The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) programme, is inviting applications for the position of Communication and Advocacy Assistant under its Global Youth Team. This exciting international opportunity is designed for passionate professionals with experience in communications, digital storytelling, youth engagement, advocacy, social media management, and visual content creation.
The role is linked to UNDP’s growing global youth empowerment agenda and the internationally recognized Generation17 initiative, a flagship collaboration between UNDP and Samsung that supports young leaders working toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
This is a full-time remote UN Volunteer assignment based in Bonn, Germany, with a duration of 12 months and the possibility of extension. The role offers candidates the chance to contribute to global campaigns, digital advocacy, youth participation initiatives, and high-impact international development programmes.
Application Deadline: 31 May 2026
About UNDP and the Global Youth Team
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) operates in approximately 170 countries and territories worldwide. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP works to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, strengthen democratic governance, promote peacebuilding, and help countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Within this broader mission, youth empowerment has become a central priority. UNDP views young people not merely as beneficiaries of development programmes but as leaders, innovators, and changemakers capable of driving sustainable transformation globally.
The UNDP Global Youth Team functions under the:
- Open and Inclusive Public Sphere (OIPS) Team
- Governance, Rule of Law and Peacebuilding (GRP) Hub
- Bureau for Policy and Programme Support (BPPS)
The team works across:
- Global platforms
- Regional initiatives
- Country-level programmes
Its mission includes:
- Promoting inclusive youth participation in governance
- Strengthening youth leadership
- Supporting youth-led innovation
- Enhancing civic engagement
- Advancing peacebuilding and digital participation
- Amplifying the voices of marginalized and underrepresented youth
The team collaborates closely with:
- The UN Youth Office
- UN agencies
- Civil society organizations
- Youth-led organizations
- Governments
- International partners
Understanding the Generation17 Initiative
One of the most exciting aspects of this assignment is the opportunity to contribute to Generation17, a flagship partnership between UNDP and Samsung Mobile.
Launched in 2020, Generation17 empowers young leaders worldwide who are creating innovative solutions aligned with the SDGs.
The initiative provides:
- Mentorship opportunities
- International advocacy platforms
- Access to technology
- Global networking
- Digital storytelling support
- Visibility for youth-led impact initiatives
Generation17 also connects with the Samsung Global Goals App, installed on millions of Samsung Galaxy devices globally. The app helps educate users about the SDGs while enabling fundraising and awareness-building through everyday mobile engagement.
To date, UNDP and Samsung have supported young leaders from multiple regions across the world.
Position Overview
Job Title
Communication and Advocacy Assistant
Organization
UNDP (United Nations Development Programme)
Location
Bonn, Germany
Work Arrangement
Remote / Onsite Modality
Duration
12 Months (with possibility of extension)
Work Schedule
Full-time
Volunteer Category
Associate UCoS from April 2026
Number of Openings
1 Assignment
Main Responsibilities of the Communication and Advocacy Assistant
The selected candidate will support global communication, advocacy, and youth engagement efforts. The role combines content creation, social media management, campaign coordination, multimedia production, and knowledge management.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the responsibilities.
1. Content Creation and Digital Communications
The Communication and Advocacy Assistant will help create engaging and youth-centered communication materials across UNDP platforms.
Responsibilities include:
- Developing timely and visually engaging digital content
- Supporting UNDP.org youth-related pages
- Producing social media content
- Drafting blogs and human-interest stories
- Designing newsletters and short publications
- Translating field inputs into compelling digital stories
- Supporting visual storytelling initiatives
- Creating reusable Canva templates
- Ensuring alignment with UNDP branding guidelines
The role heavily emphasizes creativity, storytelling, and audience engagement.
2. Graphic Design and Visual Storytelling
Visual communication is a major component of this assignment.
The selected candidate will:
- Design social media carousels
- Create visual cards and infographics
- Develop presentations and branded templates
- Produce one-pagers and communication assets
- Assist with multimedia storytelling
- Prepare campaign visuals for global observance days
Applicants with Canva experience or related design skills will have a strong advantage.
3. Social Media Planning and Engagement
The assistant will contribute to UNDP’s youth-focused digital outreach strategy.
Tasks include:
- Preparing social media captions
- Scheduling content
- Designing campaign visuals
- Monitoring social media engagement
- Identifying youth-related digital trends
- Supporting youth advocacy campaigns
- Managing content for international observance days
The role requires familiarity with digital engagement strategies and social media communication.
