Communications Associate (PSA)

United Nations University (UNU)

The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. UNU engages in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations. The work of UNU contributes to solving pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

For the past five decades, UNU has been a source of impartial research on sustainability, human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers working at institutes in 12 countries, UNU's expertise spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu

About UNU-WIDER

UNU-WIDER is one of 13 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. 

UNU-WIDER is a leading international development economics think tank. The Institute provides economic analysis and policy advice with the aim of promoting sustainable and equitable development for all. The Institute began operations in 1985 in Helsinki, Finland, as the first research centre of the United Nations University. Today, it is a unique blend of think tank, research institute, and UN agency — providing a range of services from policy advice to governments, as well as freely available original research. More information on UNU-WIDER and its current work programme are available at www.wider.unu.edu.

UNU-WIDER in Mozambique

UNU-WIDER has an established and long-standing presence in Mozambique through its embedded support to government institutions, including under the Inclusive Growth in Mozambique (IGM) programme and the Strengthening Capacity to Access Climate Finance (FORÇA) project. In this context, UNU-WIDER works in close partnership with the Ministry of Planning and Development (MPD), providing policy-relevant research, capacity development, and technical assistance. The FORÇA project supports the National Directorate for Climate Finance (DNFC) by strengthening its institutional and technical capacity to mobilize, manage, and coordinate climate finance, while also enhancing data systems and analytical outputs to inform evidence-based policymaking. The position is based full-time at the Ministry of Planning and Development in Maputo, ensuring close day-to-day engagement with government counterparts and strong alignment with national priorities.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Partnerships and Programme Officer and in close coordination with the Project Coordinator, the incumbent provides operational support across communication, monitoring and evaluation, and knowledge management functions, while maintaining regular coordination with DNFC leadership.

1. Communication and knowledge mobilization 

• Support the elaboration of the DNFC Communications Strategy and the implementation of the project’s communication, visibility, and knowledge mobilization activities in line with agreed strategy and plans, LogFrame indicators, and DNFC priorities, including identifying target audiences and appropriate communication channels to maximize reach and uptake;

• Draft, edit, and format communication and knowledge products (including policy briefs, reports, newsletters, presentations, and other analytical outputs), translating technical content into accessible, audience-tailored messages;

• Support the planning and implementation of communication and visibility initiatives, including awareness campaigns, newsletters, and communication components of events, ensuring consistency of messaging with DNFC institutional objectives. 

2. Capacity development and institutional strengthening (communication) 

• Provide hands-on training, mentorship, and day-to-day guidance to designated DNFC staff, trainees, and “champions” in the preparation of high-quality communication and knowledge products (including policy briefs and analytical outputs);

• Support DNFC counterparts in strengthening their capacity to manage communication processes, dissemination channels and stakeholder outreach activities;

• Facilitate the progressive transfer of responsibilities by enabling DNFC staff to increasingly lead the drafting of communication planning, content development and dissemination activities;

• Contribute to the institutionalisation of communication functions within DNFC by supporting the development and adoption of communication routines, tools, and good practices for sustained knowledge mobilization.

3. Monitoring and evaluation support

• Monitor the reach and effectiveness of communication activities and products, contributing insights to improve content, dissemination approaches, and alignment with communication-related indicators;

• Track project indicators, outputs, and activities related to communication and knowledge mobilization in coordination with the Project Coordinator and DNFC counterparts;

• Maintain and update monitoring tools and data related to communications, ensuring accuracy, quality, and timely availability of information;

• Support data collection and validation processes and contribute to identifying implementation progress, gaps, and issues. 

4. Support to project reporting and outputs

• Assist in drafting sections of narrative reports and project updates, incorporating inputs from DNFC and project teams;

• Contribute to preparation of materials for donors, Steering Group meetings, and other stakeholders.

5. Knowledge management and documentation 

• Maintain and update organized repositories of project outputs and knowledge resouces, ensuring accessibility and version control of approved materials;

• Ensure proper documentation and archiving of trainings, workshops, events, and communication activities;

• Support the organization and accessibility of training materials, presentations, and knowledge products within DNFC and the project team;

• Contribute to documenting lessons learned, good practices, and institutional knowledge generated through project implementation.

6. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Key Performance Indicators

• Timely and high-quality delivery of communication, visibility, and reporting products.

• Accuracy,  completeness and timely maintenance of communication-related monitoring data and reporting inputs.

• Effectiveness of management systems (organization and accessibility of outputs and training materials).

• Evidence of strengthened DNFC capacity in communication and dissemination activities.

Competencies

Values:

• Inclusion — take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity

• Integrity — act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards

• Humility — demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others

• Humanity — act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet

Behaviours:

• Connect and collaborate — build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN

• Analyse and plan — seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action

• Deliver results with positive impact — hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves

• Learn and develop — pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others

• Adapt and innovate — demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways

1) Education and certification

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, international development, economics, social sciences, or a related field.

2) Required skills and experience

Required

• At least four (4) years of relevant experience in communications, monitoring and evaluation, or project support. 

• Experience in drafting reports and communication materials.

• Experience supporting monitoring and reporting processes. 

• Experience organizing and managing documentation or knowledge systems.

Desired

• Strong writing and communication skills;

• Strong interpersonal and coordination skills;

• Experience in climate finance, public policy, or development programmes;

• Experience working with government institutions;

• Knowledge of Mozambique; Working in/with government institutions in the Global South.

3) Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English and Portuguese (written and spoken) is required.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual gross salary USD 40,188. commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days annual leave and a health insurance scheme.

UNU is not liable for any taxes that may be levied on the remuneration you receive under this contract. Payment of any such taxes remains the sole responsibility of PSA holders.

Duration of contract

The duration of the initial contract is 1 year. This is Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The combined duration on a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years.

Starting date

As soon as possible

How to Apply

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:

• Apply via the apply link;

• fill out the UNU P11 Form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);

• provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and

• answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.

You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.

Application Deadline

20 August 2026

Submissions must be received by 23:59, UTC +3 on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks, and references.

Special Notice

PSA holders are neither “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations nor “officials” for the purpose of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations (1946). They are subject to the Rector's authority and may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University. The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that advertised. UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply and become part of the organisation. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. Eligible internal applicants are also encouraged to apply. UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. If you have supervisory function, you need to have awareness on gender related issues.

Information about UNU rosters

UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

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