Communications Assistant

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) works in approximately 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty and the reduction of inequality and exclusion. The program helps countries to developing policies, leadership skills, partnership skills, institutional capacities, and to building resilience to sustainable development results.

UNDP implements several projects in different areas, offering its partners technical, operational and management assistance through access to methodologies, specialized knowledge, specialized advice and a wide international network of technical cooperation.

To contribute to human development, poverty reduction and the country's growth in priority areas, UNDP Brazil has a constant mission to align its services with the needs of a dynamic, multifaceted and diverse country. The projects are carried out in partnership with the Brazilian government, international financial institutions, the private sector and civil society.

The United Nations Volunteer will work in close collaboration with UNDP Brazil Programme and Operations teams, staff of other UN Agencies, UNDP HQs staff (Communications Office) and Regional Communications Advisor, Government officials, media, multilateral and bilateral donors and civil society. The Communications Assistant may supervise support staff of the Communications Unit. A communications strategy tightly linked to Programme priorities helps position UNDP Brazil in key development areas as a leader in ways that boost demand for various services lines and increase overall business opportunities.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Communications Coordinator, the Communications Assistant supports the formulation and implementation of the communications and advocacy strategies to increase the standing and awareness of UNDP with partners, the media and the public. The Communications Assistant promotes a client-oriented approach in UNDP Brazil.

Summary of Key Functions:

• Support to the Communications Coordinator in the formulation and implementation of communications and advocacy strategies and priorities;
• Support to elaboration and implementation of UNDP Brazil audio-visual strategy, including publications strategy;
• Maintenance of website(s) and other online platforms managed by UNDP Brazil;
• Assistant to Communications Coordinator with administrative and logistical tasks related to the Communications Unit;

1. Supports the Communications Coordinator in the formulation and implementation of internal and external communications and advocacy strategies, focusing on achievement of the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Support to the Communications Coordinator in providing communications needs assessments for UNDP Brazil (projects, country programme and corporate change initiatives, etc.) as requested.
• Provision of inputs and information for the elaboration and update of UNDP Brazil communications and outreach strategy based on the corporate communications strategy.
• In coordination with supervisor , development and preparation of materials for marketing and awareness raising campaigns, including briefing materials and press releases.
• Promote increased awareness of UNDP´s mandate and goals through dissemination of information, organization of public events, press conferences, interviews with UNDP Brazil´s officials and media relations.
• Ensure: prompt response to requests from internal clients, press, partners and target audiences; updated mailing lists and implementation of UNDP Brazil´s external relations approach.
• Review of reference material and identification of reference content for retention; research and analysis of data from external sources.
• Maintenance of information database and audio-visual library.
• Support to the organization and implementation of the local UN Communications Group (UNCG) join activities and campaigns (Humanitarian Day, UN Day, World AIDS Day, among others).

2. Provides support to the elaboration and implementation of UNDP Brazil audio-visual strategy, including marketing materials and publications strategy and plan focusing on the achievement of the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Provision of inputs and information for elaboration of UNDP Brazil audio-visual strategy, including publications and marketing materials strategy based on the corporate policies and guidelines.
• Production and identification of storylines, photos and videos for publications and other marketing and audio-visual materials contributing to debates on key development issues,
• Technical supervision of translation /adaptation/rewriting of information received, printing, editing and dissemination of publications and audio-visual materials.
• Contact with printers and other suppliers to ensure production.
• Promote dissemination of such materials.

3. Ensures the updates and maintenance of UNDP Brazil web site (s) and other online platforms, DocuSign on achievement of the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Assistant in the updates and maintenance of website (s) and social media platforms managed by UNDP Brazil, in line with corporate branding and style requirements.
• Preparation/checking the content for the online platforms to ensure consistency of the materials.
• Preparation/checking the content for the online platforms to ensure consistency of the materials.
• Preparation of special content based on internal and external demands relevant to UNDP Brazil Communications and Outreach strategy.
• Follow-up with partners and mainly the press for dissemination of such material.


4. Ensures facilitation of Information sharing and news monitoring activities, focusing on achievement of the following tasks and responsibilities:

• Support to the Communications Coordinator in the organization of training and workshops for effective communications and advocacy practices of key staff members.
• Ensure the organization of the Communications Unit folders and files in the server, according to key activities and demands.
• Support supervisor in the preparation of briefings, talking points and speeches, in close collaboration with staff and experts.
• Production of The Communication Unit activity reports, organization of minutes for relevant meetings, constant follow-up and organization of analytical data related to the dissemination of UNDP Brazil messages through its communications channels.
• Help the supervisor in the preparation of daily news clipping on stories related to UNDP Brazil mandate and activities; organize such material dissemination.
• Preparation of presentations related to the Communications Unit activities.


5. Assist Communications Coordinator with administrative and logistical tasks related to the Communications Unit.

• Administrative and logistical support to the communications team, including preparation of trips, high-level missions, organization of calendars, meetings and other activities and events.
• Administrative support in the internal operational platforms as required, including registration of suppliers (creation of vendors) and other forms related to payments, reimbursements, travel authorizations etc.
• Assist the Communications Coordinator in organizing the prioritizing internal and external demands, supporting the unit in the distribution of tasks IV.