Communications Specialist (video, social media, digital storytelling) IPSA- at UNDP

New York, New York, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

27 Feb, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

29 Nov, 25

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Digital Storytelling, Social Media Management, Multimedia Production, Video Editing, Content Strategy, Graphic Design, Adobe Creative Suite, Data Visualization, Web Development, SEO Optimization, Project Management, Communication, Event Planning, Analytics, Collaboration, Training

Industry

International Affairs

Description

Background Tier 1: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed term (FTA) appointments (defined as “internal” candidates). Tier 2: UNDP/ UNCDF/ UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA) and personnel on regular PSA contracts. Tier 3: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates. Background General Assembly Resolution 2186 (XXI) decided to “bring into operations the United Nations Capital Development Fund as an organ of the General Assembly which shall function as an autonomous organization of the United Nations. The UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) assists developing countries, especially least developing countries, in the development of their economies by supplementing existing sources of capital assistance by means of grants, loans, and guarantees. UNCDFs vision is to help mobilize and catalyze an increase of capital flows for SDG impactful investments to Member States to address the most pressing development challenges facing vulnerable communities in these countries and thereby contribute to sustainable economic growth and equitable prosperity. As a Flagship Catalytic Blended Financing platform of the UN, UNCDF utilizes its unique capability in the UN system to deploy grants, loans and guarantees to crowd-in finance for the scaling of development impact. UNCDF focuses on where the needs are greatest, a deliberate focus and capability rooted in UNCDF’s unique investment mandate to support the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the realization of the Doha Programme of Action for the least developed countries, 2022–2031. As per its Strategic Framework, UNCDF works to deploy its functions as a hybrid development organization and development finance institution. UNCDF responds to Member States requests for assistance by providing targeted technical and financial advisory services on investments for development outcomes, designing bespoke financial structuring solutions, undertaking financial derisking of investments, and enhancing investment readiness of SDG aligned projects in partnership with private sector, UNOs, International and Local Finance Institutions, Development Finance Institutions as well as Foundations and Philanthropy, among others. UNCDF works to develop local financial systems, new markets and mobilize and crowd in capital from public and private sources. UNCDF is driven by a partnership mindset which enables it to deploy its different capital capabilities in highly tailored and responsive ways in order to mobilize investments flows from other sources, in particular from the private sector. By structuring transactions which are highly impactful but also recognize the need for multiplying the impact of its own capital, UNCDF seeks to position itself as a preferred partner for different stakeholders. UNCDF’s work is focused on three priority areas, including: SME Finance Sub-National Finance Digital Finance UNCDF’s organizational set up includes an Investment and Implementation Division (IID), Investment and Finance Oversight Division (IFOD), Operations and Oversight Division (OOD) and a Directorate of the Executive Office. UNCDF staff and personnel are located in regional hubs based in Dakar (Senegal), Nairobi (Kenya) and Bangkok (Thailand) with sub-regional presence in a number of locations in the Caribbean and Pacific Regions. UNCDF is led by an Executive Secretary based out of New York, USA. Pursuant to General Assembly resolution 2321(XXII, para 1.a), the Administrator of the UNDP performs the function of the Managing Director of UNCDF. UNCDF is overseen by an Executive Board comprised of UN Member States. As part of the Directorate, the Strategic Communications Team supports the Executive Secretary and all Divisions to elevate UNCDF’s corporate positioning both internally and externally, strengthen brand visibility and thought leadership by leading the development, harmonization, and amplification of communication activities and deliverables in line with overall business strategy, priority areas and upcoming Strategic Framework. The Strategic Communication Team collaborates with the External Relations Team to shape strategic engagements for UNCDF’s Executive Leadership Team (Executive Secretary, Chief Investment Officer, Chief Finance Officer, and Chief Operations Officer). Duties and Responsibilities 1) Lead multimedia production and digital storytelling: Plan, script, produce, and edit high-quality video content, motion graphics, campaign assets, interviews, and short-form social videos (e.g., reels, shorts, explainers) to amplify UNCDF’s impact stories and thought leadership. Lead the digital campaign for UNCDF 60th anniversary including the delivery of a flagship video and online compendium aimed at celebrating UNCDF’s history as well as position its unique and forward-looking strategic direction in line with the 2026-2029 Strategic Framework. Oversee the full multimedia workflow, from concept development to filming, post-production, and digital packaging, ensuring all products meet brand, accessibility, and narrative standards. Curate and maintain a well-structured and searchable multimedia content library for use across corporate, regional, and partner channels. Obtain stock and any original audio, image or video media (b-roll, shotlists etc.) and ensure highest standards in terms of intellectual property (with content being copyright and royalty free). Produce branded graphics, data-visual assets, infographics, and campaign visuals using Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro) and Canva where applicable. Ensure brand consistency across all externally facing content by enforcing templates, guidelines, and quality standards. 2) Manage social media content delivery and analytics Develop and maintain a high-frequency social media content calendar aligned with thematic campaigns, major events and international UN days, report launches, and thought leadership and partnership milestones. Ensure that content calendar aligns with wider strategic engagement goals and opportunities. Work closely with the content editor and graphic designer to produce audience-focused and visually engaging social media assets (carousels, short video animations, etc.) for dissemination through UNCDF’s social media priority channels (LinkedIn, X, Bluesky, YouTube etc.), optimizing formats for reach, engagement, and platform trends. Maintain effective working relationships with country-based colleagues and regional communications champions to ensure a steady flow of human-led stories and data-driven content for existing social media accounts and other platforms as appropriate, in alignment with UNCDF key messaging and in line with the organization’s relevance and impact in the development finance space. Provide feedback to country and regional colleagues to increase both the quantity and quality of stories and multimedia material received for publication on social media accounts including YouTube. Provide support for editing, optimizing and distributing multimedia content created locally and/or regionally to ensure maximum brand alignment without compromising on creativity and engagement. Use analytics tools to monitor performance, generate insights, and recommend content adjustments based on data and audience behavior. Use a data-driven approach to continuously update the social media strategy (channels, content type, time of publishing, copy and design improvements etc.). 