Public Relations Expert

Mission and objectivesUNDP supports strategic capacity development initiatives to promote inclusive growth and sustainable human development. Together with national, regional and local authorities, civil society and the private sector, UNDP strives to support Ukraine in its efforts to eliminate poverty, build people’s capacities, achieve more equitable development results, protect the environment and advance democratic governance. UNDP’s work in Ukraine is aligned with the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), supporting the country’s national strategic development and recovery priorities.ContextThe United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the UN’s global development network, working in about 170 countries and territories to help eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so that countries can sustain development results.In Ukraine, UNDP operates under the Country Programme Document 2025–2029, focusing on three priorities: (1) Democratic Governance and Inclusive Social Fabric; (2) Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Recovery and Growth; and (3) Sustainable Environment and Energy Transformation.Within this framework, the project “Inclusive Recovery Support for Resilience and Human Security in Ukraine,” funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by UNDP, aims to contribute to Ukraine’s inclusive and sustainable recovery by strengthening institutional capacities, enhancing information resilience, supporting democratic governance and protecting human security, particularly in the context of ongoing war-related challenges.Under this project, UNDP will support the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine (hereinafter “the Ministry”) to enhance its communications. In this regard, UNDP in Ukraine is seeking a Public Relations Advisor to design and deliver unified communication and stakeholder engagement for the Ministry — planning and producing content, supporting spokespersons, and strengthening crisis-communication readiness to ensure consistent, evidence-based messaging across the Ministry’s consolidated portfolio.This assignment contributes to the broader recovery agenda by supporting policy reforms, interinstitutional coordination and effective public communication that underpin resilience and democratic governance in Ukraine.Key responsibilitiesDevelop monthly communication plans, including priority topics, key messages, release schedules and alignment with the Ministry’s and project stakeholders’ priorities.Prepare and refine talking points, Q&As and other briefs for spokespersons; support speakers in media interviews and public appearances.Provide recommendations and rapid analysis in crisis situations, in close coordination with the Ministry and UNDP, ensuring coherent and responsible public messaging.Draft and edit communication products (press releases, news items, longreads, web articles, op-eds, Q&As and other materials) in line with the Ministry’s communication strategy and UNDP visibility requirements.Manage digital publishing across the Ministry’s web and social media channels, ensuring accessibility (alt text, captions), plain language and timely scheduling and posting of content.Facilitate the Ministry’s integration into public events and stakeholder activities, including coordination of participation, preparation of communication materials and post-event reporting.Ensure crisis communication readiness by maintaining up-to-date holding statements, Q&As, escalation protocols and internal guidance for rapid response.Prepare targeted stakeholder newsletters and updates; maintain and regularly update a contact registry/CRM for priority stakeholder groups.Draft executive communications for leadership (speeches, remarks, op-eds, statements) and prepare briefing packs and background notes.Maintain an editorial calendar and approvals workflow, ensuring compliance with branding, ethical standards, information security and accessibility requirements.Coordinate the production of visual and multimedia assets with designers and contractors, ensuring quality control, rights clearance and alignment with communication objectives.Perform other communication-related duties as may be assigned by the supervisor and UNDP Ukraine leadership, in line with the project’s objectives.RequirementsBachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, philology, social sciences or a related field.At least 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, with a strong background in public relations.Proven track record of relevant professional experience in public relations (media, corporate, public sector or agency side).At least 1 year of experience in cooperation with the Government of Ukraine and/or international donor programmes, as evidenced in the CV.Demonstrated experience working in a public relations or communications agency is a strong asset.Strong communication, interpersonal, analytical and planning skills; ability to translate complex policy and technical issues into clear and accessible messages.Ability to work under pressure and to deliver within tight deadlines; proven capacity to address complex issues in a changing environment with diplomacy and tact.Knowledge of sustainable energy and environmental issues is an asset, given the Ministry’s portfolio.Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), email and internet; familiarity with database/CRM tools and office technology equipment.Self-motivated, able to work with minimum supervision and to manage competing priorities; strong sense of initiative and sound security awareness.Demonstrated cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; commitment to UNDP values, including gender equality and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.Languages: Ukrainian — fluent; English — at least working knowledge (both spoken and written).AllowancesVolunteer Living Allowance (VLA): USD 2,076 per month (equivalent in UAH)Entry lump sum: USD 400, one-time payment at the beginning of the assignment.Exit allowance: USD 101.78 for each month of completed assignment, payable upon successful completion.Medical and life insuranceMedical insurance: The UN Volunteer and eligible PFU dependents will receive UNV-provided medical insurance coverage from the Commencement of Service and normally up to one month after the end of the UN Volunteer contract.Life insurance: UN Volunteers are covered by life insurance for the duration of the assignment; in case of death during service, designated beneficiaries receive a life-insurance lump sum as per UNV policy.Leave entitlementsAnnual leave: 2.5 days of Annual Leave per completed month of assignment (up to a maximum of 30 days carried over within the same assignment upon extension).Learning leave: Up to 10 working days of Learning Leave per consecutive 12 months of assignment, subject to supervisor approval and exigencies of service.Certified sick leave: Up to 30 days per 12-month cycle, in line with UNV policy.Uncertified sick leave: Up to 7 working days per calendar year, as per UNV provisions.