Communication Associate

Host entity: UNDP

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Audio-visual content, Communication, advocacy, public information, Digital and social media

Application deadline: 15/09/2026

Mission and objectives

As the United Nations lead agency on international development, UNDP works in 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty and reduce inequality. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities, and to build resilience to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work is concentrated in three focus areas; sustainable development, democratic governance and peace building, and climate and disaster resilience. UNDP’s mandate is to end poverty, build democratic governance, rule of law, and inclusive institutions. We advocate for change, and connect countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life.

UNDP has been working in India since 1951 in almost all areas of human development. Together with the Government of India and development partners, we have worked towards eradicating poverty, reducing inequalities, strengthening local governance, enhancing community resilience, protecting the environment, supporting policy initiatives and institutional reforms, and accelerating sustainable development for all.

With projects and programmes in every state and union territory in India, UNDP works with national and subnational government, and diverse development actors to deliver people-centric results, particularly for the most vulnerable and marginalized communities. As the integrator for collective action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the UN system, we are committed to supporting the Government of India’s national development vision and priorities and accelerating the achievement of the SDGs for the people and the planet.

UNDP India’s Country Programme (2023-2027) builds on our prior work and aims to provide an integrated approach to development solutions in three strategic portfolios:
• Strong, accountable and evidence-led institutions for accelerated achievement of the SDGs
• Enhanced economic opportunities and social protection to reduce inequality, with a focus on the marginalized
• Climate-smart solutions, sustainable ecosystems and resilient development for reduced vulnerability South-South cooperation, gender equality and social inclusion are promoted across the pillars.

The programme is supported by a framework of renewed partnerships and blended finance solutions, strategic innovation and accelerator labs, and data and digital architecture.

Assignment context

UNDP is currently working in various areas concerning sustainable development, from systems and institutional strengthening to inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods, as well as sustainable energy, environment and resilience. The Action for Climate Change and Energy (ACE) portfolio at UNDP is organized around the thematic areas of climate change adaptation and mitigation; disaster management and resilience; and access to clean and efficient energy.

UNDP is looking for a national UN Volunteer Communication Associate for its Natural Resource Management (NRM) and Biodiversity portfolio. The incumbent will provide overall functional support for developing knowledge products, and coordinate communication-related work of NRM & Biodiversity projects. These projects are in the NRM and Biodiversity domains and are being implemented in cooperation with the Central Government Ministries and State Governments.

Task description

The national UN Volunteer Communication Associate will support the Project Manager in the developing and dissemination of knowledge products of the project under the guidance and supervision of the respective Project Manager/s

• Develop and finalise communications strategy, in line with the overall project priorities.
• Provide support to project teams in designing communication products for government and other external partners.
• Implement a Knowledge Management and Communication Strategy and associated financing plan to guide all project knowledge management, communication, and outreach activities
• Develop training modules and calendars
• Analyse all project-generated knowledge
• Develop short stories/case studies/success stories and articles to be published in newspapers/magazines/online platforms and other .
• Support the generation of content and regular updates for social media channels and website to enhance the visibility of the project’s work.
• Promote knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the relevant area.
• Developing and editing the content of information and promotional materials, including press releases, press kits, promotional leaflets, brochures, and information packages, including cooperation with a graphic designer on their layout and graphics.
• Develop periodical and ad hoc reports on communications activities, including media analysis.
• Experiment with new communication products based on emerging trends and technologies to present the project’s work innovatively and engagingly.
• Support implementation of NRM & Biodiversity Portfolio’s communications strategy and plans by conducting various communications-related activities and producing communications products.
• Support the implementation and effective management of planning, monitoring, and evaluation requirements for the projects under the natural resource management portfolio.
• Assist the implementation of evaluation policies and strategies and support effective management of the evaluation process.
• Assist project staff in monitoring project activities and progress towards achieving the project output.

Skills and experience

o At least 4 years of experience in communications and related activities in development projects or with international development agencies
o Experience in written and oral communications.
o Good understanding of biodiversity, climate change and development issues at national/sub national level.
o Ability to carry out research and devise communication strategies to enhance outreach of project outcomes.
o Demonstrates good knowledge of information technology and applies it in work assignments
o Excellent working knowledge of MS Office- Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, Intra-Internet, e-mail applications etc.
o Knowledge of other applications such as Front Page, Publisher and some multimedia tools would be useful.
o Ability to build and maintain constructive relationships with colleagues (and reports where inappropriate).

Competencies and values

• Accountability
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Building Trust
• Commitment and Motivation
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Communication
• Creativity
• Ethics and Values
• Integrity
• Planning and Organizing
• Professionalism
• Respect for Diversity
• Self-Management
• Working in Teams

Living conditions

The assignment will be based in New Delhi. New Delhi is the capital city of India, experiences a diverse climate and has distinct living conditions influenced by its weather, infrastructure, and culture. A melting pot of cultures, languages, and cuisines, reflecting the diverse nature of India. Overall, living in Delhi offers a mix of modern urban life with deep-rooted traditions and challenges typical of a large, bustling metropolis.

As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. This position is based in New Delhi. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan. National UN Volunteers are expected to be culturally sensitive and adjust to the prevailing culture and traditions.

UN Volunteer entitlements and allowances: The purpose of the allowances and entitlements paid to the UN Volunteer is to enable UN Volunteers to sustain a secure standard of living at the duty stations in line with United Nations standards without incurring personal costs.

You can check full entitlements at https://app.unv.org/calculator.

For information specific to your assignment, please see below:
• Monthly Voluntary Living Allowance: INR 70,158.41
• Entry lump sum (one-time payment): USD 350 (equivalent in INR)
• Relocation costs: $175 at the beginning and end of the assignment if duty station is outside of commuting distance (as determined by UNV)
• Exit allowance (paid on successful completion of the assignment): USD 120 for each month served, paid on completion of contract
• Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for health, life and malicious acts for the UN Volunteer and health insurance coverage for up to 3 eligible dependents
• Annual leave: 2.5 days per month
• Learning: Access to UNV's learning and career development resources

For more information on entitlements, please refer to the Conditions of Service (https://explore.unv.org/cos).

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.