3) Drive innovation and engagement on web platforms and digital management Develop and publish multimedia and long-form storytelling content across platforms such as Exposure, Webflow, Wordpress, and UNCDF.org, ensuring UX-aligned layouts, metadata optimization, and visual coherence. Coordinate with the website manager to update and optimize landing pages for improved user experience and increased traffic and SEO ranking, embed multimedia, and ensure accessibility and localization for global audiences. Support the website manager in conducting content migration of website content, advise on best practices and strategic integration of web platforms, online tools and storytelling services including data visualisation and dashboards. Support training of key country colleagues in publishing on web platforms. Conduct research to identify new trends in digital storytelling, online engagement, viral content creation, advise best way to apply these to help achieve UNCDF’s main strategic goals and implement action. 4) Ensure effective team management Provide digital and multimedia capacity-building support to country-based communications focal points. Coordinate with regional communications champions to source storytelling opportunities and field-level multimedia. Serve as focal point for creative vendors, production crews, and external agencies as needed. Participate in day-to-day operational tasks of the Strategic Communications Team, such as servicing requests for information, support for procuring products and services, support for developing presentations, support for organizing both remote and in-person events, updating of web pages on the section's work etc. 5. Facilitate knowledge management and dissemination Identify and synthesize best practices and lessons learned directly linked to programme country goals and activities. Provide substantive and sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice including corporate communications repositories. The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization. Competencies Core Competencies: Achieve Results: LEVEL 3 Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3 Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3 Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3 Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands Act with Determination: LEVEL 3 Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3 Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3 Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity People Management UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site. Cross-Functional & Technical competencies: Business Direction & Strategy: System Thinking Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system Business Management: Portfolio Management Ability to select, prioritise and control the organization's programmes and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management 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. General (across the functions): Event Planning and Execution Ability to plan, manage and execute public and private events to ensure that they support and amplify individual communications and advocacy initiatives, as well as UNDP's overall brand and mandate. Communications: Advocacy Strategy and Implementation Ability to create and implement advocacy strategies which lead to impactful change Communications: Brand & Quality Management Ability to position UNCDF brand and uphold it to a high level of quality Communications: Campaign Management Ability to produce and implement communications and advocacy campaigns which lead to impactful change. Required Skills and Experience Min. Academic Education: • Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Communication, Digital Marketing, Multimedia, Journalism, International Relations, International Development, Public Administration, or related field is required, or • A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. Min. years of relevant work experience: Minimum 5 years (Master’s degree) or 7 years (Bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible experience in digital communications, multimedia production, social media management, or related fields within international development, humanitarian, or public sector contexts. Required skills: Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), graphic design tools like Canva and the Adobe Creative Suite, advanced knowledge of content management systems such as Drupal or Wordpress. Proven track record of sound knowledge of the UN system or knowledge of international development, economic, and social affairs issues, including the work of the United Nations. Demonstrated experience producing end-to-end video and multimedia content (storyboarding, scripting, filming, editing, post-production, motion graphics) for large multicultural organizations. Proven ability to manage social media content pipelines, including analytics-driven optimization, audience growth, and cross-platform publishing. Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, After Effects, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and complementary tools such as Canva. Demonstrated experience in content strategy, digital campaign planning, and editorial workflows. Experience managing and publishing content through web-based CMS platforms such as Exposure, Webflow, or similar digital storytelling platforms. Experience coordinating with remote teams, creative vendors, or field-based communications focal points. Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section: Proven experience and knowledge of development finance and ability to translate them into compelling multimedia and visual narratives. Experience optimizing videos for YouTube (reach, engagement…). Familiarity with basic web development or UX concepts (HTML, CSS an asset). Demonstrated ability to work in fast-paced environments and matrix-based organizations. Proven experience of managing corporate or organizational social media accounts with significant audiences. Demonstrated ability to translate complex development, policy, or technical concepts into compelling digital stories. Required Language(s): Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of another UN language is desired. 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.

Responsibilities

The Communications Specialist will lead multimedia production and digital storytelling to amplify UNCDF’s impact stories. They will also manage social media content delivery and analytics, ensuring alignment with strategic engagement goals.