Support UNCDF with Communication and Knowledge Management

Mission and objectives

Context

Established by the United Nations in 1966, the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) helps unlock finance in Least Developed Countries, Small Island Developing States, and fragile settings, where risks are high and capital is scarce. UNCDF receives voluntary contributions and grants from partners and deploys them as performance-based and reimbursable grants, concessional loans, and risk-absorbing guarantees, alongside investment structuring and advisory support. UNCDF uses these resources in a catalytic and revolving way to help countries prove investment viability, build pipelines, and crowd in larger flows from domestic finance, development finance institutions, private investors, and multilateral development banks.

This UNV assignment is part of UNCDF project/flagship programming initiative etc. Provide brief description of the project including relevant stakeholders, outcomes etc. and/or include web link. Digital transformation depends on a population that is sufficiently skilled and well informed to make sound choices about digital products and services and to use them to their greatest benefit. In Ethiopia, the push towards digitalization as a pathway to inclusive economic development presents significant opportunities for historically excluded groups, particularly women, youth, and informal actors, to enter and participate meaningfully in the formal financial system.

However, the development of digital skills and digital financial literacy (DFL) is often treated as a secondary component within financial inclusion initiatives, despite its critical importance for individuals and enterprises newly engaging with digital financial services. While there is a growing recognition of the need for evidence-based interventions to strengthen digital and digital financial capabilities, many existing programmes remain inadequately resourced, insufficiently tailored to user needs, and implemented in isolation from broader digital transformation and financial sector reforms.

To address this gap, under the DFS4Resilience programme, UNCDF developed and conducted a standardized Digital and Financial Literacy Survey in Ethiopia. The survey assesses levels of digital access and usage, digital competencies, and digital financial services (DFS) outcomes. It provides a streamlined and comparable evidence base that can be tracked over time and across population segments, enabling stakeholders to measure progress towards programme and policy objectives, identify gaps and constraints, and highlight areas of strength and opportunity for targeted interventions.

UNCDF is offering the opportunity to engage an Online Volunteer to support the implementation and dissemination of knowledge products under the DFS4Resilience programme. The volunteer will work remotely and in close coordination with designated UNCDF focal points to provide graphic design and layout support, particularly for the Digital and Financial Literacy Survey Report for Ethiopia and related survey report materials.

Task type

Communication and social media

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Communication and Knowledge Management Specialist or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the online volunteer will provide graphic design and layout support for the Digital and Financial Literacy Survey Report for Ethiopia, ensuring full compliance with UNCDF branding and visual identity guidelines.

The volunteer will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Design and layout the Digital and Financial Literacy Survey Report for Ethiopia, applying UNCDF brand guidelines, templates, and visual standards consistently across all sections.

• Transform approved written content, data, tables, and figures into clear, professional, and visually coherent report layouts.

• Develop and refine visual elements, including charts, tables, infographics, icons, and other graphical components, to enhance data presentation and readability.

• Execute document layout, formatting, and design revisions based on feedback from UNCDF technical and communications teams.

• Review draft and final layouts and propose design improvements to strengthen clarity, consistency, and overall visual quality.

• Manage the design process from initial concept to final delivery of print-ready and web-optimized versions of the report.

• Prepare final files in accordance with UNCDF technical specifications for printing and digital dissemination.

• Ensure a high standard of quality assurance, including accurate formatting, alignment, and typographical consistency, with a strong emphasis on error prevention.

• Organize and maintain design files and versions in line with UNCDF file management and archiving practices.

• Maintain regular communication with UNCDF focal points to ensure alignment on design expectations, timelines, and deliverables. The volunteer is expected to deliver these services in a timely manner and as stated in this description of action, focusing exclusively on graphic design and layout support for the assignment.

Assignment requirements

Required experience

Required Experience: 1 years

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant area, e.g. Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Multimedia Design, Communication Design, or a related field.

• At least 2 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in Digital and Financial literacy, Economic resilience, gender equality, digital financial inclusion, digital transformation, blue and green finance or other relevant programmes; experience with development communication is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organization: Other desired/mandatory required technical knowledge.

• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills.

• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing.

• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development.

• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel.

• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment.

• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

• Have affinity with or interest in development finance, volunteerism as a mechanism for durable development, and the UN System.

Languages

• English, Level: Fluent, Required
• Amharic, Level: Working knowledge, Desirable

Scam warning

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