Communications Officer at UNDP – Baku, Azerbaijan: Job Overview, Responsibilities, and Skills

February 20, 2025

17 minutes read

The Communications Officer position at UNDP in Baku, Azerbaijan, is focused on managing internal and external communication strategies to increase awareness about UNDP’s work, strengthen its partnerships, and enhance its visibility. Here’s a deeper breakdown of the key aspects of the role:

Key Responsibilities:http://UNDP Communications Officer Job Posting

Strategic Communication:
- The officer supports the development and implementation of communication strategies aligned with UNDP’s programmatic goals in Azerbaijan.
- This involves creating a clear narrative about UNDP’s initiatives and ensuring that it is communicated effectively to different stakeholders, including governments, donors, the media, and the public.
Media Relations:
- The role requires working closely with national and international media, preparing press releases, and organizing media events to ensure UNDP’s message reaches a broad audience.
- It also involves building relationships with journalists and ensuring consistent coverage of UNDP’s initiatives in the media.
Crisis Communication:
- The officer needs to manage sensitive situations that may affect UNDP’s public image, such as political developments or internal challenges. This includes preparing responses for the media and senior management.
- Developing crisis communication plans to mitigate risks and maintain transparency is part of the job.
Content Creation:
- The Communications Officer will generate content for various platforms, including social media, websites, and publications. This content could include blogs, articles, reports, press releases, and more.
- They will also need to develop storylines that showcase UNDP’s impact and create engaging content to inform the public and stakeholders.
Digital Communications:
- They’ll support UNDP’s digital strategy by creating and managing online content. This includes overseeing the organization’s presence on social media platforms and maintaining its website.
- They will also monitor online engagement and adapt the strategy based on audience feedback and performance.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- The officer organizes and facilitates events such as roundtables, press conferences, and interviews. These events are crucial for raising awareness, gathering stakeholders, and promoting UNDP’s campaigns and advocacy efforts.
- Collaborating with other UN agencies and partners to ensure consistent messaging and engagement in joint initiatives is key.
Knowledge Management:
- The officer will help capture and share best practices and lessons learned, ensuring that these are available to staff and external stakeholders. This could involve curating knowledge products for internal use and public dissemination.
Reporting and Monitoring:
- They will also track the effectiveness of communication campaigns and events to assess whether objectives were met and adjust strategies accordingly. This could involve analyzing media coverage or feedback from stakeholders.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

Education: A Master’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, international relations, or a related field is preferred. However, candidates with a Bachelor’s degree and additional experience (2 years) in communications are also eligible.
Experience: At least 2 years of experience (with a Master’s degree) or 4 years of experience (with a Bachelor’s degree) in public relations, communications, or advocacy is required. Previous work in international organizations or UN agencies is a plus.
Language Proficiency: Fluency in English and Azerbaijani is mandatory. Knowledge of other UN languages is desirable.
Technical Skills: The officer needs strong writing, editing, and communication skills. Experience with digital platforms, social media management, content creation, and media relations is essential. Graphic design and media production skills are also advantageous.

Working Environment:@vacancyspaces.com

Location: The position is based in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Duration: The contract is for 1 year, with the possibility of extension.
Mobility: No mobility is required for this role, so it’s suitable for candidates who are based in Baku or willing to relocate there.

Ideal Candidate:

Innovative and Strategic Thinker: Someone who can create and implement innovative strategies to raise awareness and promote UNDP’s work, considering political and social dynamics.
Team Player: Able to work closely with multiple teams within UNDP, government officials, media, and international organizations.
Adaptable: Someone who can handle multiple priorities and adjust their approach based on changing circumstances and needs.

This is a high-profile role that requires both technical communication skills and a deep understanding of the political, social, and developmental landscape in Azerbaijan and the broader UN context. If you have a passion for international development and communications, this position could be a great opportunity for you.

Position Overview:

The Communications Officer at UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) in Baku, Azerbaijan, plays a crucial role in shaping and implementing the communication strategies that highlight UNDP’s contributions toward sustainable development in the region. This is a highly strategic role that supports the development and management of communication and advocacy efforts, helping position the UNDP Country Office as a leader in development solutions. The officer’s work will not only focus on increasing awareness and visibility of UNDP’s programs, but also on influencing public opinion, mobilizing resources, and fostering partnerships for development.