4. Campaigns and Advocacy Support
The position also supports global youth advocacy campaigns connected to:
- The 2030 Agenda
- Civic participation
- Digital rights
- Governance
- Youth inclusion
- Peacebuilding
The assistant will contribute to:
- International Youth Day campaigns
- Webinars and virtual events
- Regional youth initiatives
- Advocacy materials
- Campaign messaging development
5. Multimedia and Production Assistance
Candidates will assist in coordinating multimedia production efforts, including:
- Gathering video footage
- Supporting storyboarding
- Assisting editing workflows
- Coordinating with service providers
- Creating presentations and visual materials
This is ideal for applicants interested in multimedia communication and digital advocacy.
6. Knowledge Management and Documentation
The assistant will help maintain communication systems and knowledge products by:
- Organizing digital communication assets
- Updating templates and content libraries
- Managing databases and directories
- Uploading youth-related content to platforms
- Supporting learning materials and training resources
Strong organizational abilities are essential for success in this role.
7. Event and Youth Engagement Support
The selected volunteer will help organize and support:
- Global youth engagement events
- Workshops and webinars
- Outreach campaigns
- Partner engagement initiatives
- Youth consultation processes
Tasks may include:
- Designing invitations
- Taking notes during events
- Producing summaries
- Creating event visuals
- Supporting outreach to youth networks
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following requirements.
Education
Candidates should possess a:
- Master’s degree in:
- Communications
- Graphic Design
- Public Relations
- Journalism
- Marketing
- IT or Technology
- Related fields
Required Experience
Applicants should have:
- At least 2 years of relevant experience in:
- Communications
- Social media management
- Advocacy
- Youth engagement
- Digital storytelling
- Content creation
Required Skills
Strong candidates should demonstrate:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Canva or graphic design experience
- Social media knowledge
- Digital storytelling abilities
- Organizational skills
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines
- Teamwork and multicultural collaboration skills
- Familiarity with online collaboration tools
Desirable Qualifications
The following are considered advantages:
- Experience with youth organizations
- Understanding of civic engagement
- Exposure to the UN system
- Knowledge of development communication
- Experience in peacebuilding or governance initiatives
- Familiarity with digital participation initiatives
Language Requirements
Required
- English (Fluent)
Desirable
- French
- Spanish
Competencies UNDP is Looking For
UNDP seeks candidates who demonstrate:
- Accountability
- Creativity
- Adaptability
- Professionalism
- Planning and organization
- Self-management
- Sound judgment
- Flexibility
Benefits and Advantages of This Opportunity
This opportunity provides several professional and career-building benefits, including:
1. International UN Experience
Work directly with a globally recognized UN agency.
2. Remote Work Flexibility
Perform the assignment remotely while contributing to global initiatives.
3. Exposure to Global Campaigns
Participate in high-level youth advocacy and SDG campaigns.
4. Networking Opportunities
Collaborate with UN agencies, youth leaders, governments, and international organizations.
5. Skill Development
Strengthen expertise in:
- Digital communications
- Advocacy
- Social media management
- Graphic design
- Campaign coordination
- Multimedia production
6. Contribution to Global Impact
Support meaningful youth participation and sustainable development worldwide.
Important Notes About the Assignment
- The assignment is remote
- The host team is based in Bonn, Germany
- Volunteer living allowance depends on the volunteer’s country of residence
- Successful candidates must provide proof of:
- Citizenship
- Residency
- Right to work (if applicable)
UNV emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all applicants.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should prepare:
- An updated CV or resume
- Relevant communication or design portfolio
- Supporting documents demonstrating experience
- Academic qualifications
Applicants are encouraged to apply before the deadline and ensure all required information is complete.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
The UNDP Communication and Advocacy Assistant position is an outstanding opportunity for young communication professionals, digital storytellers, graphic designers, and youth advocates seeking meaningful international experience.
The role combines:
- Creativity
- Global advocacy
- Social impact
- Youth empowerment
- Digital communication
- International collaboration
For individuals passionate about the SDGs, youth inclusion, governance, and social change, this assignment offers a unique platform to contribute to impactful global initiatives while building a strong international career profile.
For more information about this opportunity visit here
Discover more job opportunities here
