Job description
Location: Remote
Reports to: Programme and Technical Innovation Specialist
Duration: 27 July 2026 - 31 December 2026 (part time)
Background:
UNFPA is the lead United Nations agency for delivering a world where every pregnancy is intended, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled. The UNFPA Strategic Plan for 2026-2029 articulates the organization’s response to a complex global environment, providing a roadmap for resilience and renewal. It is designed to accelerate the implementation of the Programme of Action of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. This mandate is pursued through a focus on four interconnected outcomes: ending the unmet need for family planning; ending preventable maternal deaths; ending gender-based violence and harmful practices; and adapting to demographic change through evidence and rights-based policies.
The Innovation and Transformation Branch (ITB) is the UNFPA Headquarters branch that shapes and executes strategic initiatives through cultivating innovation and organizational change. Located in the Office of the Executive Director, ITB helps to ensure UNFPA is future-fit through fostering a dynamic environment where innovation and transformative ideas thrive. ITB also supports key initiatives that drive institutional transformation in line with UN 2.0.
Purpose of the Role:
The Communications and Advocacy Support Volunteer will support the branch to boost the visibility of UNFPA’s innovative work and drive its reputation as an innovative UN agency, inspiring organizations and companies to partner with UNFPA. The Volunteer will be crucial in supporting the innovative and impactful approaches to communicating and advocating about the work UNFPA does on the innovation front by providing communications, advocacy, and event and other high-level visibility management support. The incumbent will work closely with ITB colleagues, partners, and stakeholders.
Scope of Work:
The volunteer will provide essential support for social media management, drafting and editing of communication materials, and event coordination, working under the guidance of the team to boost visibility on digital and traditional platforms. The assignment will include assisting in the creation of stories and assets for various audiences and supporting the maintenance of UNFPA’s Innovation Communications toolkit. Based on the volunteer’s specific skills, the assignment includes supporting the design and development of graphics, videos, or other advocacy content.
Responsibilities and Deliverables Include:
Development of communication materials related to ITB’s activities, events, and milestones, such as website updates, online articles, social media posts, and concept notes, in alignment with the communications strategy.
Assisting in the development of communication and advocacy products, such as inputs for reports, briefing documents, and presentation materials for partners and stakeholders.
Coordinating with the UNFPA Media and Communications Branch to ensure alignment with messaging and branding guidelines under team supervision.
Providing logistical and participant coordination support for meetings and events organized by the ITB.
Contributing to the creation of templates for sharing insights and innovation stories to help advocate for UNFPA's innovative work.
Managing content on the UNFPA’s Innovation social media platform “Equalizer” in LinkedIn and X.
Creative planning of advocacy materials and brainstorming of further partner engagement opportunities.
Providing general communications and advocacy support to the ITB as requested.
Required experience, qualifications and competencies, including language requirements:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in communications, international relations, social studies or a related area is required.
Knowledge and Experience:
Some experience in project management, communications and/or administration is required.
Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
Ability to organize work independently with minimum supervision.
Ability to work productively in a multicultural team and be able to work under pressure, gain support from others and produce quality work.
Excellent communication and writing skills.
Language Requirements:
Fluency in English is required.
Knowledge of an additional United Nations language is an asset.
Other relevant information or special conditions, if any:
The post holder will not receive a salary or any other form of remuneration from UNFPA.
Financial Aspects:
UNFPA Volunteers do not receive a salary or any other form of remuneration from UNFPA. The costs associated with a UNFPA Volunteer's participation in the programme must be assumed by the UNFPA Volunteer themselves, who will have to meet living expenses as well as make their own arrangements for accommodation, travel and other requirements.
In addition, applicants must have medical insurance for the duration of the volunteer assignment. Proof of adequate medical insurance, a medical certificate of good health, proof of any required vaccinations for the duty station will need to be submitted before the volunteer assignment begins. UNFPA does not provide medical insurance for UNFPA volunteers.
UNFPA Work Environment:
UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, diversity, integrity and healthy work-life balance. We are committed to ensuring gender parity in the organization and therefore encourage women to apply. Individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community, minority ethnic groups, indigenous populations, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. UNFPA promotes equal opportunities in terms of appointment, training, compensation and selection for all regardless of personal characteristics and dimensions of diversity. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of UNFPA's workforce.
Disclaimer:
UNFPA does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process and does not concern itself with information on applicants' bank accounts.