Junior Communications Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) was established to promote sustainable development of human settlements and policies conducive to adequate housing for all. It operates globally, with a focus on supporting central and state governments, local authorities, and various partners in implementing the Habitat Agenda, the 2030 Agenda with the Sustainable Development Goals, and the New Urban Agenda. UN-Habitat aims to transform cities into safer, more inclusive, and resilient places, working with organizations at all levels, including government, civil society, and the private sector. The Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (ROLAC) is based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and has expanded its portfolio in the country by collaborating with all tiers of government to formulate and implement effective, sustainable, and socially equitable urban policies. The agency emphasizes developing and managing activities in the host country, particularly through programs like the Social Territories Program, which addresses urban poverty in Rio de Janeiro.

Job Overview:
The Junior Communications Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of UN-Habitat's projects and activities. This position requires close collaboration with program, operations, and project teams to achieve project objectives and organizational priorities. The assistant will be involved in various communication activities, including the production and organization of events, workshops, and meetings, ensuring that local needs and characteristics are considered. The role also involves contributing to publication activities, managing content, and disseminating corporate advocacy materials related to the Social Territories Programme. The assistant will produce human impact stories and maintain an organized information system for communication materials. The position demands adherence to UN-Habitat's quality expectations and requires the ability to deliver communication outputs within agreed deadlines.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Junior Communications Assistant will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including: participating in the production and organization of events and workshops; contributing to publication activities and content management; disseminating corporate advocacy materials; covering workshops with photographic and visual content; producing and publishing human impact stories; maintaining an organized information system for communication materials; delivering assigned communication activities on time; preparing reports according to Portuguese-language standards; ensuring communication outputs align with UN-Habitat quality expectations; monitoring deliverables according to the work plan; maintaining organized records of project activities; preparing reports in accordance with ABNT guidelines; upholding ethical principles; and performing other administrative duties as assigned by the Head of the Brazil Office. The assistant will also be responsible for completing required training courses, including the BSAFE security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security course from UNDSS.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a High School Diploma or an additional two years of relevant technical experience beyond the educational requirement. A Bachelor's degree in Communications or related fields is desirable. Candidates must have a minimum of two years of experience in communications and advocacy in Brazil, with previous experience in the United Nations being a plus. Proficiency in Windows, Word, Excel, Outlook, and web search tools is required, along with a good knowledge of project management methodologies being desirable. Competencies such as professionalism, planning and organization, communication, and teamwork are essential for success in this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess at least a High School Diploma. A Bachelor's degree in Communications or a related field is preferred, as it provides a solid foundation for the responsibilities of the Junior Communications Assistant. Additional technical experience in relevant areas can substitute for formal education, emphasizing the importance of practical skills and knowledge in communications.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of experience in communications and advocacy, specifically within Brazil. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to engage with various stakeholders and effectively communicate project objectives. Previous experience working with the United Nations or similar organizations is desirable, as it indicates familiarity with the operational standards and expectations of international organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in Portuguese is required for this position, as it is essential for communication and reporting within the local context. Additionally, knowledge of English and French is beneficial, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Spanish is also relevant, given that it is the working language of the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and is expected to last for six months. The incumbent may be required to undertake official travel within Brazil, subject to project requirements and prior authorization from the Head of the Brazil Office. All travel will adhere to United Nations policies and procedures. Remuneration will be determined according to the applicable UNOPS Local ICA or UNDP salary scale, based on the official classification process. The appointment is on a local basis, and only nationals from Brazil or candidates with a permanent visa in Brazil may apply. Contract extension is subject to availability of funds and performance, and is not automatic. All applications must be submitted in English and include a cover memo, educational background, professional experience, and other relevant information. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.