“Strategic Role of the Communications Associate in UNDP’s Peace & Stabilization Programme in Cotabato City: A Deep Dive into Responsibilities, Impact, and Career Potential”
1. Position Overview: Communications Associate, UNDP Cotabato City, Philippines
Contract Type:
- National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-7)
- Full-time
- Duration: 1 year with the possibility of extension
Location:
- Cotabato City, Philippines
Application Deadline:@vacancyspaces.com
- May 9, 2025 (05:59 AM)
2. Background and Strategic Context
The Communications Associate role is situated within the broader Peace & Stabilization Programme (PSP) of UNDP Philippines. The Peace Programme is aligned with UNDP’s Country Programme Document (CPD) Outcome 3, which emphasizes fostering shared understanding among national and local governments and stakeholders about the diverse cultural history, identity, and inequalities in conflict-affected areas of Mindanao—particularly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).http://👉 UNDP Vacancy: Communications Associate, Cotabato City, Philippines
Key Focus Areas of the Peace & Stabilization Programme:
- Normalization Processes: Addressing post-conflict challenges including land conflicts, the transformation of MILF camps, and local mediation systems.
- Peacebuilding and Resilience: Strengthening the capacities of faith-based leaders, women, and youth to lead local peace initiatives and negotiations.
- Prevention of Violent Extremism (PVE): Supporting the National Action Plan on PVE, while assisting the BARMM government in creating a Regional Action Plan.
- Strategic Communication: The programme’s visibility and narrative must be effectively communicated to stakeholders to maintain momentum, support, and donor confidence.
In this context, the Communications Associate is a vital bridge between the operational work of UNDP and its public face—helping translate peacebuilding activities and conflict-resolution efforts into compelling narratives, public materials, digital content, and outreach campaigns.
3. Purpose and Scope of the Role
The Communications Associate is entrusted with:
- Developing and implementing internal and external communication strategies.
- Crafting and managing content for digital and print platforms to disseminate UNDP’s peacebuilding results.
- Packaging data, stories, and field updates into accessible and appealing communication products.
- Coordinating media relations, including the maintenance of journalist directories and managing press activities.
- Ensuring brand consistency across all communication outputs.
The role is both strategic and operational, involving content creation, media coordination, project documentation, and outreach campaigns that align with UNDP’s standards and peacebuilding objectives.
4. Duties and Responsibilities
A. Strategic Communications Planning
- Develop the Unit’s Social and Behavioral Change Communication Plan: Create a calendar of communication deliverables that align with programmatic activities.
- Create Impact-Driven Campaigns: Use digital platforms to showcase real-time peacebuilding results and amplify local voices.
- Branding and Visibility Compliance: Ensure UNDP and donor visibility guidelines are followed in all materials and campaigns.
B. Content Creation and Storytelling
- Develop Communication Materials: These include:
- Project brochures
- Peace-related impact stories
- Infographics and motion graphics
- Social media posts
- Video scripts and photo essays
- Support Content for CO (Country Office) Campaigns: Assist in preparing materials for public/media events, press releases, or awareness drives.
C. Translation of Technical Data into Public Messages
- Translate complex project data into lay-friendly formats, e.g. through:
- Infographics
- Video explainers
- Information Education Communication (IEC) materials
- Monthly Documentation and Lay-outing: Package project results and key messages into print-ready formats on a regular basis.
D. Event and Media Coordination
- Organize the communications aspects of events and field missions:
- Prepares background materials
- Handles media coverage
- Provides photo/video documentation
- Writes talking points/speeches
- Media Relationship Management:
- Maintain a directory of regional and national journalists
- Develop media kits
- Pitch stories to local press
E. Digital and Knowledge Management
- Digital Repository Management: Maintain a well-organized database of all photo, video, and document assets.
- Social Media and Website Contributions: Provide content aligned with UNDP editorial guidelines and branding.
- Liaise with the CO Communications Unit: Ensure approval of digital/print materials and alignment with broader country office campaigns.
