1. POSITION VACANT: Digital Communications & Public Outreach Associate, SAMS, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh

2. ORGANISATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Our Client, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), works in about 170 countries and territories, helping to eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities and exclusion, and build resilience so countries can sustain progress. As the UN’s development agency, UNDP plays a critical role in helping countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

UNDP has been working in India since 1951 in almost all areas of human development - from systems and institutional strengthening to inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods, as well as sustainable energy, environment and resilience. With projects and programmes in every state and union territory in India, UNDP works with national and subnational government, and diverse development actors to deliver people-centric results, particularly for the most vulnerable and marginalized communities. As the integrator for collective action on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the UN system, we are committed to support the Government of India’s national development vision and priorities and accelerate the achievement of the SDGs for the people and the planet.

UNDP India’s new Country Programme (2023-2027) builds on the prior work and aims to provide an integrated approach to development solutions in three strategic portfolios:  

·       Strong, accountable and evidence-led institutions for accelerated achievement of the SDGs

·       Enhanced economic opportunities and social protection to reduce inequality, with a focus on the marginalized

·       Climate-smart solutions, sustainable ecosystems and resilient development for reduced vulnerability

For more information about UNDP India, please visit https://www.undp.org/india

PROJECT BACKGROUND:

The Tribal Welfare Department, Government of Andhra Pradesh being the nodal department for overall policy, planning, and coordination of programmes for the development of Schedule Tribes (STs), has accorded high priority and adopted multifaceted development strategies to promote their socio-economic growth. Specific interventions are being implemented including implementation of protective legislations - the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.

The programmes and schemes for tribal people are intended to support and supplement the efforts, primarily of other state departments to fill critical gaps within institutions and programmes, taking into account the situation of STs. These schemes comprising of economic, educational, and social development through institutional building, are administered by the line departments. Notwithstanding numerous developmental interventions, the STs continue to face developmental deficits with respect to health, education, livelihood, development infrastructure as well as other socio-economic indices, many of which are well below the national average.

The Tribal Welfare Department is committed to providing equitable access to opportunity for the tribal communities, through participatory approach and adoption of innovative methods including e-governance and increasing use of technology to provide strategic inputs into the development process. To accelerate the implementation of the development agenda for the tribal communities and strengthen the institutional delivery systems at the State and district level, it is important to strengthen the capacity and effectiveness of the officials and stakeholders to deliver on the issues related to tribal empowerment and create robust systems for monitoring and implementation of the tribal development schemes of the Central and State government.

The Department is working in collaboration with UNDP to fast-track development in difficult geographies inhabited by tribal populations, enhancing capacities of government functionaries and expanding opportunities for better livelihoods, health, and education to vulnerable tribal communities.

3. JOB PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF WORK (SOW):

It is proposed to engage a Digital Communications & Public Outreach Associate to support the project management unit (PMU) at Department of Tribal Welfare, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh to manage digital communication strategy, media coordination, and public outreach initiatives, and ensure structured dissemination of information and documentation of best practices.

The Digital Communications & Public Outreach Associate will be part of the Project Management Unit, and s/he will directly report to the Project Coordinator SPMU (NPSA) and will work under the overall supervision of Director, Department of Tribal Welfare, Andhra Pradesh and project team members and day to day supervision on the implementation issues with the Government of Andhra Pradesh. S/He will ensure the engagement of all direct stakeholders and delivery of project objectives, in coordination with the Government of Andhra Pradesh.

Duties and Responsibilities:

(1)    Develop and execute an Annual Digital Communication Strategy aligned with departmental priorities.

(2)    Prepare quarterly content plans and thematic communication calendars.

(3)    Support in preparation of an annual digital communication and visibility strategy aligned with departmental priorities and UNDP branding guidelines.

(4)    Manage and regularly update the official website and social media platforms, including content planning, scheduling, quality control, and moderation.

(5)    Design and disseminate IEC materials, multimedia content, and thematic awareness campaigns to enhance outreach and citizen engagement.

(6)    Coordinate media relations, including drafting press releases, organizing press briefings, and facilitating field documentation and media visits. Support in monitoring media coverage and digital analytics.

(7)    Document best practices, success stories, and field innovations, and maintain a structured digital knowledge repository.

(8)    Develop quarterly communication dashboards capturing key performance indicators (reach, engagement, visibility, campaign impact) with actionable insights.

(9)    The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient

4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES: 

Qualification:

Advanced University Degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in Journalism, Mass Communication, Digital Media, Public Relations or related field is required.

Or

A first level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in similar subjects in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

(1)  Minimum 4 years (with bachelor’s degree) of work experience in digital communications, media management, public outreach, or knowledge management or relevant related field is required.

Required Skills:

(1) Proven expertise in managing digital platforms and implementing strategic social media   campaigns across multiple channels to enhance outreach and engagement.

(2) Strong experience in media coordination, including drafting press releases, media briefs, talking points, and other public communication materials.

(3) Demonstrated professional experience working with Government bodies, development agencies, or multilateral institutions, with an understanding of institutional communication protocols.

(4) Excellent content development skills, including writing, editing, and storytelling for diverse audiences and platforms (web, social media, reports, and publications).

(5) Familiarity with digital analytics tools and performance tracking. (e.g., social media insights, Google Analytics)

(6) Knowledge of and experience in gender mainstreaming is an asset.

Competencies:

(1)  Knowledge Generation: Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context or responsive to a stated need.

(2)  Digital strategy: Ability to plan the use of resources through digital channels to reach and engage target audiences effectively and to achieve particular objectives.

(3)  Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in line with UNDP’s objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks and opportunities; linking the vision to reality on the ground, and creating tangible solutions.

(4)  Relationship management: Ability to engage with a wide range of public and private partners, build, sustain and/or strengthen working relations, trust and mutual understanding.

5. LANGUAGES:

(1) Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English is essential.

(2) A good working knowledge of local language (Telugu) of the duty station will be needed.

6. DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT: Five months (Renewable based on project extension and performance).

7. CONSULTANCY FEE:

The monthly consultancy fee for the position shall be commensurate with the Government norms, as applicable for the position. The professional fee will be subject to withholding taxes, as applicable.

8. NATURE OF ENGAGEMENT:

The selected candidate shall be engaged as a Consultant on the rolls of SAMS, a third-party payrolling agency, for a full-time consultancy engagement for a period of one year. It is explicitly clarified that this consultancy engagement does not constitute a promise or guarantee of future employment, with SAMS, or our client, or any other organization associated with the project. 

9. LOCATION: Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh.

10. REFERENCE: DCPOA-01

11. CONTACT INFORMATION:

Team SAMS
Strategic Alliance Management Services P Ltd.
B-18, Sector-06, Gautam Buddh Nagar,
NOIDA, Uttar Pradesh -201301
Phone Nos.: 0120- 4161355/56

www.sams.co.in | www.samsconsult.com

12. APPLICATION PROCESS:

Eligible candidates interested in the position are requested to upload their applications by or before March 22, 2026.