This role requires a deep understanding of communications, media, and public relations, as well as an ability to navigate complex political and social environments. The Communications Officer will work closely with other UN agencies, governments, donors, civil society organizations, and the media to ensure that UNDP’s objectives are effectively communicated to a wide range of audiences.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Development and Implementation of Communication Strategies:

A central part of the Communications Officer’s role is to design and execute effective internal and external communication strategies for the UNDP Azerbaijan Country Office. These strategies must align with UNDP’s broader goals and the specific needs of the Country Office, as well as with the UNDP’s Strategic Plan for 2022-2025. The officer’s work in this area includes:

Communication Needs Assessment: One of the first steps in crafting any communication strategy is conducting a thorough assessment of the communication needs of the Country Office. This involves understanding the objectives of UNDP’s programs, the stakeholders involved, and the best ways to communicate the impact of UNDP’s work to those stakeholders. It also involves identifying any gaps in communication and areas that need improvement.
Strategic Alignment: After assessing the communication needs, the officer drafts the country office’s communication and outreach strategy. This strategy will be aligned with both the Country Office’s strategic priorities and the UNDP External Communications Action Plan. This means ensuring that all communication initiatives are consistent with UNDP’s global communication objectives and contribute to the UN’s broader goals, such as achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Integration of Communication into Programmes: The officer will be actively involved in the design and implementation of UNDP’s development programs, providing guidance on how to effectively integrate communication strategies into project planning. This ensures that communication is not just an afterthought but an integral part of the programmatic process.

2. Media Relations and Public Engagement:

Building and maintaining relationships with the media is a vital part of the Communications Officer’s role. The officer will be responsible for:

Press Releases and Media Stories: The officer will write and distribute press releases, news stories, and feature articles that highlight UNDP’s activities and achievements. These materials should be crafted in a way that resonates with the media, stakeholders, and the public. The goal is to generate coverage and public understanding of UNDP’s work, building the organization’s reputation and increasing demand for its services.
Media Liaison: A key responsibility is to act as the point of contact between the Country Office and the media. This includes responding to media inquiries, organizing interviews with UNDP experts, and helping journalists access relevant information. The officer will also maintain a database of media contacts and ensure that they have the latest information about UNDP’s activities.
Media Training and Support: The Communications Officer may also be responsible for training UNDP staff in media relations, ensuring they understand how to handle media inquiries, conduct interviews, and craft messages that are clear, concise, and aligned with the organization’s values.

3. Crisis Communications and Political Sensitivity Management:

Given the often sensitive nature of UNDP’s work, the Communications Officer must be adept at handling political and media crises. This includes:

Risk Management: The officer will need to identify potential communication risks that could damage UNDP’s reputation and develop strategies to mitigate them. This could include anticipating negative media coverage, political backlash, or public criticism related to specific projects or decisions.
Crisis Communication: In the event of a crisis—whether a political incident, natural disaster, or a controversial development project—the officer will develop clear communication strategies to manage the situation. This involves crafting statements, press releases, and social media posts that are transparent, accurate, and reflective of UNDP’s core values of integrity, impartiality, and accountability.
Political Sensitivity: The officer must navigate the complex political landscape of Azerbaijan and the broader region. This means being aware of the political context in which UNDP operates and tailoring messages to address different political, social, and cultural dynamics. The officer may also be involved in advising senior management on how to communicate in politically sensitive situations.

4. Content Creation and Digital Communications:

The Communications Officer plays a significant role in developing digital content to engage audiences on social media, websites, and other digital platforms. This is a key part of UNDP’s strategy to reach a broader, younger, and more tech-savvy audience.

Content Development: The officer will write articles, blogs, and create multimedia content (such as videos, infographics, and social media posts) that communicate the impact of UNDP’s programs. This content will be shared on social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram), UNDP’s website, and other digital channels.
Website and Social Media Management: The officer will support the development and maintenance of the UNDP Azerbaijan website and its social media presence. This includes generating content, monitoring engagement, and ensuring consistency across all digital platforms. It’s crucial that the officer stays up to date with the latest trends in digital communication, including the use of social media and online video.
Digital Campaigns: The officer may also be involved in creating and promoting digital campaigns to raise awareness of key issues or promote UNDP’s initiatives. These campaigns can include calls to action, informational videos, and interactive content that engage the audience and encourage them to take action in support of the SDGs.

