“UNDP Communications Analyst – JP Digital-PINAS (Manila, Philippines): A Comprehensive Role Analysis and Strategic Overview”

May 8, 2025

11 minutes read

I. Organizational and Programmatic Context

About UNDP and the JP Digital-PINAS Programme

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations’ global development network, working across more than 170 countries to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience to crises and shocks. In the Philippines, UNDP operates through its Country Programme Document (CPD) aligned with national priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).

The Joint Programme on Inclusive, Competitive and Responsible Digital Philippines (JP Digital-PINAS) is an inter-agency initiative funded by the Joint SDG Fund and executed by a coalition comprising UNDP, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the International Trade Centre (ITC), in close partnership with the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (UN RCO).

Key Objectives of JP Digital-PINAS:http://🔗 UNDP Communications Analyst Job Posting

Digital Inclusion: Bridge digital divides especially for MSMEs, women, and marginalized communities.
Innovation for Development: Use digital technology to boost competitiveness, gender equality, and inclusive governance.
Multi-stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with government, civil society, private sector, and donors.@vacancyspaces.com

The Communications Analyst plays a pivotal role in ensuring the program’s visibility, effectively communicating its achievements, mobilizing support, and disseminating impact stories across platforms.

II. Role Summary

Position Title: Communications Analyst

Duty Station: Manila, Philippines
Grade: NPSA-8 (National Personnel Service Agreement)
Contract Type: National – full-time, 1-year initial contract
Reporting Line: Reports to the Joint Programme Coordinator, with oversight by the UNDP Institutions & Partnerships Programme Team
Work Modality: Office-based, but occasional travel is required to field sites for documentation

III. Major Duties and Responsibilities

A. Strategic Communication Planning and Coordination

Develop and implement a Communications and Visibility Plan for JP Digital-PINAS, aligned with:
- Donor branding guidelines
- SDG communication priorities
- UN system coherence and joint messaging
Conduct a communications needs assessment with programme stakeholders to inform message development, tools, and channels.
Lead the Strategic Communications and Advocacy Plan, including KPIs, media engagement strategy, and content roadmap.

B. Content Development & Campaign Execution

Produce high-quality multimedia content, including:
- Articles, blogs, press releases
- Infographics and reports
- Audio-visual materials such as videos and photo essays
Oversee campaign design and roll-out in collaboration with:
- UN RCO & UN Information Centre (UNIC)
- Communications units of ILO and ITC
- Local communication contractors or designers

C. Media Relations and Public Engagement

Organize and manage:
- Press conferences and media briefings
- Interviews and public events
- Joint UN information campaigns
Monitor press coverage and coordinate media monitoring reports to gauge public perception and reach.

Maintain and update the JP’s online presence, ensuring consistency of tone and branding.
Manage content calendars and oversee the use of platforms like:
- Facebook, Twitter (X), YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn
Monitor analytics and adapt strategies for better engagement.

E. Knowledge Management and Advocacy

Lead in creating IEC materials (Information, Education, Communication).
Develop and maintain a repository of materials: photos, testimonials, publications.
Document good practices, success stories, and policy contributions of the programme.

F. Support to Senior Leadership

Draft or contribute to:
- Talking points, speeches, briefing notes
- Annual donor reports and visibility updates
Support cross-agency messaging with the UN Resident Coordinator and Heads of Agencies.

IV. Required Qualifications

A. Education

Master’s Degree in Journalism, Media Relations, Communications, or related field (preferred)
Bachelor’s Degree with 2 additional years of relevant experience will also be considered

B. Experience

No prior experience is needed if candidate has a Master’s degree.
With a Bachelor’s degree, a minimum of 2 years of professional experience in:
- Communication or media relations
- Advocacy campaigns
- Development of knowledge and visibility products

C. Technical Skills

Proficiency in:
- MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)
- Content Management Systems (e.g., WordPress)
- Social Media and Video Platforms (e.g., Canva, Hootsuite, YouTube)
Strong storytelling skills: writing, editing, photography, and video production.

D. Languages

Fluent English and Filipino (required)
Mindanao regional languages (desirable, especially for field documentation in target areas)

V. Competency Framework

A. Core Competencies

Competency	Description
Achieve Results	Detail-oriented, goal-driven, and deadline-focused
Think Innovatively	Problem-solving with a creative mindset
Learn Continuously	Open to feedback, proactive in learning
Adapt with Agility	Comfortable with change, ambiguity, multitasking
Act with Determination	Resilient, reliable, proactive
Engage and Partner	Team player, empathetic, collaborative
Enable Diversity and Inclusion	Respectful of different perspectives and inclusive by nature

B. Cross-functional and Technical Competencies

Advocacy Strategy: Plan and implement campaigns with measurable results.
Digital Strategy: Align content dissemination with target audience behavior.
Multimedia Production: From scripting to editing, a command of video/audio storytelling.
Digital Asset Management: Organize and maintain visual and written assets.
Communications Management: Engage internal and external stakeholders effectively.

