The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has opened applications for a Communications Specialist position under the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI) Secretariat, offering an opportunity for an experienced communications professional to support global efforts on climate action, forest protection, and sustainable development.
The position is a full-time, home-based international contract (IPSA-11) role and is open to qualified applicants worldwide.
The application deadline is 29 July 2026 at 11:59 p.m. New York time.
UNDP Seeks Communications Expert for Climate and Forest Initiative
The Communications Specialist will strengthen CAFI’s communication, visibility, and reporting efforts across its regional portfolio.
CAFI is a collaborative partnership focused on protecting the forests of Central Africa, supporting climate action, reducing poverty, and promoting sustainable development.
The role will contribute to communicating the impact of CAFI-supported programmes, increasing public awareness, managing digital platforms, and developing strategic communication products for partners, donors, policymakers, and communities.
The successful candidate will join an international development environment focused on addressing climate change and protecting one of the world’s most important forest ecosystems.
About the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI)
The Central African region contains the world’s second-largest tropical rainforest and plays a critical role in regulating the global climate.
The forests of Central Africa:
- Store significant amounts of carbon.
- Support thousands of plant and animal species.
- Provide livelihoods for millions of people.
- Contribute to biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
However, increasing forest loss and environmental pressures threaten these ecosystems.
CAFI was established through collaboration between international donors and Central African countries to support policies and programmes that reduce deforestation, promote sustainable development, and strengthen climate resilience.
Partner countries include:
- Central African Republic.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Republic of Cameroon.
- Republic of Congo.
- Equatorial Guinea.
- Gabon.
Communications Specialist Responsibilities
The selected candidate will lead strategic communications activities across CAFI’s programmes and partnerships.
Key responsibilities include:
Digital Communication and Content Creation
The Communications Specialist will:
- Develop digital communication strategies and products.
- Manage CAFI’s online presence.
- Create content for websites, social media, and digital platforms.
- Produce engaging stories, videos, graphics, and multimedia materials.
- Identify communication opportunities to increase programme visibility.
- Monitor online engagement and audience responses.
The role requires the ability to transform complex climate, environmental, and policy information into clear and accessible messages for wider audiences.
Media Relations and Public Engagement
The successful applicant will support CAFI’s engagement with journalists and media organizations.
Responsibilities include:
- Drafting press releases, factsheets, and talking points.
- Supporting responses to media requests.
- Organizing media outreach activities.
- Developing communication materials for major events.
- Supporting journalist field visits to CAFI programme locations.
- Creating opportunities to highlight forest conservation achievements.
The specialist will also help strengthen relationships with media professionals and communication partners across CAFI countries.
Strategic Communication and Quality Management
The Communications Specialist will ensure that CAFI communication products meet professional standards.
Tasks will include:
- Reviewing communication materials from country partners.
- Ensuring compliance with branding and editorial guidelines.
- Producing communication strategies and recommendations.
- Managing communication databases and digital assets.
- Creating presentations, brochures, reports, posters, and infographics.
- Providing communication guidance to project teams.
The role requires strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple communication projects simultaneously.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Candidates must meet the following requirements:
Education Requirements
Applicants should have:
- A Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, or a related field with at least 7 years of experience, or
- A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with at least 9 years of experience.
Professional Experience
Candidates should demonstrate experience in:
- Strategic communications.
- Content creation and design.
- Media relations.
- Digital communication.
- Multimedia production.
- Communication strategy development.
- Working across multiple countries and programmes.
Experience translating complex scientific, technical, or policy information into accessible public communication is highly valued.
Technical Skills Required
Applicants should have knowledge and experience in:
- Digital communication platforms.
- Social media management.
- Multimedia production.
- Graphic design tools such as Canva, Adobe Express, Figma, or similar platforms.
- Creating infographics and data visualizations.
- Developing communication materials for diverse audiences.
Experience working with climate change, environmental issues, and development programmes is an important advantage.
Language Requirements
The position requires:
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Excellent written and spoken French.
Bilingual communication skills are essential due to CAFI’s international partnerships and operations across Central Africa.
Employment Details
Position: Communications Specialist
Organization: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
Programme: Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI) Secretariat
Contract type: International Personnel Service Agreement (IPSA-11)
Work arrangement: Home-based
Employment type: Full-time
Contract duration: One year
Application deadline: 29 July 2026, 11:59 p.m. New York time
Opportunity to Support Global Climate Action
The UNDP Communications Specialist role offers an opportunity for communications professionals to contribute directly to climate action, biodiversity protection, and sustainable development.
The successful candidate will help communicate the progress and impact of one of Africa’s most important forest conservation initiatives while supporting partnerships between governments, donors, communities, and development organizations.
Professionals with strong communication expertise and a passion for climate, nature, and sustainable development are encouraged to apply for this international opportunity.
