Communications Associate

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Communications Associate

🔹 Company: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

🔹 Location: Paramaribo, Suriname

🔹 Job Type: Full time

🔹 Category: Communications, Non-profit

🔹 Date Posted: April 14, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and implementing communication strategies for the PRSUMF project
• Managing media relations and ensuring project visibility
• Creating awareness materials and supporting stakeholder engagement
• Collaborating with the project team to achieve project objectives

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in communications and experience working with international development organizations.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Formulate and implement the Media/Communication and Visibility Plan for the PRSUMF project

✅ Establish and maintain relationships with project stakeholders and media

✅ Ensure project visibility through proper use of branding and communication materials

✅ Support the organization and implementation of project events and facilitate media coverage

✅ Advise and assist the project team on aspects related to awareness and stakeholder engagement

✅ Lead knowledge management and dissemination activities

✅ Support awareness and training activities of the project

ASSUMPION: The successful candidate will have experience in developing and implementing communication strategies, managing media relations, and creating awareness materials.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Secondary education is required, or a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, or Advertising will be given due consideration.

Experience: Minimum of 7 years of relevant communications experience or 4 years with a bachelor’s degree, preferably providing communication packages at the national level to promote the activities of an international development organization.

Required Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of design tools and database packages
• Experience in the use of computers, office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and web-based management systems

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in branding, producing and publishing information articles, audio and video productions for education and awareness purposes
• Experience in Social Media Management and storytelling
• Experience with graphic design photography and/or videography

Required Language(s):

• Fluency in Dutch is required and working knowledge in English is an asset.

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will have a minimum of 7 years of relevant communications experience or 4 years with a bachelor’s degree, preferably in an international development context. Fluency in Dutch is required, with English as an asset, and experience in media and communication tools is desired.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this position is not provided. However, according to Glassdoor, the average salary for a Communications Specialist at UNDP is approximately $50,000 - $70,000 per year. This estimate is based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels.

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Generous vacation and leave policies
• Professional development opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard office hours, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to attend events or meet deadlines.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications. Benefits are subject to change and may vary depending on the candidate's location and employment status.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) operates in the international affairs and development sector, working to achieve the eradication of poverty, reduce inequalities, and promote sustainable development.

Company Size: UNDP is a large organization with over 10,000 employees worldwide. This size allows for extensive resources and opportunities for career growth and development.

Founded: UNDP was founded in 1965 as the United Nations Expanded Programme of Technical Assistance, and later renamed in 1971 to the United Nations Development Programme.

Company Description:

• UNDP works in nearly 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion.
• The organization helps countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and build resilience to sustain development results.

Company Specialties:

• Democratic Governance
• Crisis Prevention and Recovery
• Poverty Reduction
• Environment and Energy
• Social inclusion and sustainable development
• Peacebuilding
• Climate

Company Website: http://www.undp.org

ASSUMPTION: UNDP is a large, international organization with a broad scope of work, offering diverse career opportunities and the chance to make a global impact.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the mid-career level, requiring a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience or 4 years with a bachelor’s degree.

Reporting Structure: The Communications Associate will report directly to the Project Manager of the PRSUMF project and work closely with the project team and other CO units.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position based in Paramaribo, Suriname. Occasional travel may be required to attend events or meetings.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to take on additional responsibilities and advance within the project or organization
• Opportunities to work on diverse projects and gain experience in different areas of communications and development
• Chance to develop skills and gain experience working in an international organization

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for career growth and development within the project or organization, as well as the chance to gain experience working in an international context.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: UNDP Suriname has an office located in Paramaribo, the capital city of Suriname.

Office Location(s): The office is located in the city center, close to government buildings and other international organizations.

Geographic Context:

• Paramaribo is a coastal city with a tropical climate, characterized by high temperatures and humidity throughout the year.
• The city is known for its vibrant culture, with a mix of African, Indigenous, and Dutch influences.
• Paramaribo is a relatively small city, with a population of approximately 240,000 people.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, the work schedule may vary depending on project demands and deadlines.

ASSUMPTION: The work environment is multicultural and diverse, reflecting the organization's global presence. The office is located in a central and convenient location, with easy access to public transportation and amenities.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or other team members
• Background and reference checks
• Job offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills and experience
• Media relations and management experience
• Cultural fit and understanding of UNDP's mission and values
• Problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced environment

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of UNDP's mission and the project's objectives in your application materials
• Prepare examples of your communication and media relations work to discuss during the interview
• Research UNDP and the project to show your enthusiasm and commitment to the organization's goals

ATS Keywords: communications, media relations, stakeholder engagement, awareness campaigns, project management, international development, UNDP, PRSUMF, Suriname

ASSUMPTION: The application process is competitive, and candidates should tailor their application materials to highlight their relevant experience and skills. Researching UNDP and the project can help demonstrate the candidate's commitment and enthusiasm for the role.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
• Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
• Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
• Video and audio editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Audacity)

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will have experience with a range of communication and design tools, as well as social media platforms and content management systems.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Respect for diversity
• Upholding human rights
• Encouraging innovation and creativity

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and flexible
• Results-driven and accountable
• Committed to UNDP's mission and values

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with UNDP's value of integrity, and how have you demonstrated this in your previous roles?
• How do you handle working in a multicultural and diverse environment, and how have you fostered inclusion in your previous roles?
• How do you approach balancing multiple projects and deadlines, and how have you demonstrated your ability to prioritize and manage your workload effectively?

ASSUMPTION: UNDP values candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to the organization's mission and values, as well as the ability to work effectively in a multicultural and diverse environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Working in a fast-paced and dynamic international development environment
• Managing multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously
• Adapting to changes in project scope and priorities
• Working with limited resources and tight deadlines

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate will be able to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, manage multiple projects and stakeholders effectively, and adapt to changes in project scope and priorities.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Communications Specialist, UNDP - Similar role with a focus on supporting UNDP's global communications efforts
• Media Relations Officer, UNICEF - Similar role with a focus on managing media relations for a UN agency
• Communications Officer, IOM - Similar role with a focus on supporting IOM's global communications and advocacy efforts

ASSUMPTION: These roles are similar to the Communications Associate role, with a focus on supporting the communications and advocacy efforts of international organizations. However, each role may have unique requirements and responsibilities based on the organization's specific needs and priorities.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a communication strategy for a national awareness campaign on climate change
• Managing media relations for an international conference on sustainable development
• Creating awareness materials and supporting stakeholder engagement for a community-based project on waste management

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and skills required for the Communications Associate role, from developing communication strategies to managing media relations and creating awareness materials.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30-60-90 days?
• How does this role fit into the overall communications strategy for the project and UNDP?
• What are the main challenges facing the project, and how can communications support address them?
• How does UNDP support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What is the typical career path for someone in this role, and what opportunities are there for growth and advancement?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions can help you better understand the role's expectations, the project's challenges, and UNDP's commitment to employee development and growth.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the following link: https://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/25754
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of your communication and media relations work to discuss during the interview
• Research UNDP and the project to show your enthusiasm and commitment to the organization's goals
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.