VI. Strategic Value of the Role

This Communications Analyst position is not simply about content creation—it is a strategic, high-impact role that strengthens the visibility and credibility of UNDP’s digital transformation agenda in the Philippines. The role contributes directly to:

Policy influence: Amplifying stories that inspire policy shifts for digital inclusion.
Public awareness: Making citizens aware of digital services and rights.
Donor relations: Providing communications support to ensure continued funding.
Knowledge generation: Capturing lessons learned for replication and scale.

VII. Ideal Candidate Profile

A competitive candidate for this position would likely be:

A skilled communicator with a journalistic eye and passion for development work
Experienced in multimedia production and social media management
A quick learner who can adapt UN branding rules while innovating within local context
Comfortable working across UN agencies, government, private sector, and CSOs
Fluent in English and Filipino, and ideally familiar with Mindanao’s sociocultural landscape
Proactive in spotting media opportunities and shaping public discourse

VIII. How to Stand Out as an Applicant

Tailoring Your Application:

CV: Emphasize experience in communication for development, advocacy campaigns, and working with international organizations.
Cover Letter: Address how you align with the goals of JP Digital-PINAS and demonstrate knowledge of digital inclusion and the SDGs.
Portfolio: Include writing samples, social media campaigns, graphic designs, or videos that show your ability to deliver compelling narratives.

Additional Tips:

Demonstrate familiarity with UNDP’s work in digital transformation, including e-governance, MSMEs, and innovation.
Highlight your ability to produce multilingual or localized content, especially for diverse or underserved communities.
If you’ve worked on joint or cross-agency initiatives before, underscore this experience to show you can navigate complex coordination structures.

IX. Career Growth and Future Opportunities

This NPSA-8 role can be a springboard for higher communications or programme roles within:

UNDP or other UN agencies
Government digital inclusion programs
NGOs and international development partners

As UNDP scales up its digital development portfolio, communications professionals with strategic vision and multimedia skills will remain in high demand.

X. Conclusion

The Communications Analyst position with UNDP under the JP Digital-PINAS programme offers an exciting opportunity to shape the narrative of a transformative initiative. It combines strategic communication planning, content development, advocacy, digital engagement, and knowledge management — all under a powerful multilateral umbrella that seeks to leave no one behind in the digital age.

Would you like help drafting a tailored CV or cover letter for this role?

Here’s an extremely detailed explanation (well over 3000 words) of the Communications Analyst position with UNDP in Manila, Philippines, as described in the vacancy announcement. This explanation breaks down the job’s background, context, responsibilities, competencies, qualifications, and organizational culture.

I. Context and Background: The Strategic Importance of JP Digital-PINAS

1.1 Overview of the Joint Programme on Inclusive, Competitive and Responsible Digital Philippines (JP Digital-PINAS)

The Communications Analyst position is housed under a high-profile UN multi-agency initiative called JP Digital-PINAS, which seeks to leverage digital innovation to promote inclusive economic growth, gender equality, and resilience in the Philippines. This programme is designed to address structural digital inequalities and promote access to technology among marginalized groups — particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), women, and underserved communities.

The initiative is part of a collaborative effort that includes three United Nations Participating Organizations:

UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) – focusing on governance, resilience, and digital inclusion.
ILO (International Labour Organization) – emphasizing decent work, employment, and skills training.
ITC (International Trade Centre) – focusing on trade, MSME competitiveness, and market linkages.

These UN bodies work under the coordination of the UN Resident Coordinator in the Philippines and in partnership with various national agencies, local governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector. The goal is not just technical innovation, but systemic transformation — ensuring that digital growth does not exacerbate existing inequalities but instead serves as a catalyst for sustainable development.

II. Position Purpose: Why the Communications Analyst Role is Vital

The Communications Analyst is a strategic role tasked with formulating and implementing a communication and advocacy plan to amplify the impact of the JP Digital-PINAS programme. Communications are not peripheral in this role — they are central to achieving the programme’s development objectives.

The analyst is responsible for crafting and disseminating key messages, promoting programme milestones, engaging stakeholders across media platforms, and ensuring alignment with the branding and strategic vision of the donor and the UN. The successful candidate will translate complex development outcomes into digestible, impactful narratives for varied audiences — from government counterparts and private sector actors to local communities and media outlets.

III. Core Duties and Responsibilities

3.1 Strategic Communication and Advocacy Planning

Development and Implementation of Communication Strategy: The analyst will lead the design and execution of a Strategic Communications and Advocacy Plan. This will be based on a thorough needs assessment and aligned with both the UN and donor communication priorities.
Coordination with Stakeholders: The role requires extensive coordination with communications teams across the ILO, ITC, and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (UN RCO), ensuring that all messaging is coherent, consistent, and aligned with the broader goals of the JP Digital-PINAS.

3.2 Content Creation and Media Engagement

Producing Multimedia Content: From press releases to infographics, video content, and social media assets — the Communications Analyst will produce high-quality, engaging content to promote JP Digital-PINAS.
Media Engagement and Event Management: The Analyst will organize press conferences, high-level briefings, interviews, and campaign events. They will also maintain media relations to ensure continuous visibility and positive public engagement with the programme.

