Communications and Outreach Specialist (Home-Based)

Office/Unit/Project Description

The Global Disability Fund (GDF) (formerly UNPRPD) is a multi-partner trust fund dedicated to advancing disability-inclusive development globally. It supports the implementation of the CRPD and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by providing technical assistance, policy guidance, and financial support to governments, UN agencies, civil society, and businesses.  The GDF is hosted within the UNDP Governance team in the Bureau of Policy and Programme Support (BPPS). The GDF Secretariat operates in accordance with its own Strategic Plan and agreed annual work plan approved by its Steering Committee

Background

As GDF expands its strategic reach and portfolio, it is essential to ensure that its impact, effectiveness, and accountability are continuously monitored and evaluated. In 2025 GDF will launch a new strategy building on successes of the unique GDF model to accelerate transformative change at national, regional and global levels on disability inclusion and enhance the leadership of persons with disabilities in development.  A key component of the new strategy is to foster catalytic partnerships and collaborative approaches.  GDF will strengthen our partnership with the International Disability Alliance (IDA), the global network of organisations of persons with disabilities (OPD).   

Position purpose

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Research and Diversity Advisor at UN GDF, the Communication and Outreach Analyst will support the UN Global Disability Fund global communication starategy to local context and to national level development priorities.  Through the production of high quality communication materials and innovative use of relevantly targeted communication channels (internal and external), the Communication and Outreach Analyst works collaboratively to position UN GDF as a leader on disability inclusion in development and promote visibility of program outcomes.  The Communication and Outreach Analyst works in close collaboration with Programme and Communciation and Outreach teams, partners, participating UN organisations (PUNOs), international and local media, subject matter experts, donors, and civil society to

ensure successful implementation of UN GDF’s communication strategy. The Communication and Outreach Analyst will support the  communication and outreach efforts around those initiatives including IDAs  re-branding campaign and strengthen partner engagement . Through this role, the GDF seeks to deepen collaboration with the IDA around the agreed joint global influencing initiatives and promote external communication on joint efforts to support disability inclusion in development.

Through this role, the GDF seeks to deepen collaboration with the IDA around the agreed joint global influencing initiatives and promote external communication on joint efforts to support disability inclusion in development. 

Scope of Work

1. Implement internal/external communication strategies and outreach and contribute to their development:
   • Lead communication and outreach strategy implementation including the agreed   IDA UN GDF joint initiatives.
   • Support communication and outreach on IDA and GDF joint global influencing initiatives, agreed between GDF and IDA, to bolster communication and visibility on joint initiatives and support stakeholder engagement. 
   • Strengthen stakeholder outreach to governments, UN agencies, philanthropic foundations, and media influencers.
2. Implement UN GDF global advocacy communications and publications strategy and plan based on UN GDF strategy and partnership plan:
   • Manage and oversee a network of specialized external consultants (e.g., designers, social media experts, podcast producers) to support communication campaigns.
   • Coordinate visual identity and rebranding initiatives, including website re-designs, multimedia and storytelling projects to support joint initiatives. 
3. Provide technical support to UN GDF and its partners on digital communications that includes social media, website and online knowledge management:
   • Ensure accessibility across all communication formats, platforms, and channels.
   • Develop inclusive feedback mechanisms and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) on joint initiatives such as global reach, stakeholder engagement, donor growth, and local impact.   
4. Implement UN GDF’s campaign initiatives including joint campaigns with partners to engage different stakeholders (i.e. government, donors, civil society and media)
   • Manage major external facing campaigns on joint initiatives (e.g., #WeLeadChange, Inclusive Cities Challenge) to amplify the voices of persons with disabilities and increase global visibility
5. Assist in leading efforts to support knowledge management and dissemination 
   • Coordinate pool of experts to support knowledge management including designers, podcast producers, editors, social media experts etc.
   • Support processes for capturing and disseminating digital storytelling 
   • Build dissemination strategy and ensure accessibility across all communications

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 position will report to the UN GDF Research and Diversity Advisor and will work in close collaboration with the International Disability Alliance.

Competencies Core

• Achieve Results:                               LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
• Think Innovatively:                           LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements 
• Learn Continuously:                         LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
• Adapt with Agility:                            LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible 
• Act with Determination:                   LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
• Engage and Partner:                         LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion:         LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination 

Cross Functional & Technical Competencies 

Business Direction and 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 

• Communication: Ability to 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. 

Digital Asset Management 

• Digital Asset Management: Ability to use digital asset management (DAM) systems to effectively store, share and organize digital assets such as images, videos and other media.

Partnership Management 

• Relationship Management: Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working

Minimum Qualifications of the Successful IPSA

Min. Academic Education

• Advanced university degree (Master´s degree or equivalent) in journalism, communications, human rights or sociology.
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor´s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of Master´s degree.

Min. years of relevant Work experience

• Minimum 2 years (with master´s degree) or 4 years (with bachelor´s degree) of progressive experience in global communications, advocacy, or outreach, ideally in the human rights or development sectors

Required skills and competencies

• Proven leadership in implementing high-impact multichannel communication strategies.
• Ability to represent and promote the UNDP brand in virtual communities and networks.
• Deep knowledge of disability rights, inclusion, and accessibility principles.
• Experience working with international teams, remote collaboration, and diverse cultural contexts.
• Demonstrated success managing campaigns, digital tools, and creative production teams

Desired additional skills and competencies

• Knowledge of the CRPD, SDGs, and international cooperation frameworks
• Experience with data storytelling, M&E, and evidence-based communications
• Experience with or alongside OPDs or disability rights movements
• Familiarity with open-source communication platforms and web accessibility standards
• Ability to use digital asset management (DAM) systems to effectively store, share and organize digital assets such as images, videos and other media
• Experience carrying out high visibility campaigns across diverse media channels
• Experience carrying out research to inform communications and advocacy campaigns 
• Experience in human rights campaigning and knowledge of human rights language and communication as well as human rights movements

Required Language(s) (at working level)

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of another Un language French and/or Spanish is an asset.

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.

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