Communication and Partnership Specialist

About the role

The UNDP Country Office in Freetown is looking for a highly experienced Communications and Partnership Specialist to lead the Communication and Partnership Unit at a senior strategic level. Reporting to the Resident Representative and supported by the Deputy Resident Representative, the incumbent sets office-wide strategy for communications, partnerships, external relations, advocacy and resource mobilization, advises senior management on positioning and reputational risk, and works closely with the Regional Communications Adviser and the Programme and Operations teams.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the formulation, approval and periodic review of an integrated communications, advocacy and visibility strategy and annual plans, setting priorities, governance, performance standards and accountabilities.
• Set strategic messaging and ensure quality assurance and compliance with UNDP branding standards across all platforms and products.
• Advise on media relations, high-level press engagements, crisis and sensitive communications, and coordinate risk-mitigation measures.
• Draft and review press releases, speeches, newsletters, success stories and other communication products.
• Oversight of the website, social media and digital campaigns, with day-to-day management by the Communications Analyst.
• Define performance, audience and influence metrics, commission analysis and advise senior management on corrective action and investment priorities.
• Identify, cultivate and negotiate high-value relationships with government, donors, UN entities, international financial institutions, civil society and the private sector.
• Develop partnership frameworks, MoUs and financing arrangements, and take part in policy dialogues, donor consultations and negotiations.
• Maintain a stakeholder database and engagement plan, and support resource mobilization through quality assurance of funding proposals and donor agreements.