Regional Communications Specialist

Mission and objectivesUNCDF has been present in Senegal since , promoting decentralization and expanding access to financial services for low-income rural populations through two areas of intervention: financial inclusion and local development financing. Today, Least Developed Countries (LDCs) face financing mechanisms that are poorly suited to their needs. To truly achieve structural transformation, long-term financing, risk-based equity investments, and funding tailored to the needs of SMEs and mid-sized PPPs are essential. Whether it's supporting local governments in delivering basic services, helping populations and SMEs finance their economic projects, providing loan and guarantee mechanisms, or creating funds that meet the needs of transforming economies, UNCDF offers its expertise and tools to governments, financial institutions, and their partners. Its unique mandate within the United Nations system enables it to offer partners grant systems (simple, performance-based, and repayable grants), loans, and guaranteestaking on risks that more traditional partners cannot assume.

ContextThe mission of the UNCDF is to serve as the United Nations flagship catalytic financing entity for the LDCs to strengthen financing mechanisms and systems for structural transformation. As the only UN agency with a mandate to deploy financial instruments in both the public and private sectors and across all sectors of the economy, the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) has an increasing track record of offering and supporting establishment of guarantees to unlock commercial investments in LDCs. In partnership with UN entities and development partners, UNCDF delivers scalable, blended finance solutions to drive systemic change, pave the way for commercial finance, and contribute to the SDGs. Assignment context. UNCDF has undergone an organizational restructuring, shifting towards an investment-oriented structure to strengthen its identity as a development fund. This transformation aims to enhance its ability to mobilize resources, engage with stakeholders, and drive impactful investments that promote sustainable development at the local and national levels. In this context, the UNV will support the Regional Investment Team Lead, based in Dakar, as well as the global Strategic Communications Advisor, in the communications functions across West and Central Africa and the Caribbean Region. The Communications Specialist will support country teams in West and Central Africa and the Caribbean in the implementation of UNCDF communication strategy. The role will depend from the Strategic Communication Advisor at UNCDF Head Quarters in New York and will work closely with the Regional Investment Team lead. Through this role, the volunteer will gain valuable experience in development finance while supporting UNCDFs mission to expand access to capital for inclusive and sustainable growth.

Task DescriptionUnder the direct supervision of the Regional Investment Team Lead for West and Central Africa and the Caribbean Region, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks: Summary of key functions: -Assist in UNCDF Knowledge Management and Communications; -Support development of a communication and dissemination plan; -Support learning gathering and inputs to programming; -Support in drafting concept notes, project proposals. Examples of tasks include: -Serve as communication focal point for the region and coordinate with countries, programmes and Head Quarters; -Support the training of UNCDF teams at the regional and country level on UNCDF communication strategy; -Support the development of communication methods and materials for social media, blog, articles; -Support the drafting and overseeing of any communication piece in the region; -Contribute to the gathering of insights and learnings from UNCDF interventions in the region to identify best practices and inform UNCDF programming; -Contribute to the design of new initiatives and proposals for funders, support drafting concept notes and proposals.

️ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐰: 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖!

Competencies and values Accountability Adaptability and flexibility Creativity Judgement and decision-making Planning and organising Professionalism Self-management

Living conditions and remarksThe assignment will take place in Dakar and Diamniadio (the new UN House), Senegal. Dakar, the capital of Senegal, is a well-developed city with a good level of infrastructure. Accommodation options generally meet safety and comfort standards, with essential amenities available. Healthcare services are accessible, supported by comprehensive medical insurance coverage. While the security risk remains low, volunteers are expected to follow established safety protocols. Dakar offers various transportation options, ensuring ease of movement within the city. The climate is tropical savanna, characterized by warm and humid conditions, particularly during the rainy season. French is the primary language of communication, though English is gradually gaining wider use. The city provides opportunities for engagement with local communities within a stable social environment.