5. Publications and Knowledge Management:

The Communications Officer will be responsible for producing and managing UNDP Azerbaijan’s publications, including reports, newsletters, and brochures. They will also contribute to knowledge management within the organization, ensuring that best practices and lessons learned from UNDP’s projects are captured and shared with stakeholders.

Publication Strategy: The officer will develop a strategy for the production of publications that align with UNDP’s priorities. This includes selecting the right topics, collaborating with program teams to collect data, and ensuring that publications are clear, informative, and compelling.
Knowledge Sharing: The officer will also support the organization’s knowledge-sharing initiatives. This might involve organizing internal meetings or contributing to external conferences, webinars, and roundtable discussions. By synthesizing and sharing knowledge, the officer helps foster a culture of learning and continuous improvement within the Country Office and across the UNDP network.

6. Stakeholder Engagement and Event Management:

As part of the communications strategy, the officer will be responsible for engaging with various stakeholders, including government officials, civil society, donors, and the private sector. The officer will also organize events that support UNDP’s advocacy efforts and strengthen its partnerships.

Event Planning and Coordination: The Communications Officer will organize events such as press conferences, media roundtables, webinars, and public launches. These events serve as opportunities to promote UNDP’s work, build relationships with stakeholders, and raise awareness about the SDGs.
Stakeholder Engagement: The officer will ensure that UNDP engages with the right stakeholders at the right time. This could include coordinating meetings, providing briefings, and facilitating discussions with government agencies, donors, the private sector, and other development partners.

7. Reporting and Monitoring:

The officer will be responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of communication strategies and making adjustments as needed.

Impact Evaluation: The officer will track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of communications efforts. This could include metrics such as media coverage, social media engagement, website traffic, and feedback from stakeholders.
Reporting: The officer will also provide regular reports on communication activities, including updates to senior management on media coverage, key milestones, and lessons learned from various campaigns and initiatives.

Required Skills and Experience:

Education:

Master’s degree or equivalent in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, International Relations, Political Science, or another relevant field. This is considered the preferred level of education for this role.
Alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree in one of these fields is acceptable if combined with an additional two years of relevant work experience.

Experience:

Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in communications, public relations, media relations, or outreach at the national or international level, if the candidate holds a Master’s degree.
Minimum 4 years of relevant experience, if the candidate holds a Bachelor’s degree.
The officer should have a proven track record of developing and implementing communications strategies, writing content for different platforms (e.g., media, digital), and managing media relations.
Experience with digital communications, including social media management, website content creation, and online campaigns, is highly desired.
Prior experience working with multilateral organizations or UN agencies is highly advantageous.

Technical Skills:

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with web-based management systems.
Strong skills in writing and editing for a variety of audiences, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and engagement in all forms of communication.
Knowledge of graphic design or experience using design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Suite) is desirable.
Media relations experience, including knowledge of how to build relationships with journalists, create media materials, and handle press inquiries.
Social media management and understanding of how to engage and grow audiences across various platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.).

Languages:

Fluency in English and Azerbaijani is mandatory.
Knowledge of an additional UN language is desirable but not required.

Personal Attributes and Competencies:

The ideal candidate for this role will be someone who:

Is a strategic thinker with the ability to understand the broader context and design communication strategies that align with both UNDP’s objectives and local needs.
Possesses strong interpersonal skills and is able to build relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders, from government officials to the media to the general public.
Has a high level of adaptability, especially in handling complex situations and changing environments. The ability to work in politically sensitive contexts and navigate challenges is essential.
Works well under pressure and can manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously, while ensuring that all deadlines are met and deliverables are of the highest quality.
Demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and diversity, and can communicate messages that resonate with a broad spectrum of audiences, including marginalized or underserved populations.

Institutional Arrangement:

The Communications Officer will report to the Deputy Resident Representative and work closely with the UNDP Country Office’s Programme and Operations teams. The officer will also liaise with regional communications teams, UN agencies, and external partners to ensure alignment in messaging and strategic goals.