5. Competency Framework
A. UNDP Core Competencies
| Competency | Description |
|---|---|
| Achieve Results | Monitors own work, pays attention to detail, delivers high-quality outputs. |
| Think Innovatively | Brings creativity to problem-solving and communications campaigns. |
| Learn Continuously | Open to feedback, proactively seeks knowledge-sharing. |
| Adapt with Agility | Thrives in dynamic, unpredictable settings. |
| Act with Determination | Demonstrates perseverance and professionalism in challenging situations. |
| Engage and Partner | Builds relationships with sensitivity to local contexts. |
| Enable Diversity & Inclusion | Aware of bias and actively works to counter discrimination. |
B. Cross-Functional Competencies
| Area | Competency |
|---|---|
| Business Management | Digital Awareness – Monitors and adopts emerging tech tools. |
| Communication | Media & Audience Analysis – Tailors messages to specific audiences. |
| External Relations | Media Relations – Writes press releases, builds journalist networks. |
| Advocacy | Advocacy Implementation – Develops and executes effective communication strategies. |
| Strategy | System Thinking – Considers how various communication elements influence one another. |
| Business Development | Knowledge Facilitation – Designs workshops and materials to foster participation. |
C. Digital & Technical Knowledge
While the job doesn’t require coding or deep technical AI knowledge, there is added value for candidates who can:
- Understand AI’s ethical and data privacy implications.
- Contribute to thought leadership through white papers or policy briefs related to digital peacebuilding.
6. Required Qualifications and Experience
A. Education
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma | Minimum requirement, with 7 years’ experience |
| OR Bachelor’s Degree | In Mass Communications, Journalism, Broadcast Media, or related field with 4 years’ experience |
B. Experience
| Requirement | Minimum Standard |
|---|---|
| General Communications | At least 4 (with BA) or 7 (with HS) years of relevant experience |
| Content Creation | Experience in photo-story development, reports, infographics, or digital storytelling |
| Media Engagement | Previous work with journalists, public communication, or advocacy campaigns |
| Digital Platforms | Proficiency in Office Suite, familiarity with social media management tools |
| Peace & Conflict Communication | Knowledge or experience in BARMM peace process is an advantage |
| Graphic & Video Production | Experience using multimedia tools like Adobe Creative Suite is a plus |
| Sub-National Communication Work | Experience with sub-national development programs is highly desirable |
| UN/International Development | Familiarity with UN communication protocols and campaigns is a bonus |
7. Language Requirements
| Language | Requirement |
|---|---|
| English & Filipino | Required |
| Bangsamoro Dialects | Maguindanao, Maranao, etc. – advantageous |
| Other Mindanao Dialects | Also advantageous |
8. Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal Communications Associate for this role would be:
- A skilled communicator with a flair for storytelling, social media, and engaging narrative development.
- Culturally fluent in Mindanao’s context, with sensitivity to ethnic, religious, and gender dynamics.
- Experienced in peacebuilding communication, ideally with prior experience in BARMM or similar conflict-affected zones.
- Technically capable in basic multimedia production (infographics, short videos, layout design).
- Digitally literate, able to operate across various tools and software platforms.
- Collaborative and diplomatic, able to coordinate with multiple stakeholders including the MILF, MNLF, CSOs, donors, and UN agencies.
- Proactive, with the ability to work independently and deliver outputs on time.
9. Equal Opportunity and Code of Conduct
UNDP is committed to:
- Promoting a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace.
- Ensuring that employment decisions are based on merit and free from discrimination.
- Zero tolerance toward sexual harassment, exploitation, or abuse of authority.
- Empowering local hires, especially from underrepresented groups or conflict-affected communities.
10. Career Development Path
The Communications Associate role at NPSA-7 offers:
- A clear stepping stone to higher communications roles (e.g., Communications Specialist, Advocacy Advisor) within UNDP or other UN agencies.
- Valuable exposure to local and international peacebuilding practices.
- An opportunity to contribute to nation-building and peace consolidation in one of the most sensitive and high-impact regions in the Philippines.
11. Final Notes on Application
Applicants are encouraged to:
- Demonstrate how their previous work aligns with peace narratives, grassroots storytelling, or conflict-sensitive communication.
- Share samples or portfolios (if possible) that highlight their visual communication and writing abilities.
- Express cultural competency and understanding of BARMM’s socio-political dynamics.
- Clearly reflect their language proficiencies, especially if they speak dialects relevant to the Bangsamoro region.
Would you like help drafting a tailored cover letter or CV for this role?
Here is a comprehensive and detailed explanation (over 3000 words) of the Communications Associate position with UNDP in Cotabato City, Philippines, under the Peace & Stabilization Programme, outlining the role’s context, strategic importance, key responsibilities, qualifications, expected competencies, and how this role contributes to broader development and peacebuilding goals in the Bangsamoro region.
