Communication Officer: Digital & Public Outreach

Host entity: UNDP

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Communication, advocacy, public information, Digital and social media

Application deadline: 25/09/2026

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.

Assignment context

The UNDP South Africa Communications Unit is responsible for implementing the Country Office's corporate communications strategy and supporting the design and delivery of integrated communications, partnerships and knowledge products that strengthen UNDP's visibility, influence and development impact. The Unit positions UNDP as a trusted development partner through strategic storytelling, media engagement, thought leadership, digital communications, public outreach and knowledge management. Working under the guidance of the Head of Communications, the National UN Volunteer Ex-pert will provide high-level technical support in the planning, coordination and implementation of strategic communications activities across the Country Office. The incumbent will play a central role in translating complex development results into compelling multimedia stories, coordinating communications support across programme teams, strengthening knowledge management systems, supporting multimedia production, and contributing to integrated communications campaigns that advance UNDP's strategic priorities.

Task description

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Communications, the UN Expert Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

1. Multimedia Storytelling and Digital Communications
Support the implementation of the Country Office's digital communications strategy through high-quality editorial, visual and multimedia storytelling. Responsibilities include:
• Coordinate the development of compelling multimedia content that showcases UNDP's development impact across priority programme areas.
• Research, document and develop human-interest stories, success stories, case studies and feature articles that translate technical development results into engaging narratives.
• Coordinate multimedia field missions, including photography, videography and interviews, working closely with programme teams and creative service providers.
• Produce high-quality written, photographic, video, podcast and graphic content for digital platforms, publications and public campaigns.
• Draft and edit website articles, newsletters, speeches, blogs, social media content and other corporate communications products.
• Coordinate the production of audiovisual storytelling products, including documentaries, podcasts, interviews and short-form digital content.
• Support website content management and ensure timely publication of approved communications materials.
• Monitor digital communications performance using analytics and insights to inform continuous improvement of content and audience engagement.
• Prepare digital performance reports and contribute evidence-based recommendations to strengthen digital communications.
• Develop creative briefs and Terms of Reference for communications consultants and service providers and support quality assurance of deliverables.

2. Communications Coordination and Public Outreach
Support integrated communications planning and coordination across programme teams and external stakeholders.Responsibilities include:
• Coordinate communications support for assigned programme portfolios, ensuring alignment with the Country Office Communications Strategy.
• Coordinate the Communications Unit editorial calendar and content pipeline by working with programme teams to identify upcoming communications opportunities, milestones and results.
• Support the development and implementation of integrated communications plans for flagship initiatives, campaigns, publications and high-level events.
• Coordinate communications planning and logistical support for conferences, launches, workshops, media engagements and public outreach events.
• Liaise with programme teams, regional communications colleagues, the United Nations Communications Group (UNCG) and external partners to facilitate coordinated communications activities.
• Support media engagement activities through preparation of media materials, coordination of interviews, press attendance and media monitoring.
• Represent the Communications Unit at selected meetings, events and stakeholder engagements as delegated by the Head of Communications.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen strategic partnerships with media, academia, content creators and other communications stakeholders.
• Support coordination of external communications service providers and production schedules to ensure timely delivery of communications outputs.

3. Knowledge Management, Editorial Planning and Results Communications
Strengthen organizational knowledge management and support evidence-based communications across the Country Office. Responsibilities include:
• Coordinate the collection and organisation of programme results, impact stories and multimedia assets for corporate communications and knowledge products.
• Support the production of flagship corporate publications, annual reports, donor reports, briefing packages, presentations and institutional publications.
• Maintain and continuously improve the Communications Unit's SharePoint platform, digital asset library and knowledge management systems.
• Build and maintain databases of media contacts, photographers, videographers, communications consultants and strategic stakeholders.
• Coordinate editorial planning processes to ensure a consistent pipeline of high-quality stories and communications products throughout the year.
• Support synthesis of programme information into accessible communications products for internal and external audiences.
• Identify emerging communications trends, digital innovations and storytelling approaches that strengthen organizational visibility and public engagement.
• Ensure communications products comply with UNDP branding, editorial and accessibility standards.

Skills and experience

Professional experience in communications, journalism, public relations, strategic communications, digital communications or multimedia production.
• Demonstrated experience producing high-quality storytelling and communications products within international development, public sector, media or related environments.
• Proven experience translating complex policy, technical or development issues into compelling, audience-focused communications.
• Strong experience in multimedia storytelling, including photography, videography, pod-cast production, interviewing, script writing and digital content production.
• Experience coordinating multimedia productions, field missions and content development processes involving multiple stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating communications activities across multidisciplinary teams and managing competing priorities within fast-paced environments.
• Strong editorial writing, editing and proofreading skills, with the ability to produce high-quality communications products under tight deadlines.
• Experience supporting communications planning for events, campaigns and public out-reach initiatives.
• Experience preparing institutional publications, impact reports, knowledge products and digital communications content.
• Practical proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Illustrator, Lightroom and InDesign) and/or Canva.
• Working knowledge of photography, videography, audio recording and multimedia production workflows.
• Experience drafting Terms of Reference, creative briefs and coordinating communications service providers or creative agencies.
• Strong understanding of social media management, digital analytics, audience engagement and content optimization.
• Experience with website content management systems, SharePoint or other knowledge management platforms.
• Strong analytical, research and data visualization skills, with the ability to interpret communications performance metrics and translate findings into recommendations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of one or more of the following areas is desirable: sustainable development, climate change, governance, digital transformation, entrepreneur-ship, innovation, youth development, gender equality, social protection or inclusive economic growth.
• Previous experience within the United Nations system or another international development organisation is an advantage.

Competencies and values

Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Client Orientation, Commitment and Motivation, Commitment to Continuous Learning, Communication, Creativity, Ethics and Values, Judgement and Decision-making, Knowledge Sharing, Leadership, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Self-Management, Technological Awareness, Vision, Working in Teams

Living conditions

Bigger cities in South África can be highly cosmopolitan. In Johannesburg and Pretoria, you will find an abundance of world class gyms, restaurants, bars, recreational classes, galleries, parks etc. The bigger shopping malls host a large selection of international brands. There is a plethora of international cuisine to be sampled, and quirky independent cinemas to be discovered. OR Tambo International Airport is a world class airport, offering highly sophisticated facilities. It is located just outside of Johannesburg, in Kempton Park. It has many international airlines that fly into this airport. Crime rates in South África are ranked on the high end, petty theft and opportunistic crimes are common, and armed robberies, smash & grabs and hijackings are also fairly frequent in certain areas. One needs to remain vigilant especially at night and at road intersections. There are usually sign posts that indicate such hot spots. Periodic security information updates are sent via email providing information at national level, with regards to circumstances such as incidents of civil unrest, transport security, computer and networking safety and trends in criminality. UNDSS sends weekly security updates via email. Updates from wardens are on an ad hoc basis, following security related events in your residential area. Updates from UNDSS are provided weekly.

UN Volunteers receives the below entitlements:
• A Monthly Volunteer Living Allowance (VLA): R23 820.16 per month,
• A once off entry lumpsum at the start of the assignment,
• Medical insurance; Life cover, and annual leave,
• Access to all learning platforms,
• A once off exit lumpsum at the end of the assignment.

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