This role at UNDP Azerbaijan offers the chance to contribute meaningfully to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), engage with key stakeholders, and shape the public narrative on vital development issues. The job is perfect for someone who is passionate about both development work and communications and enjoys navigating the intersection of policy, media, and public engagement.

Job Overview:

The Communications Officer role at UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) in Baku, Azerbaijan is integral to fostering communication strategies that align with UNDP’s mission to promote sustainable development. This position is at the intersection of strategic communication, media relations, public engagement, and political sensitivity, requiring a professional who can balance the various elements of communication in complex development environments. The Communications Officer’s main responsibility is to enhance the visibility, reputation, and understanding of UNDP’s work in Azerbaijan, as well as ensure consistent messaging across multiple channels, both internally and externally.

UNDP Azerbaijan’s work aligns with the global development agenda, especially the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is the organization’s roadmap for the global development process. The Communications Officer will help amplify the message of Agenda 2030—a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all. As a central figure in the country office’s communications efforts, this role requires skills in media relations, advocacy, and strategic communication, as well as the ability to deal with politically sensitive situations.

This role is an exciting opportunity for someone with a deep understanding of communications, media management, public relations, and development work to make a lasting impact in Azerbaijan while contributing to broader global development goals. The officer’s work will ultimately help support the UNDP’s mission to eradicate poverty, achieve social equity, promote good governance, and build resilient economies.

Expanded Breakdown of Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategy Development and Communication Needs Assessment

The Communications Officer is responsible for not just implementing existing strategies but also developing new, tailored communication strategies that fit the context of Azerbaijan. As UNDP continuously strives to adapt to evolving circumstances and contexts, including changes in political environments and the public perception of development programs, the officer must ensure strategies are both adaptive and forward-thinking.

Communication Needs Assessment: The officer will begin by conducting an in-depth analysis of the communication needs of the country office, including understanding the context in which communication strategies need to be implemented. This assessment is critical to understanding what stakeholders need to know, how best to engage them, and what message would resonate with various groups, including government officials, civil society, and the general public.
Stakeholder Mapping: Part of this strategy development involves creating a comprehensive stakeholder map. This map identifies and categorizes all the groups that UNDP needs to communicate with, such as government bodies, international organizations, local NGOs, private sector partners, and local communities. The officer will tailor messages and communication methods to these different groups to ensure effective outreach.
Strategic Communication Plans: The officer will collaborate with other departments to design and implement communication strategies that are in line with both short-term and long-term program goals. Whether these strategies involve raising awareness for a specific project, increasing funding, or positioning UNDP as a leader in global development, each plan must be carefully articulated and rooted in the office’s core objectives.

2. Media Relations and Public Engagement

The communications strategy cannot succeed without strong relationships with the media. The officer will act as a spokesperson for UNDP, interfacing with journalists, bloggers, and other media professionals to secure positive coverage of UNDP activities. This role is highly visible and requires building a strong media presence.

Press Releases: Crafting compelling press releases that succinctly convey information about UNDP projects, events, or responses to current issues will be a central responsibility. The officer will tailor releases to the local context, ensuring that they resonate with the Azerbaijani public, government stakeholders, and international partners. Press releases are critical tools for ensuring that UNDP’s activities are in the public eye.
Pitching to Journalists: The officer will not just respond to media inquiries but will actively pitch stories to journalists and media outlets. This involves identifying potential stories, developing pitch angles that would appeal to the media, and following up with journalists to secure coverage. The officer must have a strong understanding of how to write media-friendly content, such as op-eds, feature articles, and interviews, that align with UNDP’s mission and values.
Media Partnerships: In addition to securing coverage, the Communications Officer will also focus on building long-term partnerships with key media outlets. These relationships will allow UNDP to have access to media channels when critical issues arise, and in turn, help promote the organization’s work more effectively.

3. Crisis Communication and Risk Management

Crisis situations often arise in international development, especially in politically sensitive or unstable regions. The Communications Officer must be prepared to manage crisis communication while safeguarding UNDP’s reputation and ensuring transparency.

