Communication Specialist [Open to Tier 0, 1 & 2 applicants]

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.

UNDP is the UN's global development network advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP’s vision is to support countries in achieving the simultaneous eradication of poverty and significant reduction of inequalities and exclusion. To strengthen inclusive and effective governance, the UNDP Strategic Plan focuses on ensuring participation and voice in pursuit of equitable access to development opportunities and working with poor and other excluded groups as agents of their own development. The UNDP strategic plan 2022-2025 focuses on poverty and inequality, governance, resilience, environment, energy, and gender equality. These priorities are further supported by powerful enablers – strategic innovation, digitalization, and development finance – which will further accelerate and scale results.

UNDP’s presence in Senegal consists of both its sub-regional and country-level teams supporting both its efforts in Senegal and across 24 countries in the sub-region.

At the sub-regional level, the UNDP Sub-Regional Hub for West and Central Africa (UNDP WACA) is at the forefront of accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in West and Central Africa. Our multidimensional approach encompasses promoting good governance, fostering sustainable livelihoods, tackling climate change, enhancing community resilience, driving structural transformation, and eradicating poverty.

Through a tailored blend of strategic policy support, innovative programming, robust partnerships, and comprehensive capacity-building initiatives, UNDP WACA plays a pivotal role in shaping a more resilient and prosperous future for the sub-region.

It is one of three regional hubs couched within UNDP's Regional Service Centre for Africa (RSCA) and the Regional Bureau for Africa, providing specialised support to 24 countries which range from high and middle-income economies to least-developed countries and those in crisis and post-crisis settings.

At the country level, UNDP Senegal works in close partnership with the Government of Senegal, communities, civil society, and international partners to help address the country's unique challenges and support the unlocking of the country’s full potential.

By focusing on critical areas such as inclusive and sustainable economic growth, environmental sustainability, and governance, UNDP Senegal works to strengthen institutions, enhance social cohesion and support resilience building. Through innovation and strategic partnerships, UNDP Senegal helps implement effective, context-specific development solutions that drive long-term sustainability, empower communities and build a prosperous and resilient Senegal.

The Communication Officer will assume the following responsibilities:

1. →Strategic Leadership in Communications and Digital Engagement
   • →Spearhead the design and execution of integrated communications and digital engagement strategies for UNDP WACA and UNDP Senegal, aligned with corporate priorities and regional development goals.
   • →Position UNDP as a thought leader and trusted development partner across the sub-region through compelling narratives and strategic visibility.
2. →Advocacy and Positioning
   • →Lead high-level advocacy initiatives that amplify UNDP’s mandate and impact, integrating issue-based campaigns around key thematic areas such as climate resilience, governance, youth empowerment, and inclusive growth.
   • →Strengthen UNDP’s brand and influence through targeted outreach to regional institutions, donors, media, and civil society.
3. →Content Strategy and Editorial Oversight
   • →Oversee the production of high-quality, results-driven communication materials, including reports, press releases, digital stories, and multimedia content.
   • →Ensure editorial consistency, brand alignment, and strategic messaging across all platforms and products.
4. →Executive Communications and Media Relations
   • →Provide strategic counsel and support to senior leadership on public engagements, media interactions, and high-level events.
   • →Develop and manage media relations strategies to enhance visibility and credibility with regional and international press.
5. →Digital Innovation and Audience Engagement
   • →Drive innovation in digital storytelling, including the use of infographics, data visualizations, and audio-visual content to engage diverse audiences.
   • →Expand digital reach and influence through analytics-informed content planning and platform diversification.
6. →Knowledge Management and Quality Assurance
   • →Lead the curation and dissemination of success stories, lessons learned, and impact narratives from UNDP’s regional and country-level programming.
   • →Ensure quality control and strategic alignment of all communication outputs, including newsletters, publications, and digital campaigns.
7. →Partnerships and Resource Mobilization Support
   • →Support donor visibility and reporting through tailored communication products that showcase results and value for money.
   • →Collaborate with programme teams to integrate communications into resource mobilization and partnership strategies.

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

The Communication Specialist will report to the Programme Management Specialist and he/she will work in close collaboration with the Regional PVE team and, regional thematic advisors.

Core

Education:

• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communications, media relations, journalism, International Relations, Political Science, International Development,  partnership development or relevant related field is required.

OR

• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the above-mentioned fields, with an additional two years of relevant experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

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 communications, public information, advocacy, or media relations, preferably in an international development context is required.

Required skills and competencies:

Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of web-based management systems such as ERP is required. 

Desired additional skills and competencies:

• At least 2 years proven experience in strategic communications and developing communication strategies is desirable
• Experience working in multilateral organizations, Country offices, UN agencies, or regional development institutions is highly desirable.
• Proven experience in leading communications strategies at the regional or global level.
• Working experience with diverse and multi-cultural teams is desirable.

Required Language(s):

• Fluency in one of the two languages (English or French) is required.
• Fluency in a second language (English or French) is desirable

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.

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. 

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.

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

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