Background

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 advocates for change, and connects countries to global knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.

UNDP has supported Kyrgyzstan’s development progress since 1992 and supports the country in charting future pathways towards greater prosperity, resilience, and social cohesion. As an impartial policy advisor and integrator, UNDP works within the UN system and with all stakeholders in government, civil society, and private sector to advance inclusive, fundamentally sound development solutions and reforms in complex settings. Our United Nations identity ensures neutrality and respect for people’s choices. Transparency and accountability in operations makes us a trusted partner for national and international development stakeholders. 

UNDP encourages and enables collective intelligence, collaboration, integration, critical thinking, and thought leadership. We mainstream innovation, digitalization opportunities, gender equity and diversity/inclusion principles in all aspects of our work. Our staff consistently strive for excellence, effectiveness, efficiency and inclusion across all areas of work. 

The Communications team advises on and coordinates external communications, including social media, donor and government engagement and development and acts as a strong champion for sustainable development. Special attention is given to a press occurrences to undertake necessary steps to further disseminate or address issue(s) brought by media, advise on communication and counter- strategies, liaise with corporate communication units in RBEC, and accompany in media remedies implemented by UNDP.   

The unit contributes to a collective engagement with other teams, partners, and clients to offer timely, well-planned, and efficient services that meet the standard and requirements of UNDP policies and procedures. Through cross-unit collaboration, the teams harness innovation and digital solutions, while fostering an environment of continuous learning. 

 In the current Country Programme Document 2023 – 2027,  UNDP is committed to accelerating socio-economic development for higher levels of human development and citizen well-being, economic prosperity by 2040, carbon neutrality and climate neutrality by 2050.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of Communications Officer, the Communications Assistant will ensure effective and timely delivery of the following key functions.

1. Supports the implementation of communication and outreach strategies in the country office. 

• Assist in the development of the overall communications strategy, focusing on enhancing media engagement and outreach.
• Maintain a functional and active network with a wide range of stakeholders to promote better understanding of UNDP’s mandate and to support its advocacy efforts.
• Preparing key materials and content for strategic policy and public advocacy. 
• Maintain networks and knowledge assets for leveraging visibility and publicity.
• Promote awareness of UNDP’s work internally and externally through dissemination of information and materials.

2. Support implementation of country office publications strategy and plan. 

• Coordinate with different units to gather information for publications, such as Island Life magazine, newsletters, factsheets, knowledge products etc. 
• Assist in drafting and designing perspectives for publications. 
• Work with consultants and printers to ensure all production and post-production steps are met. 
• Market and disseminate publications effectively. 

3. Support maintenance of country office web-based knowledge management system. 

• Assist in the management of the UNDP Kyrgyzstan website.
• Assist in the preparation and circulation of project reports, correspondence, fax, memorandum, etc. 
• Maintain project records / documents / files / knowledge products in both electronic and hard copies for knowledge management and audit purposes. 
• Update digital platforms and databases regularly. 
• Contribute to content creation and maintenance on various social media platforms, including Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc. 
• Keeping up-to-date and analyzing social media and website trends and ways of connecting with audiences. 

 4. Provide input to and support implementation of country office communication campaign and advocacy

Social Media and Website Analytics: 

• Assist in monitoring and analyzing social media and website analytics. 
• Provide insights and recommendations based on the analytics to improve performance, establish audience growth and profile, drive audience engagement and content reach. 
• Research, compile and produce reports on web and social media statistics on a regular basis and electronic surveys. 
• Maintain files, databases, and systems relevant to UNDP Kyrgyzstan’ digital presence. 
• Track and monitor social media and report relevant information to management team. 

Content Creation: 

• Draft stories, articles, press releases, blogs, and other communication materials in English, Russian and Kyrgyz. Ensure that the content is suitable for use across various platforms. 

Media and Partner Database Management: 

• Collate and maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date media and partners database. 

Media Relations: 

• Assist in media and partner coordination as required. 
• Support media monitoring activities 
• Assistance with media liaison; 
• Respond to requests for information, as delegated; 
• Gather and compile inputs for talking points, media appearances. 

Multimedia Support: 

• Provide photography, videography, and graphic design support, such as social media content (infographics, videos, GIFs, social media cards etc.). 
• Ensure visual content aligns with communication goals and standards. 
• Maintain library/ database of reference materials and photos. 

Event and Initiative Support: 

• Provide logistical support for events and initiatives, such as media events, press briefings, exhibitions, receptions, meetings, report and survey launches, roundtable discussions, briefing sessions, interviews, and public information campaigns etc. 
• Assist in reporting on events and initiatives. 
• Provide support on special web/digital/media projects undertaken by UNDP Kyrgyzstan. 

 5. Initiatives to increase awareness of UNDP’s mandate and goals through dissemination of information and organization of public and media events. 

        Gender-related support:

• Support in implementation of communication aspects of the gender equality strategy and action plan and advocacy for gender equality. 

6. Provide support to the Communications team in knowledge management and dissemination. 

      Administrative and Operational Support: 

• Assist in day-to-day administrative and operational tasks. 
• Provide any other support as required for the smooth functioning of the Communications Unit. 
• Providing efficient programmatic and operational support to Communication portfolio; 
• Proper control of the supporting documents for payments and financial reports the portfolio; 
• Facilitating payment process by liaising with Clustering Office in UNDP; 
• Proper receipting of goods and services and establishment of accruals; 
• Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers; 
• Maintenance of the proper filing system for finance records and documents; 
• Support recruitment processes in accordance with UN/UNDP rules and regulations; 
• Support procurement process in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations. 

 7. Assist any other related duties as may be deemed necessary. 

 The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Institutional Arrangement

Under the guidance and supervision of the Communications Analyst, the Communications Assistant provides ongoing project and administrative assistance and support to the Communications Unit performing a variety of standard administrative processes ensuring high quality and accuracy of work.

The Communications Assistant works in collaboration with the Operations, Programme and Project staff in the CO, Government counterparts, and project stakeholders, to exchange information and ensure consistent services delivery.

Core Competencies: 

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:

Business Management - Digital Awareness and Literacy     

• Ability and inclination to rapidly adopt new technologies, either through skillfully grasping their usage or through understanding their impact and empowering others to use them as needed.  
• Knowledge of the usage of digital technologies and emerging trends. 

Business Management - Customer Satisfaction/Client Management     

• Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs. 
• Provide inputs to the development of customer service strategy. Look for ways to add value beyond clients’ immediate requests. 
• Ability to anticipate client’s upcoming needs and concerns. 

Business Management - Communication     

• 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. 
• Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media, and other appropriate channels. 

Communications - Social Media Management     

• Ability to represent and promote the UNDP brand in virtual communities and networks

Administration & Operations - Events management (including retreats, trainings and meetings)     

• Ability to manage events, including venue identification, accommodation, logistics, catering, transportation, and cash disbursements, etc. 

Communications - Writing and Editing    

• Ability to create and/or edit written content in different UN languages. 
   

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Secondary education is required. 
• University Degree (bachelor´s degree) in Communications, Journalism, Advertising, Political Science, International Relations, or equivalent fields will be given due consideration, but it is not a requirement.

Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years (with secondary education) or 2 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible communication and project or administrative experience is required. 

Desired additional skills and competencies:

• Experience in video/photo shooting and editing.
• Experience in design.
• Experience working in procurement, logistics and administration.
• Experience in working at the country level with UN or other international organizations.

Required Language(s) at working level:

• Fluency in English, Russian and Kyrgyz are required. 
• Working knowledge of other UN languages is desirable.
   

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.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.