Communications Officer specializing in Information Integrity

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Information Integrity Unit of the Policy and Best Practices Service (PBPS) in the Division of Policy, Evaluation and Training (DPET) of the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) of the United Nations. The organization focuses on supporting UN peacekeeping operations by addressing misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, and other harmful information. The unit collaborates closely with the Strategic Communications Section to enhance the effectiveness of peacekeeping missions. The UN aims to maintain high standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity while promoting gender balance and diversity within its workforce.

Job Overview:
The Communications Officer specializing in Information Integrity is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive communications strategies and digital campaigns that address information integrity in peacekeeping operations. This role involves advising on prevention, mitigation, and response strategies to misinformation and disinformation, contributing to crisis communications, and developing training materials to enhance information integrity. The officer will also monitor and analyze information threats, fostering partnerships to strengthen the UN's communication efforts. The position requires a proactive approach to engage target audiences and raise awareness about the UN's work in peacekeeping, ensuring that communications are effective and impactful across various platforms.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Communications Officer include:

• Developing and implementing communications strategies that effectively raise awareness and engage target audiences.
• Drafting compelling narratives and messaging that resonate with diverse audiences across multiple channels.
• Producing various communications products, including press releases, web stories, reports, and infographics.
• Creating content for UN and community radio channels and podcasts, including conducting interviews.
• Monitoring and analyzing the effectiveness of communications strategies and reporting on their performance.
• Establishing strategic partnerships with stakeholders to maximize the impact of communications efforts.
• Updating policies and guidance related to strategic communications in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
• Staying informed about the latest trends in communications and emerging technologies.
• Maintaining confidentiality and integrity in handling sensitive information in compliance with UN standards. 1
• Developing advocacy strategies to promote information integrity and respond to misinformation and hate speech. 1
• Conducting risk assessments to support information integrity initiatives. 1
• Providing guidance materials for internal stakeholders to enhance information integrity. 1
• Contributing to crisis communications and strategic planning efforts. 1
• Building relationships with key stakeholders from various sectors to advocate for information integrity. 1
• Conducting fact-checking and research using open-source techniques. 1
• Planning and executing research methodologies to monitor risks to information integrity.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in communication, journalism, international relations, digital communications, or related fields. Candidates must possess knowledge of risks to information integrity, including misinformation and hate speech, particularly in fragile and crisis environments. The ability to develop and implement effective communications strategies is essential, along with familiarity with current and emerging digital media platforms. Skills in policy development within international or multilateral organizations are desirable, as is knowledge of fact-checking and open-source collection techniques.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, digital communications, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
The role requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience, demonstrating a progressive responsibility in communication and related fields. Candidates should have a strong understanding of the risks associated with information integrity and the ability to develop and implement effective communication strategies. Experience in crisis communications and familiarity with digital media platforms is also necessary.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, both oral and written. Fluency in French is desirable, and knowledge of another official United Nations language is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available until 31 March 202

• If the selected candidate is a current staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be treated as a temporary assignment. The position is funded through Extra-budgetary funds, and eligibility may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. The United Nations encourages female candidates to apply and is committed to achieving gender balance within its staff. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request.