Strategic Communications Specialist, NPSA-10, DS-Kyiv, Nationals Only

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Strategic Communications Specialist, NPSA-10, DS-Kyiv, Nationals Only

🔹 Company: UNDP

🔹 Location: Ukraine

🔹 Job Type: On-site

🔹 Category: International Affairs

🔹 Date Posted: March 28, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

📌 Essential Job Details

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and implementing strategic communications strategies
• Enhancing communications and counter-disinformation capacities
• Coordinating communication activities within the Democratic Governance Portfolio
• Promoting UNDP’s mandate as a gender-responsive organization

ASSUMPTION: This position involves significant interaction with national and international stakeholders to support Ukraine's strategic communication efforts during ongoing crises.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and implement communication and outreach strategies for designated projects

✅ Coordinate activities with communication personnel and manage content dissemination

✅ Support corporate advocacy and outreach efforts in collaboration with UNDP CO Communication Unit

✅ Facilitate knowledge building and management through training and contributions to networks

ASSUMPTION: The responsibilities listed are indicative, involving both strategic planning and hands-on implementation to enhance Ukraine's strategic communication framework.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education:

1. Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Communications, Journalism, or related field
2. Bachelor’s degree in similar fields with additional two years of experience

Experience: Minimum 5 years (with Master’s) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s) in public relations or communications

Required Skills:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience with media relations
• Ability to manage communications across various channels

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with international organizations
• Advanced knowledge in social media management
• Experience in public presentations and high-level stakeholder engagements

ASSUMPTION: The role requires proficiency in both English and Ukrainian, given the local and international scope of work.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Not specified, likely competitive for global NGO standards

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance
• Professional development opportunities
• Supportive, inclusive work environment

Working Hours: Full-time, standard 40-hour work week

ASSUMPTION: Benefits typical for UN roles, emphasizing global mobility and developmental support.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: International Affairs

Company Size: 10,001+ employees, providing opportunities for global networking

Founded: Not Specified, with a legacy in development and crisis management

Company Description:

• Active in nearly 170 countries
• Focus on eradicating poverty and reducing inequalities
• Develops policies and leadership skills to build resilience

Company Specialties:

• Democratic Governance
• Crisis Prevention and Recovery
• Social inclusion and sustainable development

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

ASSUMPTION: The UNDP’s structure allows for involvement in significant and impactful global projects, offering diverse career progression pathways.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid to senior-level, requiring strategic oversight and practical execution abilities

Reporting Structure: Direct reporting to the Project Manager, collaborate with the UNDP CO Communications team

Work Arrangement: Primarily in-office, located in Kyiv

Growth Opportunities:

• Chance to influence high-profile communications strategies
• Development in crisis communication and media relations
• Collaboration and networking with international development professionals

ASSUMPTION: The role offers expansion into both regional and international domains, enhancing the incumbent’s career in strategic communications.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Professional, collaborative office setup

Office Location(s): Central Kyiv, with potential travel to other regional settings

Geographic Context:

• Located in a major Eastern European hub
• Engagement in a challenging socio-political environment
• Opportunity to experience and influence post-conflict recovery projects

Work Schedule: Regular office hours with flexibility based on project requirements

ASSUMPTION: Given the nature of the work, occasional after-hours or weekend work may be required to address urgent issues or coordinate with international offices.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial application review for qualifications
• Competency-based interviews
• Possibly a written or practical assessment

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and communication abilities
• Experience with media relations and crisis communication
• Interpersonal and team collaboration skills

Application Tips:

• Highlight experience with NGOs or international bodies
• Showcase fluency in English and Ukrainian
• Detail specific examples of past crisis communication efforts

ATS Keywords: Strategic Communications, Crisis Management, Media Relations, Advocacy, UNDP, Kyiv

ASSUMPTION: Emphasis on applicants’ adaptability and experience with large-scale, impactful communication projects.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Advanced MS Office skills
• Social media management platforms
• Web-based management systems

ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in digital communication tools and platforms is expected to enable effective dissemination and management of information.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Inclusivity and diversity
• Gender responsiveness
• Ethical conduct and zero tolerance for misconduct

Work Style:

• Collaborative and supportive
• Proactive and resilient under pressure
• Adaptable to rapidly changing environments

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you handle crisis communications under pressure?
• Describe a time when you turned a communication challenge into a success.
• What strategies have you employed to counter disinformation?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates must align with UNDP’s values of integrity and accountability, as well as demonstrate a commitment to public service and diversity.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Navigating the complex geopolitical environment of Ukraine
• Ensuring consistent communication in a fast-paced crisis context
• Balancing multiple high-priority projects
• Managing stakeholder expectations across diverse groups

ASSUMPTION: The dynamic nature of the role requires agility and the ability to operate effectively amid uncertainty and high-stakes scenarios.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Other UN agencies offer parallel positions but may vary in focus area
• NGOs in crisis management zones may seek similar skills
• Corporate roles in strategic communications often lack the humanitarian context

ASSUMPTION: The job is unique in its demand for strategic capabilities coupled with development sector insights.

📝 Sample Projects

• Communication strategy development for crisis response campaigns
• Media engagement initiatives focusing on resilience and rebuilding narratives
• Public education and civic engagement projects

ASSUMPTION: Projects are likely designed to enhance the visibility of UNDP’s role in peacebuilding and governance during the Ukraine crisis.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the main strategic priorities for this role over the next year?
• How does the organization support professional development?
• What challenges has the UNDP faced in communication during the Ukraine crisis?
• How does UNDP measure the success of its communication strategies?
• What is the team's dynamic, and how does this role fit within it?

ASSUMPTION: Questions should focus on understanding the role’s impact and the organization's strategic direction.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Ensure your resume highlights relevant experience and qualifications
• Prepare a cover letter outlining your strategic communication successes
• Gather and prepare references from previous roles
• Stay informed about UNDP's recent efforts in Ukraine

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