1. Contextual and Strategic Overview
1.1. UNDP and Peacebuilding in the Philippines
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has a longstanding commitment to fostering peace and development globally. In the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao, its work is deeply rooted in supporting peace processes, post-conflict recovery, governance, and inclusive development. Mindanao, especially the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), has been historically affected by conflict, marginalization, and underdevelopment.
To support sustainable peace, UNDP’s Peace & Stabilization Programme is designed to reinforce local governance systems, support conflict-affected populations, strengthen social cohesion, and build community resilience against violent extremism. The programme focuses on various thematic pillars including normalization, conflict mediation, peacebuilding, and countering violent extremism (CVE).
Within this broader context, the Communications Associate plays a vital role in shaping the narratives of peace and stability, engaging with local stakeholders, and promoting transparency, inclusion, and trust through effective communication strategies.
2. Position Overview: Communications Associate (NPSA-7)
2.1. Duty Station and Contract Details
- Location: Cotabato City, Philippines
- Contract Type: National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-7)
- Practice Area: Conflict Prevention, Peacebuilding and Responsive Institutions
- Duration: One year with a possibility of extension
- Schedule: Full-time
- Agency: UNDP Philippines
- Bureau: Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific
This role is specifically designed for nationals or those with valid work authorization in the Philippines, especially individuals familiar with the local context of BARMM and Mindanao.
3. Key Objectives of the Role
The Communications Associate supports the Peace & Stabilization Programme in:
- Promoting visibility of peacebuilding efforts.
- Enhancing stakeholder awareness of project achievements and ongoing initiatives.
- Amplifying local voices (especially women, youth, and indigenous groups).
- Countering misinformation and narratives of extremism.
- Building trust among conflicting communities and between citizens and institutions.
- Documenting and disseminating success stories, lessons learned, and impactful change brought by the programme.
This role not only provides operational communication support but also strategically influences perception, engagement, and dialogue within fragile and sensitive sociopolitical environments.
4. Duties and Responsibilities
The Communications Associate will work under the supervision of the Country Office Communications Analyst, and in close coordination with the Peace & Stabilization Team, other UN agencies, and stakeholders.
4.1. Implementation of Communication and Outreach Strategies
- Support internal and external communications aligned with the Peace & Stabilization Team’s objectives.
- Draft a social and behavioral change communication (SBCC) plan for the Peace Programme, complete with milestones and measurable deliverables.
- Prepare a concise brochure summarizing project goals, achievements, and long-term impacts.
- Ensure that UNDP and donor branding and visibility standards are applied across all communication outputs.
4.2. Content Development and Dissemination
- Develop a content calendar for social media, email newsletters, and other communication platforms.
- Create peace-related impact stories, news articles, blog posts, and human-interest features that are compelling and audience-focused.
- Craft infographics, motion graphics, and short-form videos (infomercials) that communicate complex ideas in digestible formats.
- Support email campaigns, digital newsletters, and other engagement tools.
4.3. Media Relations and Public Events
- Maintain and regularly update a media directory of journalists with regional and thematic expertise.
- Coordinate and support media coverage for major events, including photo/video coverage, drafting of press releases, and speechwriting.
- Prepare talking points, event invitations, and media kits for conferences, town halls, or community engagements.
- Track media mentions and produce media impact assessments.
4.4. Knowledge Management and Documentation
- Archive all communication outputs in an organized and accessible multimedia repository.
- Support the development of IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) materials for wide dissemination, including pamphlets, posters, and digital content.
- Assist in laying out reports, toolkits, training guides, and strategic plans for printing and dissemination.
- Produce monthly documentation outputs profiling key activities and results.
4.5. Support to UNDP’s Country Office Communications
- Liaise with the Communications Unit for review and clearance of external communications.
- Adhere to UNDP corporate communication policies, especially regarding digital content and visual representation.
- Participate in content creation for the UNDP Philippines website and social media pages.
- Conduct or organize training workshops on media engagement and communications for development.
5. Required Qualifications
5.1. Education
- Mandatory: Completion of secondary education (high school diploma).
- Preferred: A Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, Broadcast Media, Journalism, Strategic Communication, or a related field is desirable and substitutes for three years of experience.
5.2. Work Experience
- With secondary education: At least 7 years of professional experience in communications, journalism, content creation, or media-related work.
- With Bachelor’s degree: At least 4 years of relevant experience.
- Experience in content writing, campaign coordination, photojournalism, graphic design, and/or video production is essential.
- Previous experience working with international development organizations, preferably in peacebuilding or CVE, is an advantage.
