Communications Assistant

Host entity: PNUD Brasil

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Communication, advocacy, public information, Administration

Application deadline: 12/10/2026

Mission and objectives

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.

Assignment context

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Head of Communications, the volunteer supports the implementation of the corporate communications strategy, as well as provide inputs to the design, management and implementation of the Unit´s communications and publication strategies, which are geared to influence the development agenda, promote public and media outreach, and mobilize political and financial support for UNDP. UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration. Thus, the Communications Assistant works in close collaboration with the Head of Communications, the Programme and Operations teams, staff of other UN Agencies when required, UNDP Communications Region and HQ staff, when necessary, national partners and stakeholders, international and local media, to ensure successful implementation of UNDP’s communication strategy in the Country Office.

Task description

The Communications Assistant supports the Head of Communications in activities such as content production (text, video and photography), website management, basic administrative tasks, media monitoring, organization of communications events etc.

The volunteer will work with the Communications Unit at the UNDP Brazil Country Office as a multitask assistant to the Head of Communications. Under his guidance and supervision, the volunteer will be responsible for the following activities:

1- Assist in the maintenance and update of UNDP Brazil’s website(s).
2- Translate documents, presentations, news articles and press releases into English-Portuguese (and vice-versa) and Spanish-Portuguese (and vice-versa).
3- Support in writing communications materials, such as news stories, press releases, briefings, minutes of meetings etc.
4- Support the preparation of social media contents, like texts and cards.
5- Assist in the implementation of social media strategy.
6- Assist in the preparation of analytical reports and presentations containing statistics and performance of website(s) and social media accounts managed by the Communications Unit.
7- Assist in the creation or update of design and layout of communications materials for online media including arts, graphics and infographics for social media accounts, website and intranet.
8- Assist with video production and audio projects, including recording, capturing/importing media, editing footage and sound files, titling, adding music/voiceover/sfx, media management and archiving project media.
9- Gather information on topics related to UNDP’s mandate and UNDP Brazil’s projects.
10- Support the Communications Unit in the preparation, organization and coverage of events.
11- Support the Communications Unit with photos of events and UNDP executives.
12- Assist in the management and update of mailing lists used by the Communications Unit.
13- Assist in handling phone calls, requests from the press, the public and UNDP partners, as well as internal clients.
14- Assist in preparing and filling out administrative documents, such as formularies, related to the management of the Communications Unit.
15- Perform other related tasks as requested.

Skills and experience

* At least two years of relevant professional experience in communications, journalism, public information, digital communications, media or a related field.

* Experience developing and editing communications content for websites, social media and other channels, including news stories, press releases, briefings and other public information materials.

* Experience in visual and multimedia communications, including graphic design/layout, infographics, photography and basic video/audio production and editing.

* Experience translating and/or editing communications materials between Portuguese and English and/or Spanish, with attention to accuracy, clarity and consistency.

* Experience supporting communications activities and events, including event coverage, coordination with internal and external stakeholders, and related administrative support.

* Strong written and verbal communication, organizational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively, manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.

Desirables:

* Computer literacy and proficiency with relevant software tools are desirable.

* Previous experience working with the United Nations or other international organizations will be considered an advantage.

The ideal candidate should demonstrate a proactive, organized, and multitasking profile, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, work independently, and adapt to a dynamic work environment.

The candidate must be available to work full-time from the office.

Competencies and values

• Accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Creativity
• Judgement and decision-making
• Planning and organising
• Professionalism
• Self-management

Living conditions

Brasília, the capital of Brazil, is a modern and well-planned city that offers a high standard of living and a stable security environment compared to many large urban centers in the country. The city is served by an international airport with frequent domestic and international connections, providing easy access to other regions of Brazil and abroad. Brasília has a tropical savanna climate, characterized by a dry season from May to September and a rainy season from October to April. Accommodation options are widely available, ranging from apartments to family houses, and essential services such as electricity, potable water, telecommunications, banking, and internet are reliable and readily accessible. The city offers a wide range of supermarkets, restaurants, shopping centers, and cultural venues, as well as quality public and private healthcare facilities. As Brazil’s federal capital and home to numerous diplomatic missions and international organizations, Brasília provides a welcoming and multicultural environment for international personnel and their families

You may check the full benefits and allowances applicable to the duty station using the UVP calculator. Please see the Conditions of Service for UN Volunteers for more information and details.

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