Joint Communications Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women is the United Nations organization dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women globally. Established to accelerate progress on meeting the needs of women and girls, UN Women serves as a global champion for their rights and well-being. The organization operates in multiple countries, working collaboratively with various stakeholders to ensure that gender equality is prioritized in all aspects of development and governance.

Job Overview:
The Joint Communications Officer will play a crucial role in the Women Make the Change (WMC) programme, a collaborative initiative between UNDP and UN Women aimed at enhancing women's political participation and leadership in Papua New Guinea. This position is vital for ensuring effective communication strategies that inform and engage diverse audiences, including government officials, civil society, and communities. The officer will be responsible for developing gender-informed content, managing communications campaigns, and strengthening visibility for the programme's initiatives. The role requires a deep understanding of gender issues and the ability to craft messages that resonate with various stakeholders, ultimately contributing to the advancement of gender equality in decision-making processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Content Development and Storytelling: The officer will draft, edit, and publish a variety of gender-informed content, including press releases, human interest stories, feature articles, op-eds, social media posts, policy briefs, and infographics. They will capture and highlight stories of women leaders and governance outcomes, ensuring that all messaging reflects gender-sensitive language and promotes positive representation of women.
• Visibility and Advocacy: The officer will design and implement joint communications campaigns and outreach activities for key programme milestones, aiming to strengthen the visibility of donor contributions through digital platforms and public events. They will also support the production of multimedia materials such as videos, photos, and podcasts to amplify the achievements of the WMC programme.
• Coordination and Collaboration: Regular liaison with UNDP and UN Women programme teams will be essential to harmonize communications outputs. The officer will provide communications support to WMC partners, including government entities, civil society organizations, and parliamentarians, while managing joint branding and ensuring compliance with communication guidelines from both agencies.
• Media and Digital Engagement: The officer will work to strengthen media relationships to ensure positive coverage of WMC initiatives. They will manage joint social media content calendars, ensuring consistent and engaging posts, and monitor media and digital analytics to assess the reach and impact of communications efforts.
• Knowledge Management and Reporting: Maintaining an archive of communications materials, press coverage, and digital outputs will be part of the officer's responsibilities. They will contribute to donor reports, annual reports, and results briefs with communications inputs, tracking and documenting visibility achievements against programme communications plans.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of gender issues and communications strategies. They should have experience in content development, media relations, and digital engagement. Familiarity with the UN system and its communication guidelines is highly desirable. The ideal candidate will demonstrate creativity, accountability, and effective communication skills, along with the ability to engage stakeholders inclusively and lead by example.

Educational Background:
A degree in communications, public relations, gender studies, social sciences, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or specialized training in gender issues or communications will be considered an asset.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or a related field, with a focus on gender issues. Experience working with international organizations, particularly in the context of development and gender equality, is highly valued. Proven track record in managing communications campaigns and engaging with diverse stakeholders is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Papua New Guinea would be an advantage, as it would enhance communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Papua New Guinea and may require occasional travel within the country. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared for the unique living conditions in PNG, which may involve cultural adjustments and a need for resilience. The UN offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and allowances for expatriates. All foreign visitors to PNG require a visa to enter, and candidates should ensure they are aware of the necessary vaccinations and health precautions before relocating.