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United Nations Development Programme

Communication Specialist [Open to Tier 0, 1 & 2 applicants]

Dakar, SenegalInternational PSA- RegularUNDP
8 days leftPosted Jun 15, 2026

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

UNDP is the UN's global development network advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience, and resources to help people build a better life. UNDP’s vision is to support countries in achieving the simultaneous eradication of poverty and significant reduction of inequalities and exclusion. To strengthen inclusive and effective governance, the UNDP Strategic Plan focuses on ensuring participation and voice in pursuit of equitable access to development opportunities and working with poor and other excluded groups as agents of their own development. The UNDP strategic plan 2022-2025 focuses on poverty and inequality, governance, resilience, environment, energy, and gender equality. These priorities are further supported by powerful enablers – strategic innovation, digitalization, and development finance – which will further accelerate and scale results.

UNDP’s presence in Senegal consists of both its sub-regional and country-level teams supporting both its efforts in Senegal and across 24 countries in the sub-region.

At the sub-regional level, the UNDP Sub-Regional Hub for West and Central Africa (UNDP WACA) is at the forefront of accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in West and Central Africa. Our multidimensional approach encompasses promoting good governance, fostering sustainable livelihoods, tackling climate change, enhancing community resilience, driving structural transformation, and eradicating poverty.

Through a tailored blend of strategic policy support, innovative programming, robust partnerships, and comprehensive capacity-building initiatives, UNDP WACA plays a pivotal role in shaping a more resilient and prosperous future for the sub-region.

It is one of three regional hubs couched within UNDP's Regional Service Centre for Africa (RSCA) and the Regional Bureau for Africa, providing specialised support to 24 countries which range from high and middle-income economies to least-developed countries and those in crisis and post-crisis settings.

At the country level, UNDP Senegal works in close partnership with the Government of Senegal, communities, civil society, and international partners to help address the country's unique challenges and support the unlocking of the country’s full potential.

By focusing on critical areas such as inclusive and sustainable economic growth, environmental sustainability, and governance, UNDP Senegal works to strengthen institutions, enhance social cohesion and support resilience building. Through innovation and strategic partnerships, UNDP Senegal helps implement effective, context-specific development solutions that drive long-term sustainability, empower communities and build a prosperous and resilient Senegal.

The Communication Officer will assume the following responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership in Communications and Digital Engagement
Advocacy and Positioning
Content Strategy and Editorial Oversight
Executive Communications and Media Relations
Digital Innovation and Audience Engagement
Knowledge Management and Quality Assurance
Partnerships and Resource Mobilization Support
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization. Institutional Arrangement

The Communication Specialist will report to the Programme Management Specialist and he/she will work in close collaboration with the Regional PVE team and, regional thematic advisors.

Achieve Results - LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
Think Innovatively - LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
Learn Continuously - LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility - LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
Act with Determination - LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
Engage and Partner - LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
Enable Diversity and Inclusion - LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity
Business Management Communication: Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
Business Direction and Strategy - Systems Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.
Business Management - Partnership management: Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.
Partnership Management -Strategic Engagement: Ability to capture and sustain attention, interest and agreement of high-level, influential policy and decision makers and secure their buy-in of high-level vision and objectives.
Business Management - Partnerships Management: Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies.
Communications - Digital strategy: Ability to plan the use of resources through digital channels to reach and engage target audiences effectively and to achieve particular objectives.
  • An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communications, media relations, journalism, International Relations, Political Science, International Development, partnership development or relevant related field is required.

OR

  • A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the above-mentioned fields, with an additional two years of relevant experience, will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Minimum 5 years (with Master’s degree) or 7 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience at the national or international level in communications, public information, advocacy, or media relations, preferably in an international development context is required.

Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advanced knowledge of web-based management systems such as ERP is required.

  • At least 2 years proven experience in strategic communications and developing communication strategies is desirable
  • Experience working in multilateral organizations, Country offices, UN agencies, or regional development institutions is highly desirable.
  • Proven experience in leading communications strategies at the regional or global level.
  • Working experience with diverse and multi-cultural teams is desirable.

Fluency in one of the two languages (English or French) is required.

  • Fluency in a second language (English or French) is desirable

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

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