- Job Identification27247
- Posting Date06/18/2025, 12:36 PM
- Apply Before06/26/2025, 06:59 AM
- Job ScheduleFull time
- Locations Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- AgencyUNDP
- GradeNPSA-8
- Vacancy TypeNational Personnel Service Agreement
- Practice AreaEffectiveness
- Contract Duration1 Year
- Education & Work ExperienceMaster’s Degree
- Other CriteriaBachelor’s Degree – 2 year(s) experience
- Required LanguagesEnglish and Swahili
- Desired LanguagesOther UN Offical Language
- Vacancy Timeline1 Week
Job Description
Background
The FUNGUO Innovation Programme is a UNDP-led initiative dedicated to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Tanzania by fostering a dynamic and supportive ecosystem for impact-driven startups and innovative Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). By addressing systemic challenges within the innovation landscape, FUNGUO aims to contribute towards an enabling environment where entrepreneurs can thrive. The programme operates on the principle that supporting and scaling startups and MSMEs will drive job creation particularly for women and youth, boost income levels and contribute to sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
Co-funded by the European Union (through the BEGIN Programme), the British Government (through the Africa Technology and Innovation Partnerships, ATIP), The Government of Finland through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UNDP, FUNGUO is implemented in collaboration with various ecosystem partners. This multi-stakeholder approach ensures a holistic and impactful intervention in Tanzania’s innovation ecosystem. Through strategic partnerships with the Tanzanian Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH) and other government entities, FUNGUO is strengthening the country’s capacity to foster innovation-driven development.
The programme’s vision is to create lasting change by not only addressing existing ecosystem challenges but also laying a strong foundation for a thriving innovation landscape aligned with Tanzania’s national development aspirations. By working closely with key partners, FUNGUO is catalyzing positive, long-term impact and positioning itself as a pivotal driver of innovation-led growth and inclusive development.
Duties and Responsibilities
The FUNGUO Innovation Programme is steadily evolving into a dynamic platform capable of hosting multiple complementary initiatives that stimulate innovation across various sectors of the economy. As the platform grows, there is an increasing need to attract and retain diverse partners by enhancing its visibility and strategic positioning. To achieve this, the programme must invest in compelling storytelling, strong media and outreach partnerships, and the effective communication of insights and results. Strengthening the visibility of programme outcomes and recognizing the contributions of funding partners is critical to building trust and scaling impact. To lead this effort, we are seeking a Communications, Outreach and Advocacy Analyst (Lead) who will drive a bold communications agenda, amplify the programme’s visibility, and foster engagement across stakeholders and the broader innovation ecosystem.
1. Strategic Communications, Branding & Digital Engagement:
- Lead the design and execution of comprehensive communication strategies to position FUNGUO as a leading innovation platform;
- Oversee brand consistency across all communication materials, platforms, and campaigns;
- Manage digital media platforms, including the website and social media, with engaging, timely, and strategic content;
- Oversee the development of multimedia content (videos, infographics, animations) and ensure quality, clarity, and alignment with programme objectives;
- Monitor communication trends, digital analytics, and audience feedback to refine strategies for greater reach and resonance.
2. Content Creation, Storytelling & Knowledge Management:
- Craft compelling narratives, blogs, success stories, and case studies that highlight the programme’s impact and human stories behind the innovation;
- Curate and package content for various audiences including partners, media, and the public, ensuring accessibility and relevance;
- Systematically capture lessons learned, best practices, and programme highlights for knowledge sharing and organizational learning;
- Ensure high editorial standards across all materials through writing, proofreading, and collaboration with content creators.
3. Advocacy, Media Relations & Public Engagement:
- Design and implement strategic advocacy campaigns to elevate innovation as a driver of national development;
- Build and manage relationships with media outlets at local, national, and international levels, including pitching stories and organizing press engagements;
- Develop press kits, media releases, and talking points for programme representatives;
- Identify opportunities for influencing policy dialogue and engaging broader public and stakeholder support.
4. Strategic Partnerships & Ecosystem Visibility:
- Work closely with the Partnerships Lead to co-design and amplify high-impact events such as Innovation Week Tanzania and other ecosystem conventions;
- Identify and nurture partnerships with development partners, private sector actors, and media for co-branded visibility initiatives;
- Mobilize communication resources and support for innovation ecosystem events, exhibitions, and campaigns aligned with FUNGUO’s goals;
- Position FUNGUO as a trusted thought leader and convener within the national and regional innovation ecosystem.
5. Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact Reporting:
- Establish tools and KPIs to measure communication and advocacy effectiveness;
- Conduct regular analysis of outreach efforts, including digital performance and media coverage;
- Generate strategic insights and periodic reports demonstrating the value and impact of communications to both internal and external stakeholders;
- Continuously improve communications strategies based on evidence and stakeholder feedback.
Perform other duties within incumbent’s functional profile as assigned and deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the office and Organization.
Institutional Arrangement
The Communications, Outreach and Advocacy Analyst (Lead) will report directly to the Programme Manager – FUNGUO Innovation Programme.
Competencies
Core
- Achieve Results: LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplifies processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work.
- Think Innovatively: LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking.
- Learn Continuously: LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning.
- Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process.
- Act with Determination: LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously.
- Engage and Partner: LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships.
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making.
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies
Advocacy strategy and implementation:
- Ability to create and implement advocacy strategies which lead to impactful change.
Brand & quality management:
- Ability to position a UNDP brand and uphold it to a high level of quality.
Multi-stakeholder engagement and funding:
- Knowledge and ability to forge multi-stakeholder partnerships and remove any obstacles to resource mobilization and multi-stakeholder funding platforms.
Communication:
- Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
- Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.
Digital asset management:
- Ability to use digital asset management (DAM) systems to effectively store, share and organize digital assets such as images, videos and other media.
UN policy knowledge – ethics:
- Knowledge and understanding of the UN Staff Regulations and Rules and other policies relating to ethics and integrity.
Innovation:
- Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning for Portfolios.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Mass Communication, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, Innovation & Entrepreneurship or another relevant field is required OR
- A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Experience:
- Applicants with Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience at the national or international level in communication, marketing and branding, business development, relationships management, stakeholders’ engagements, etc;
- Experience organizing and supporting large complex events with multiple partners and sponsors;
- Understanding and experience in fundraising or sponsorship management;
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office package such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and familiarity with remote working tools such as Teams, Zoom, Skype, etc;
- Proven ability to conceptualize and execute a communication strategy (track record in developing and implementing a social media strategy);
- Track record in stakeholders’ engagement in private, public and development partners’ circles;
- Past work experience with a UN agency and/or international organization in Tanzania is considered an asset;
- Experience in project proposal writing and/or resource mobilization;
- Strong digital skills with the ability to work with web-based management systems;
- Strong track record in organizing and hosting both physical and virtual events, using a variety of platforms;
- Demonstrable network within the Tanzanian innovation ecosystem and media fraternity;
- A strong understanding of Tanzania’s development landscape and SDG agenda and ability to link it to the FUNGUO Innovation Programme work;
- Experience working with innovators, SMEs or Startups in Tanzania or wider East Africa;
- Digital and social media savvy.
Required Language(s):
- English and Swahili is required.
- Knowledge of an additional UN language will be considered as an asset.
Professional Certificates:
- Any professional certification will be considered as an asset.
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.
UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.
Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority
UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP 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 UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Scam alert
UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.
How to Apply:
Job type Full-time Job, To submit your application, please follow the link provided below.
