PFM Communications and Storytelling Associate

Host entity: UNDP NIU

Volunteer type: National

Areas of expertise: Communication, advocacy, public information

Application deadline: 12/10/2026

Mission and objectives

UNDP NIU organization mission TBD

Assignment context

The Vaka Pasifika project supports Pacific Island countries in strengthening public financial management (PFM), accountability, transparency and the effective use of public resources to contribute to more inclusive and sustainable development outcomes. As part of its engagement with Pacific stakeholders, the project seeks to strengthen awareness and understanding of PFM issues by documenting practical experiences, lessons and examples from across the region.

Effective communication and storytelling can help translate complex PFM concepts into accessible and relatable narratives, demonstrating how public finance decisions, accountability mechanisms and the management of public resources can affect communities, public services and people’s everyday lives. Human-interest stories can also help bring Pacific perspectives and experiences into wider regional discussions on PFM and development.

Against this background, the PFM Communications and Storytelling Associate will support the Vaka Pasifika project team in researching, identifying and developing a collection of PFM-related human-interest stories for publication. The assignment will involve desk research, stakeholder engagement, interviews, information gathering, fact-checking and drafting of accessible stories that connect technical PFM issues with practical experiences and development outcomes.

Working under the guidance of the Vaka Pasifika project team, the UN Volunteer will contribute to the identification of relevant story themes and sources, support the coordination of interviews and research, and assist in developing and refining stories for the intended audience. The assignment will provide an opportunity to strengthen communication around PFM issues while highlighting Pacific experiences, perspectives and practical examples

Task description

Under the overall guidance of the Vaka Pasifika project team, the Associate will support communication and storytelling activities aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of public financial management (PFM) issues and their relevance to people, communities and public service delivery in the Pacific.

The Associate will:
• Support research and identification of relevant PFM themes, issues, initiatives and country experiences that can be developed into accessible human-interest stories.
• Review existing Vaka Pasifika communication materials and previous journalist engagements to identify relevant lessons, story opportunities and potential sources.
• Support the development and implementation of a workplan for researching and producing PFM-related stories.
• Conduct desk research and gather relevant background information, data, evidence and other materials to inform story development.
• Identify and support engagement with relevant stakeholders, including government representatives, oversight institutions, civil society organisations, communities, development partners and other appropriate sources.
• Support the planning and coordination of interviews and consultations with identified stakeholders and document relevant perspectives, experiences and examples.
• Assist in translating technical PFM concepts and information into clear, engaging and accessible narratives for non-technical audiences.
• Draft human-interest stories, case studies and related communication content based on research, interviews and verified information.
• Support fact-checking and verification of key information, data and quotations used in communication products.
• Work closely with the Vaka Pasifika project team to refine story angles, structure, messaging and presentation.
• Incorporate feedback from the project team and support revisions through the UNDP review and clearance process.
• Contribute to the compilation and preparation of approved stories and supporting content for publication and dissemination.
• Support other communication, research and knowledge-sharing activities related to PFM and the objectives of the Vaka Pasifika project, as required.

Skills and experience

• Demonstrated ability to research, gather and organise information from multiple sources and translate it into clear and accessible content.
• Experience conducting interviews, consultations or stakeholder engagement and capturing relevant perspectives and human-interest stories.
• Good writing and editing skills, with the ability to develop clear, concise and engaging stories for non-technical audiences.
• Ability to undertake basic fact-checking, information verification and desk research and to present information accurately.
• Familiarity with developing communication products such as articles, human-interest stories, case studies, profiles, web content or social media content.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage respectfully with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively with project teams and incorporate feedback into written products.
• Good organisational skills and ability to manage multiple research, interview and writing tasks within agreed timelines.
• Basic knowledge of public financial management, governance, accountability, development issues or Pacific regional priorities would be an advantage.
• Experience working with Pacific Island communities, government institutions, development partners or regional organisations would be an advantage.
• Familiarity with basic digital communication tools and platforms, including Microsoft Office and online research and communication tools.

Competencies and values

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

Living conditions

Niue has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year. Alofi, the capital and main settlement, is the centre of government, commercial activities and essential services. Basic amenities, including shops, restaurants, banking, telecommunications, internet services and healthcare facilities, are available, although the range of goods and services is more limited than in larger Pacific countries. The cost of living can be relatively high due to the island’s reliance on imported goods. Transport is primarily by private vehicles, rental cars and scooters, with roads connecting the main communities and coastal areas. Niue has a close-knit community and strong Polynesian cultural traditions, with outdoor activities and community events forming an important part of daily life. The island is also exposed to tropical cyclones and other weather-related hazards, particularly during the cyclone season.

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