📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Communications and Advocacy Specialist
🔹 Company: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
🔹 Location: Eastern Aleppo, Syria
🔹 Job Type: Full time
🔹 Category: Communications & Public Relations
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-28
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing communications strategies for a joint UN programme in Syria
- Managing the production and dissemination of communication materials and publications
- Building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders, including national and international media
- Advocating for UN organizations and their programmes
- Collaborating with UN agencies and other partners to ensure effective communication and visibility
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the UN system and experience working in complex, multi-partner programmes. Familiarity with the Syrian context and relevant languages is also essential.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and implement communications strategies for the joint programme, focusing on public and media outreach
✅ Manage the production and dissemination of communication materials and publications, ensuring quality and timeliness
✅ Build and maintain relationships with national and international media, stakeholders, and partners
✅ Advocate for UN organizations and their programmes, promoting their purpose and achievements
✅ Collaborate with UN agencies and other partners to ensure effective communication and visibility of the joint programme
✅ Facilitate knowledge building and management, identifying best practices and lessons learned
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to work effectively in a complex, multi-partner environment.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Advanced University Degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communications, media relations, journalism, publishing, or partnership development, or a relevant related field
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
Required Skills:
- Proven experience with Adobe creative cloud or other software tools in designing and creating data visualization, infographics, presentations, and reports
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, excellent writing and organizational skills
Preferred Skills:
- Demonstrated expertise in managing communications sites using Microsoft SharePoint Online or other online platforms
- Proven experience in strategic communications and developing communication strategies
- Previous experience working with local non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, and community-based groups
- Prior experience with multi-partner trust funds and/or multi-million joint programmes
- Working experience with diverse and multi-cultural teams
Required Language(s):
- Proficiency in English – both written and oral
- Proficiency in Arabic – both written and oral
ASSUMPTION: Given the nature of the role and the context, proficiency in Arabic is essential for effective communication with local stakeholders and the public.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The salary range for this position is not provided. However, according to industry standards, the salary for a Communications and Advocacy Specialist with 5-10 years of experience in the international development sector can range from $60,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on the organization and location.
Benefits:
- Health insurance and other standard UN benefits
- Opportunity to work in a dynamic, multi-cultural environment
- Potential for career growth and development within the UN system
Working Hours: Full-time position, with standard UN working hours (35-40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the specific terms of the contract and the candidate's qualifications and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: International Affairs, focusing on sustainable human development, democratic governance, and peacebuilding
Company Size: 10,001+ employees, with a global presence and significant influence in international development and humanitarian efforts
Founded: 1965, as the United Nations Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance, later renamed the United Nations Development Programme in 1971
Company Description:
- UNDP works in nearly 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion
- UNDP helps countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and build resilience to sustain development results
- UNDP is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and supports countries in implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Company Specialties:
- Democratic Governance
- Crisis Prevention and Recovery
- Poverty Reduction
- Environment and Energy
- Social inclusion and sustainable development
- Peacebuilding and climate
Company Website: http://www.undp.org
ASSUMPTION: UNDP's global presence and extensive experience make it an attractive employer for professionals seeking to make a significant impact in international development and humanitarian efforts.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior, depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications
Reporting Structure: The Communications and Advocacy Specialist will report directly to the Joint Programme Manager and work closely with the UN Resident Coordinator Office and other participating UN organizations
Work Arrangement: On-site, with potential for occasional travel within Syria and to other UN locations
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential for career growth within the UN system, including opportunities to work in different countries and take on more senior roles
- Opportunity to gain experience working in a complex, multi-partner programme and to develop skills in strategic communications and advocacy
- Potential to work on high-profile initiatives and to make a significant impact on UN programmes and their visibility
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and development within the UN system, as well as the chance to work on high-profile initiatives and to make a significant impact on UN programmes and their visibility.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: UN Resident Coordinator Office, with a potential for occasional work from other UN locations or remote work, depending on the specific needs of the joint programme
Office Location(s): Eastern Aleppo, Syria, with potential for occasional travel to other UN locations within Syria and internationally
Geographic Context:
- The conflict in Syria has resulted in significant humanitarian needs, with an estimated 70% of the country's population in need as of the end of 2024
- The increase in numbers of returnees to various Syrian governorates increases the pressure on already overwhelmed services
- The joint programme aims to strengthen urban and rural resilience and the conditions for recovery in Syria, with a focus on Eastern Aleppo
