Communications and Partnership Specialist

Host entity: UNDP

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Communication, advocacy, public information, Project management, programme development, strategy

Application deadline: 07/09/2026

Mission and objectives

UNDP works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, and the reduction of inequalities and exclusion. We help countries to develop policies, leadership skills, partnering abilities, institutional capabilities and build resilience in order to sustain development results.

The UNDP Multi-Country Office (MCO) based in Samoa, which covers Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tokelau, implements the UNDP Subregional Programme Document for the Pacific Island Countries and Territories (2018-22), which is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and country priorities as reflected in national development plans. In close partnership with the four Governments, UNDP works in collaboration with donors, the private sector, civil society organizations and local communities, academia, media and regional organizations to provide global knowledge and integrated development solutions to development challenges. UNDP promotes a whole-of-society approach to deliver on the ambition of the 2030 Agenda, with greater involvement of civil society actors, emphasis on empowering women, youth and vulnerable groups, and centered on the principle of leaving no one behind.

Assignment context

Development challenges in the Pacific Islands Countries are multi-faceted and complex. To respond to these challenges, the UNDP Samoa Multi-Country Office (MCO) concentrates its efforts on building the capacity of the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, and Tokelau to promote inclusive, blue-green, and pro-poor growth, effective governance, and sustainable and resilient development that leverages innovation and digital transformation and seeks to catalyze financing for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We help our partners in identifying relevant solutions to their most significant development challenges and offer policy and implementation services to address these challenges.

Guided by the UNDP Multi-Country Programme Document (MCPD) for the Pacific Island Countries and Territories 2023-27, the MCO’s policy, advisory, programmatic, and implementation services focuses on the following areas: a) Peace: inclusive governance, justice, and peace; b) Prosperity: inclusive, blue-green, and sustainable growth; c) Planet: sustainable management of natural resources, biodiversity conservation, strengthened climate and disaster resilience and management.

UNDP’s programme is anchored in the principle of leaving no one behind, with specific focus on gender equality and women’s empowerment including the fight to end violence against women and girls, and empowerment and engagement of youth and Persons with Disabilities. The MCO serves the four countries from its office located in Apia, where it hosts approximately 40 personnel.

The objective of this position is to provide technical, analytical, and operational support to the Samoa MCO’s environment and climate change programmes, strengthening project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting. The UN Volunteer will assist in ensuring effective programme delivery, enhance stakeholder engagement, and contribute to knowledge management and capacity-building initiatives that advance Samoa’s sustainable development priorities and climate resilience efforts.

Task description

The role supports the MCO by assisting in the development and implementation of project communication strategies, producing media content, capturing human-interest stories, and ensuring donor-aligned visibility. It also involves support in building and managing strategic partnerships, coordinating joint initiatives, and supporting concept note and proposal development. Additionally, the role manages knowledge systems to capture and share best practices and lessons learned, fostering organizational learning and secure information handling.
Under the direct supervision of the relevant personnel at the Front Office (Executive Office), providing guidance on the assigned tasks, the Communications and Partnership Specialist will undertake the following tasks:

Communications support to Programme teams:
o Support preparation of project communications strategies; design, develop and produce media content and material on projects on a regular basis (e.g. newsletters, videos, graphics, etc.) including the collection of human-interest stories that are clear, concise, and convey key messages to the target audience
o Support the development and maintenance of project communication tools
o Ensure that all project visibility and communication is done in line with donor requirements
o Prepare communications material for project activities, events, and meetings
o Monitor local media to understand trends and news, especially in relation to SDGs
o Liaise with UNDP MCO personnel on final reports and publications related to the pipeline and ongoing projects.

Partnership management:
o Identify potential partners and develop strategic partnerships to support the MCO's programatic goals
o Facilitate the development and maintenance of partnerships with external counterparts including JICA through effective communication and collaboration
o Contribute to development of project concept notes and proposals
o Coordinate partnership activities, including meetings, workshops, and joint initiatives
o Monitor and evaluate the performance of partnerships and provide recommendations for improvement.

Knowledge Management:
o Implement a knowledge management system to capture, organize, and share information within the organization
o Facilitate the collection and documentation of best practices, lessons learned, and success stories
o Promote knowledge sharing and learning among staff members and partners
o Ensure the security and confidentiality of sensitive information.

Skills and experience

• At least 2 years of experience in communications, partnership development, or programme support, including experience in implementing project communication strategies, supporting strategic partnerships, knowledge management, and producing media or outreach materials in the context of development, social, or environmental programmes.
• Experience supporting the development and implementation of communication strategies and partnership initiatives, preferably within international or development programmes.
• Ability to assist with project planning, reporting, workplan preparation, and coordination with internal teams and external stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and development partners.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to prepare briefs, reports, and communication materials that convey key messages effectively.
• Experience in organizing and supporting workshops, events, training sessions, and stakeholder consultations.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders and manage multiple tasks.

Competencies and values

☒ Accountability
☒ Adaptability and Flexibility
☒ Building Trust
☒ Commitment to Continuous Learning
☒ Ethics and Values
☒ Professionalism
☒ Respect for Diversity
☒ Self-Management
☒ Technological Awareness
☒ Working in Teams

Living conditions

Apia, the capital of Samoa, offers relatively comfortable living conditions compared with many small island developing states. Basic infrastructure and services such as electricity, water supply, telecommunications, banking, and healthcare are available, though options may be more limited than in larger cities. A reasonable range of housing options, supermarkets, restaurants, and recreational facilities are accessible in Apia. Internet connectivity is generally available, although speeds may vary.

Public transportation is limited, while private taxis are widely available. Although the assignment does not require driving, having a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle can be convenient for daily commuting and mobility within and around Apia. It is possible for international personnel to obtain a driver’s license in Samoa.

The country has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round and a rainy season typically from November to April. Samoa is considered safe and welcoming, with a strong community culture and high levels of social cohesion. However, due to its remote island location, the cost of living can be relatively high, particularly for imported goods.

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