Communication Officer: Digital & Public Outreach

As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience. UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.

The UNDP South Africa Communications Unit is responsible for implementing the Country Office's corporate communications strategy and supporting the design and delivery of integrated communications, partnerships and knowledge products that strengthen UNDP's visibility, influence and development impact. The Unit positions UNDP as a trusted development partner through strategic storytelling, media engagement, thought leadership, digital communications, public outreach and knowledge management. Working under the guidance of the Head of Communications, the National UN Volunteer Ex-pert will provide high-level technical support in the planning, coordination and implementation of strategic communications activities across the Country Office. The incumbent will play a central role in translating complex development results into compelling multimedia stories, coordinating communications support across programme teams, strengthening knowledge management systems, supporting multimedia production, and contributing to integrated communications campaigns that advance UNDP's strategic priorities.

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Communications, the UN Expert Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Multimedia Storytelling and Digital Communications
Support the implementation of the Country Office's digital communications strategy through high-quality editorial, visual and multimedia storytelling. Responsibilities include:
• Coordinate the development of compelling multimedia content that showcases UNDP's development impact across priority programme areas.
• Research, document and develop human-interest stories, success stories, case studies and feature articles that translate technical development results into engaging narratives.
• Coordinate multimedia field missions, including photography, videography and interviews, working closely with programme teams and creative service providers.
• Produce high-quality written, photographic, video, podcast and graphic content for digital platforms, publications and public campaigns.
• Draft and edit website articles, newsletters, speeches, blogs, social media content and other corporate communications products.
• Coordinate the production of audiovisual storytelling products, including documentaries, podcasts, interviews and short-form digital content.
• Support website content management and ensure timely publication of approved communications materials.
• Monitor digital communications performance using analytics and insights to inform continuous improvement of content and audience engagement.
• Prepare digital performance reports and contribute evidence-based recommendations to strengthen digital communications.
• Develop creative briefs and Terms of Reference for communications consultants and service providers and support quality assurance of deliverables.

2. Communications Coordination and Public Outreach
Support integrated communications planning and coordination across programme teams and external stakeholders.Responsibilities include:
• Coordinate communications support for assigned programme portfolios, ensuring alignment with the Country Office Communications Strategy.
• Coordinate the Communications Unit editorial calendar and content pipeline by working with programme teams to identify upcoming communications opportunities, milestones and results.
• Support the development and implementation of integrated communications plans for flagship initiatives, campaigns, publications and high-level events.
• Coordinate communications planning and logistical support for conferences, launches, workshops, media engagements and public outreach events.
• Liaise with programme teams, regional communications colleagues, the United Nations Communications Group (UNCG) and external partners to facilitate coordinated communications activities.
• Support media engagement activities through preparation of media materials, coordination of interviews, press attendance and media monitoring.
• Represent the Communications Unit at selected meetings, events and stakeholder engagements as delegated by the Head of Communications.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen strategic partnerships with media, academia, content creators and other communications stakeholders.
• Support coordination of external communications service providers and production schedules to ensure timely delivery of communications outputs.

3. Knowledge Management, Editorial Planning and Results Communications
Strengthen organizational knowledge management and support evidence-based communications across the Country Office. Responsibilities include:
• Coordinate the collection and organisation of programme results, impact stories and multimedia assets for corporate communications and knowledge products.
• Support the production of flagship corporate publications, annual reports, donor reports, briefing packages, presentations and institutional publications.
• Maintain and continuously improve the Communications Unit's SharePoint platform, digital asset library and knowledge management systems.
• Build and maintain databases of media contacts, photographers, videographers, communications consultants and strategic stakeholders.
• Coordinate editorial planning processes to ensure a consistent pipeline of high-quality stories and communications products throughout the year.
• Support synthesis of programme information into accessible communications products for internal and external audiences.
• Identify emerging communications trends, digital innovations and storytelling approaches that strengthen organizational visibility and public engagement.
• Ensure communications products comply with UNDP branding, editorial and accessibility standards.