Work Schedule: Standard UN working hours (35-40 hours per week), with potential for occasional overtime or flexible hours depending on the specific needs of the joint programme
ASSUMPTION: The work environment for this role may be challenging due to the ongoing conflict in Syria and the need to travel to affected areas. However, the UN provides security and support to its staff working in complex and challenging environments.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission through the UNDP careers portal
- Phone or video screening with the UN Resident Coordinator Office
- In-person or video interview with the Joint Programme Manager and other participating UN organizations
- Reference checks and background verification
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills, both written and verbal
- Experience in strategic communications and advocacy
- Understanding of the UN system and relevant languages
- Ability to work effectively in a complex, multi-partner environment
- Cultural sensitivity and adaptability
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of the UN system and the specific needs of the joint programme in Syria
- Showcase your ability to communicate effectively in English and Arabic
- Prepare for interview questions related to your experience in strategic communications and advocacy, as well as your understanding of the UN system and the Syrian context
ATS Keywords: Communications, Advocacy, Public Relations, Media Relations, Strategic Thinking, Partnership Management, Knowledge Generation, Communication Skills, Data Visualization, Content Management, Campaign Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Creative Problem Solving, Organizational Skills, Writing Skills, Team Collaboration, Cultural Sensitivity, UN, Syria, Joint Programme, Multi-Partner Trust Funds, Multi-Million Joint Programmes
ASSUMPTION: UNDP uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications, so including relevant keywords in your resume and cover letter can help your application to be shortlisted.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Cloud (or other software tools for data visualization, infographics, presentations, and reports)
- Microsoft SharePoint Online (or other online platforms for managing communications sites)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- UN-specific software and systems, such as Atlas and UNDP's internal communication platforms
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the needs of the joint programme and the UN organizations involved.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Demonstrate UNDP's commitment to integrity, respect, professionalism, and accountability
- Show a commitment to the UN's core values of integrity, professionalism, and respect for diversity
- Demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility and a commitment to the UN's mission to support countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong focus on communication and coordination
- Adaptable and flexible, with a willingness to work in complex and challenging environments
- Culturally sensitive and respectful, with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with UNDP's commitment to integrity, respect, professionalism, and accountability?
- How do you approach working in complex and challenging environments, such as the ongoing conflict in Syria?
- How do you ensure that your work style is compatible with UNDP's collaborative and team-oriented culture?
ASSUMPTION: UNDP places a strong emphasis on cultural fit and expects its employees to demonstrate a strong commitment to the UN's core values and work style.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The ongoing conflict in Syria may present security and logistical challenges for staff working in the country
- The need to coordinate with multiple UN organizations and other stakeholders may require strong communication and project management skills
- The need to work in a complex, multi-partner environment may require a high degree of adaptability and cultural sensitivity
- The need to travel to affected areas may present personal and professional challenges
ASSUMPTION: The specific challenges of this role may vary depending on the security situation in Syria and the needs of the joint programme.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to other communications and advocacy positions within the UN system, but may have a greater focus on multi-partner trust funds and multi-million joint programmes
- This role may require more experience working in complex, multi-partner environments and in challenging security contexts
- This role may offer more opportunities for career growth and development within the UN system, as well as the chance to work on high-profile initiatives and to make a significant impact on UN programmes and their visibility
ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on a joint UN programme in Syria, but may share similarities with other communications and advocacy positions within the UN system.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a communication strategy for a multi-million joint programme in Syria, focusing on public and media outreach and advocacy
- Managing the production and dissemination of communication materials and publications for a multi-partner trust fund, ensuring quality and timeliness
- Collaborating with UN agencies and other stakeholders to ensure effective communication and visibility of a joint programme, including the development of communication products and publications
ASSUMPTION: The specific projects for this role may vary depending on the needs of the joint programme and the UN organizations involved.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the specific challenges and opportunities presented by this role, given the ongoing conflict in Syria and the need to work in a complex, multi-partner environment?
- How does this role fit into the broader UN system and the organization's mission to support countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how can I best prepare to address them?
- How does this role support the growth and development of my career within the UN system?
- What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role, and how will my success be measured?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and informed questions during the interview can help demonstrate your interest in the role and your understanding of the UN system and the specific needs of the joint programme in Syria.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the UNDP careers portal
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for interview questions related to your experience in strategic communications and advocacy, as well as your understanding of the UN system and the Syrian context
- Follow up with the UN Resident Coordinator Office within one week of submitting your application to confirm receipt and to inquire about the status of your application
- If selected for an interview, be prepared to provide references and to undergo a background check
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