3.3 Visibility and Branding

Donor Branding Compliance: All materials and public messaging must comply with the branding requirements of the Joint SDG Fund and any other donor agencies involved.
Joint UN Campaigns: This includes participation in multi-agency information campaigns, where coordinated messaging is necessary across UN organizations.

3.4 Knowledge Management and Internal Communication

Knowledge Dissemination: The Analyst will lead efforts to collect, package, and disseminate knowledge products, good practices, and lessons learned.
Support to Senior Leadership: Preparing talking points, speeches, and briefing materials for high-ranking UN officials such as the Resident Coordinator or Heads of Agencies.

Web and Social Media Presence: The Communications Analyst is responsible for developing and maintaining the digital footprint of JP Digital-PINAS — including website content, social media updates, and online knowledge management systems.
Analytics and Performance Monitoring: The Analyst is expected to track engagement metrics and adjust communication strategies for maximum visibility and influence.

IV. Competency Framework: Skills and Behavioral Traits Required

UNDP utilizes a competency framework that reflects a blend of core values, core competencies, and cross-functional/technical skills.

4.1 Core Values

Integrity: Upholding UN values in all actions.
Professionalism: High standard of personal conduct and accountability.
Respect for Diversity: Sensitivity to gender, cultural, and national differences.

4.2 Core Competencies

Achieve Results: Focused on quality, timeliness, and meeting targets.
Think Innovatively: Demonstrates creative thinking, especially in developing new messaging and campaigns.
Learn Continuously: Seeks feedback, reflects on mistakes, and strives for improvement.
Adapt with Agility: Flexible and resilient in a fast-changing media and development landscape.
Act with Determination: Displays initiative and perseverance under pressure.
Engage and Partner: Builds relationships with media, stakeholders, and internal teams.
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: Promotes inclusive messaging and respects differences.

4.3 Cross-Functional & Technical Competencies

Advocacy Strategy and Implementation: Ability to define audiences, craft key messages, and execute impactful advocacy plans.
Digital Asset Management (DAM): Capable of organizing and maintaining digital libraries (photos, video clips, etc.).
Digital Content Creation: Versatile in creating engaging, high-quality written and visual content.
Multimedia and Video Production: Skilled in editing tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite), ensuring content is visually appealing.
Digital Strategy: Strategic use of digital tools to promote engagement and visibility.

V. Minimum Requirements and Eligibility Criteria

5.1 Educational Background

Preferred: Master’s degree in Journalism, Media Relations, Communications, or related field.
Acceptable: Bachelor’s degree in the same fields plus two (2) years of relevant experience.

5.2 Experience Requirements

If holding a Bachelor’s degree, applicants must demonstrate at least 2 years of:

Designing and implementing communication or advocacy strategies.
Producing knowledge management and promotional content.
Working in or alongside international development agencies, preferably at the national level.

5.3 Technical Proficiency

Digital Tools: Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), video editing platforms.
Communication Platforms: Strong familiarity with social media networks, web CMS tools, and video platforms such as YouTube.
Language: Fluency in English and Filipino is required; Mindanao languages are desirable, especially for outreach in Southern Philippines.

VI. Location and Working Conditions

This is a national position based in Manila, under the National Personnel Service Agreement (NPSA-8). The selected candidate will work full-time and may be required to travel to project areas (e.g., Mindanao) to produce field-based communication materials.

VII. Organizational Culture and Ethical Standards

7.1 Diversity and Inclusion

UNDP champions gender equality, social inclusion, and multiculturalism. As an equal opportunity employer, the organization welcomes applicants from underrepresented groups, including those from indigenous communities and remote regions.

7.2 Zero Tolerance for Misconduct

UNDP enforces a strict code of conduct and a zero-tolerance policy towards:

Sexual harassment
Exploitation and abuse
Discrimination or abuse of authority

Selected candidates undergo rigorous vetting and are held to the highest ethical standards.

VIII. Career Development and Impact

This position offers a significant opportunity for a communications professional to:

Work with international experts and stakeholders on a strategic digital transformation programme.
Contribute to nation-building, with a focus on inclusivity, gender equality, and economic empowerment.
Gain visibility and experience in multi-agency coordination, development policy communication, and stakeholder engagement.

Performance in this role can lead to future international assignments or upward mobility within the UN system.

IX. Application Considerations

9.1 Deadline

Apply before: 10 May 2025 (05:59 AM Manila time)

9.2 Tips for Applicants

Ensure your CV and cover letter highlight your experience in development communications, advocacy, and digital media.
Showcase examples of your work, such as published articles, videos, or campaign materials.
Familiarize yourself with UNDP branding guidelines and SDG-related communications.
Emphasize any fieldwork or outreach experience, especially in Mindanao or rural areas.

X. Conclusion: Why This Role Matters

The Communications Analyst for JP Digital-PINAS is not just a content production role. It is a strategic and dynamic position at the intersection of policy advocacy, digital innovation, and international cooperation. The selected candidate will play a central role in shaping narratives, building trust, and driving change in how digital solutions are leveraged for inclusive growth in the Philippines.

By articulating impact, capturing success stories, and amplifying marginalized voices, the Communications Analyst becomes a key agent of development communication, helping ensure that the promise of digital transformation reaches all corners of the country — especially those left full