Communications Assistant

UNDP is the UN’s global development network, an organization advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP is on the ground in about 170 countries and territories, working with national counterparts on solutions to global and national development challenges.

In the programme countries, UNDP supports stabilization, state-building, governance and development priorities in in partnership with the host governments, the United Nations system, the development partners and other partners to help the country to achieve sustainable development by eradicating poverty in all its forms and dimensions, accelerating structural transformations for sustainable development and building resilience to crises and shock. 

UNDP has been a trusted development partner of the Maldives for close to 45 years, helping to achieve the eradication of poverty, reduction of inequalities and exclusion in areas such governance, environment protection, climate change mitigation and adaptation. In each of its thematic areas of work, UNDP at the request of its national partners provides relevant policy advisory support, technical assistance, advocacy, and knowledge to help Maldives achieve its global commitment on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). With Maldives’s transition to an Upper Middle Income Country Status, Official Development Assistance from traditional donor sources has been on the continuous decline. UNDP is therefore working with its national partners to identify and tap into alternative and innovative financing mechanisms for development. This process involves broadening outreach and forging wide-ranging partnerships with stakeholders - including other UN agencies, the government, the private sector, philanthropic foundations, multi-lateral and bi-lateral donors and International Finance Institutions to advance the country’s development strategies and objectives.

We are looking for people who are enthusiastic, motivated, and committed to making a positive contribution to development in the Maldives. 

Under the guidance and supervision of the UNDP Maldives Communication Officer, the Communications Assistant supports the implementation of the communications and advocacy strategies of the UNDP Maldives Office to increase the standing and awareness of UNDP with partners, the media and the public.  The Assistant promotes a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. The Assistant works in close collaboration with programme, projects ad operations staff in the Country Office (CO) and with UNDP HQs staff to exchange information and ensure consistent service delivery. The post also includes providing operational and administrative support to the Communication portfolio ensuring high quality, accuracy and consistency of work. 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.

UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background of the project

UNDP Maldives employs a strategic approach to communications, with the aim of increasing visibility and public awareness of our work as well as strategically addressing the specific gaps and challenges we face in bridging the information divide between UNDP, partners, communities, and the wider public at large. Our approach is to able to attract and support the engagement of diverse stakeholder groups, including youth, civil society, national and international partners etc. Our communications activities also support effective advocacy and aims to strengthen and expand partnerships locally and internationally.

The Communications Assistant will specifically help UNDP to sensitize people to the work and mandate of UNDP. In turn, UNDP aims to provide meaningful opportunities for people to be directly exposed to UNDP’s work and mandate, and to assist them in honing skills and applying their knowledge in a development context. The Communications Assistant is expected to be a versatile team member, capable of contributing across various aspects of communication, from content creation to analytics and event support. The role involves a mix of creative, technical, and administrative responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and collaboration within the team.

The successful candidate is invited to join a team of dedicated development professionals whose primary role is to support the Maldives to achieve the 2030 Agenda. 

• Provide logistical support for events and initiatives, such as media events, press briefings, exhibitions, receptions, meetings, report and survey launches, roundtable discussions, briefing sessions, interviews, and public information campaigns etc.
• Assist in reporting on events and initiatives.
• Provide support on special web/digital/media projects undertaken by UNDP Maldives.

• Support in implementation of communication aspects of the gender equality strategy and action plan and advocacy for gender equality.

• Assist in day-to-day administrative and operational tasks.
• Provide any other support as required for the smooth functioning of the Communications Unit.
• Providing efficient programmatic and operational support to Communication portfolio;
• Proper control of the supporting documents for payments and financial reports the portfolio;
• Facilitating payment process by liaising with Clustering Office in UNDP;
• Proper receipting of goods and services and establishment of accruals;
• Timely corrective actions on unposted vouchers, including the vouchers with budget check errors, match exceptions, unapproved vouchers;
• Maintenance of the proper filing system for finance records and documents;
• Support recruitment processes in accordance with UN/UNDP rules and regulations;
• Support procurement process in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations.

• Assist with any other related duties as deemed necessary.