Developing Crisis Communication Plans: In the event of a crisis, such as a negative media story or political unrest, the Communications Officer must be prepared to react quickly. This requires drafting clear, concise communication that explains UNDP’s position, outlines actions being taken, and addresses any public concerns. The officer will have to work closely with UNDP senior leadership to ensure that messaging is aligned with the organization’s broader communication principles.
Political Sensitivity Management: UNDP’s work is often carried out in politically sensitive environments. For example, initiatives that involve government agencies may come under scrutiny from the opposition or the general public. The Communications Officer needs to ensure that communications are neutral, transparent, and respectful of all political dynamics, while also positioning UNDP as a trusted partner. A delicate balance of diplomacy and communication is required to navigate these situations.
Reputation Management: Ensuring that UNDP maintains a strong, positive reputation throughout crises is essential. The officer will develop guidelines on how to communicate during high-pressure situations, and may lead on proactive reputation management, engaging with stakeholders such as donors, civil society, and government leaders to maintain their trust and confidence in the organization.

Digital communication is an increasingly important facet of modern communications strategies, and the Communications Officer will oversee digital engagement, including website management, social media, and digital campaigns.

Social Media Strategy and Management: The officer will curate and implement the social media strategy for UNDP Azerbaijan, ensuring it aligns with the larger organizational strategy. This includes writing and publishing posts, engaging with followers, and analyzing metrics to measure the effectiveness of the social media campaigns. The officer will need to tailor content for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other platforms as appropriate, ensuring that messages are consistent and aligned with organizational objectives.
Website Content: The officer will ensure that the UNDP Azerbaijan website is up-to-date, user-friendly, and informative. This could include publishing news updates, success stories, program highlights, and key reports. The officer will ensure the website reflects UNDP’s commitment to transparency and effective communication.
Online Campaigns: The officer will create online campaigns that not only spread awareness but also engage the audience. These campaigns could include fundraising drives, informational campaigns on specific SDGs, or public calls to action. These campaigns will require digital storytelling skills and an understanding of how to engage different online communities effectively.

5. Knowledge Management and Capacity Building

UNDP places great emphasis on knowledge management and the dissemination of best practices. The Communications Officer plays a key role in supporting these initiatives.

Sharing Best Practices: The officer will identify key lessons learned from UNDP projects and programs, ensuring that these best practices are documented and shared internally. This could include case studies, project evaluations, and success stories that highlight the impact of UNDP’s work in the region.
Internal Knowledge Sharing: Ensuring internal knowledge sharing across teams is critical. The officer will facilitate this by managing internal communication tools such as the UNDP intranet, newsletters, and internal meetings. By doing so, the officer helps ensure that UNDP staff members have access to up-to-date information, lessons learned, and insights from across the organization.
Training and Support: The officer will also provide training to staff on communication best practices, media engagement, digital content creation, and knowledge management. This helps to build the overall communication capacity within the organization and enhances UNDP’s ability to manage internal and external communications.

6. Event Management and Stakeholder Engagement

The officer will also be tasked with organizing and managing key UNDP events, such as roundtable discussions, press conferences, webinars, and public engagement campaigns.

Event Coordination: Event management can involve working with stakeholders to organize public-facing events such as the launch of new reports, SDG-related events, or celebrations of local successes. These events often require logistics management, speaker coordination, and media outreach to ensure wide attendance and coverage.
Stakeholder Engagement: As part of the outreach strategy, the officer will engage with government officials, donors, and civil society groups. These interactions may range from one-on-one meetings to larger gatherings, where the officer will represent UNDP and communicate about the organization’s mission, activities, and goals.

Required Skills and Competencies:

The Communications Officer needs to possess a wide variety of skills and competencies, including both technical and interpersonal ones:

Strategic Thinking: The officer must have the ability to think strategically about communication and how it aligns with broader program goals. This requires a thorough understanding of the context, as well as an ability to design communication strategies that contribute to organizational objectives.
Media Savvy: The officer should have a strong understanding of how to engage the media effectively. This includes knowing how to write press releases, build media relationships, and position UNDP as a credible and reliable source of information.
Crisis Management: The officer must have the capacity to handle high-pressure situations and respond quickly

February 20, 2025

17 minutes read

Communications Officer at UNDP – Baku, Azerbaijan: Job Overview, Responsibilities, and Skills