for publishing, design, liaison with printers and other suppliers to oversee production and supervision of publications dissemination.
• Ensures that all participating UN agencies work is appropriately visualized and included in the communication materials.

3- Supports the campaigns, outreach and public information focusing on achievement of the following results:

Launches and campaigns

• Creation and promotion of campaigns to local, national and international media on Joint Programme and therefore achievements.
• Management, promotion and dissemination of advocacy materials for launching flagship initiatives and publications.
• Creation, promotion and maintenance of public information campaigns on Joint Programme activities.

Outreach

• Preparation of the content for the UN system website ensuring consistency of the materials.
• Contribute with stories and articles to UN system web site, intranet, and the UN Resident Coordinator Office web-based knowledge management system.
• Increased coverage and understanding of the Joint Programme through development and maintenance of media contacts and providing newsworthy information to national public and donors. 
• Formatting, packaging and submission of Joint Programme initiatives for donor review in close collaboration with Participating UN Organizations, under the supervision of Joint Programme Manager.
• Develop and maintain close contacts with national stakeholders, multilateral and bilateral donors, civil society and private sector for implementation of the communications strategy, organization of roundtable discussions, press conferences, briefing sessions, interviews, launches, etc.
• Regular newsletter to donors, donor reports, and community awareness where appropriate.

Public information

• Effective responses to inquiries for public information materials.
• Innovative and creative solutions to sensitive or strategic public communications issues.
• Advocacy and promotion of Joint Programme’s purpose.

 Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and management focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Identification and synthesis of best practices and lessons learned directly linked to Joint Programme goals and activities.
• Monitor practices, and project-specific news and developments in order to ensure guidance to the UN system that reflects the best and most current available information. 
• Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice.

3- Institutional Arrangement

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision and overall guidance of the UNJP Manager. And will also work in close collaboration with the Communications’ focal points of JP Participating Organizations, and with the PMU in Damascus.

4. Competencies

Core 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 Partnership Management Strategic Engagement Ability to capture and sustain attention, interest and agreement of high-level, influential policy and decision makers and secure their buy-in of high-level vision and objectives  Business Direction & Strategy Strategic Thinking Ability to leverage learning from a variety of sources to anticipate and respond to future trends; to demonstrate foresight in order to model what future developments and possible ways forward look like for UNDP. Business Development Knowledge Generation Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Business Development Integration within the UN Ability to identify, and integrate capacity and assets of the UN system, and engage in joint work; knowledge of the UN System and ability to apply this knowledge to strategic and/or practical situations. Business Management Partnerships Management Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies. Business Management Communication Ability to 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.

Please refer to the competency framework site for the entire list of competencies and further explanations. 

5.      Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA

Min. Education requirements

Advance University Degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communications, media relations, journalism, publishing, or partnership development or relevant related field is required.

OR

First level University degree (Bachelor’s Degree) in the above field with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Min. years of relevant work experience  Minimum 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at the national or international level in public relations, communications and advocacy is required.  Required  skills 

• Proven experience with Adobe creative cloud or other software tools in designing and creating data visualization, infographics, presentations, and reports is required.
• Strong communication skills both written and verbal, excellent writing and organizational skills.

Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section

• Demonstrated expertise in managing communications sites using Microsoft SharePoint Online or other online platforms is desirable.
• Proven experience in strategic communications and developing communication strategies is desirable.
• Previous experience of working with local non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations and community-based groups is desirable.
• Prior experience with multi-partner trust funds and/or multi-million joint programmes is desirable.
• Working experience with diverse and multi-cultural teams is desirable.

Required Language(s) 

• Proficiency in English – both written and oral is required.
• Proficiency in Arabic – both written and oral is required.

Professional Certificates N/A

6-       The following documents shall be required from the applicants:

1. Personal CV or P11, 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.
2. A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position.
3. Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns or other materials.

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

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