- Familiarity with BARMM’s peace process, including engagement with MILF, MNLF, and local CSOs, is highly valuable.
6. Language Requirements
- Fluency in English and Filipino is mandatory for both written and spoken communication.
- Knowledge of Bangsamoro dialects (e.g., Maguindanaon, Maranao) and other Mindanao dialects is a strong advantage, allowing for more inclusive, culturally sensitive communication.
7. Competencies and Technical Skills
7.1. Core Competencies
| Competency | Description |
|---|---|
| Achieve Results | Ability to meet goals and deadlines while ensuring quality. |
| Think Innovatively | Openness to new ideas and methods of communication. |
| Learn Continuously | Willingness to learn from feedback and stay updated on new communication tools. |
| Adapt with Agility | Flexibility to adjust to evolving circumstances in a fragile region. |
| Act with Determination | Commitment to objectives even amid obstacles. |
| Engage and Partner | Building constructive relationships with diverse actors. |
| Enable Diversity and Inclusion | Promoting equality and inclusion in all messaging and content. |
7.2. Technical and Cross-Functional Competencies
Business Management
- Digital Awareness: Ability to use new technologies (e.g., social media, CMS, analytics tools).
- Communication: Mastery of verbal and written communication in multiple formats and styles.
External Relations and Advocacy
- Media Relations: Skilled in dealing with press, pitching stories, and building media alliances.
- Advocacy Strategy: Ability to design and implement advocacy strategies that yield change.
Business Direction and Systems Thinking
- System Thinking: Understand how communication interacts with larger project outcomes and political processes.
Business Development and Knowledge Facilitation
- Knowledge Sharing: Facilitate workshops, storytelling forums, and peer-to-peer learning events.
Digital and Emerging Trends
- AI and Ethical Implications in Communications: Familiarity with how new digital tools (e.g., AI for image or sentiment analysis) are changing communications.
- Multimedia Storytelling: Strong command of multimedia tools for story development (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro).
8. Strategic Importance in the Peace Process
The Communications Associate is more than just a technical support role. It is a strategic enabler in the peacebuilding process. Here’s how:
8.1. Countering Radicalization Narratives
By promoting local success stories, peace champions, and transformative personal narratives, the Communications Associate helps inoculate vulnerable groups (especially youth) from recruitment by extremist groups.
8.2. Supporting Normalization and Reintegration
Clear, positive, and timely communication reinforces public trust in the peace process, particularly around decommissioning of ex-combatants and reintegration support.
8.3. Empowering Local Voices
Working with women, youth, and indigenous groups, the role amplifies local ownership and accountability, countering narratives of marginalization or exclusion.
8.4. Bridging Gaps Between Stakeholders
Through newsletters, social media, public events, and IEC materials, this role serves as a bridge between government bodies, communities, and development actors.
9. Challenges and Considerations
9.1. Fragile Context
BARMM remains a post-conflict region with ongoing sensitivities. Miscommunication or inappropriate framing of content could undermine trust or incite tension.
9.2. Complex Stakeholder Environment
Balancing messages that resonate with all stakeholders (MILF, MNLF, civil society, faith-based groups, and international partners) requires tact, cultural intelligence, and political acumen.
9.3. Managing Crisis Communication
In times of tension, violence, or natural disasters, the Communications Associate must respond rapidly with accurate, verified, and calming messaging.
10. Career Development Opportunities
This position provides exposure to:
- Multilateral diplomacy and peacebuilding strategies
- High-level government and inter-agency coordination
- Complex crisis communications
- UNDP’s integrated development programming
The position is also a potential stepping stone to more senior communications roles within UNDP, UN Peace Missions, or international NGOs.
11. Equal Opportunity and Inclusion
UNDP strongly promotes diversity and inclusion, encouraging women, indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and members of ethnic minorities to apply. This aligns with the peacebuilding aim of creating an inclusive society that respects cultural identities and rights.
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Conclusion
The Communications Associate position in Cotabato City is not just a technical job—it is a meaningful contribution to lasting peace and sustainable development in the Philippines. The person in this role becomes the voice of change, shaping how communities see their future, how stakeholders engage with each other, and how the broader public understands peacebuilding progress.
This is a role for someone who not only knows how to communicate but understands why communication is vital to peace. It requires professionalism, empathy, creativity, and an unwavering belief in the power of stories to heal, connect, and inspire.
Would you like help drafting a tailored cover letter or CV for this role
