Communications Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. Established to engage in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination, UNU aims to further the purposes and principles of the United Nations. Over the past fifty years, UNU has become a vital source of impartial research focused on sustainability, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers operating across 12 countries, UNU's expertise encompasses the full spectrum of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to foster positive global change. The organization collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions worldwide, emphasizing its commitment to addressing pressing global challenges. For more information, visit http://unu.edu.

Job Overview:
The Communications Assistant at UNU-INWEH will play a crucial role in enhancing the Institute's external communications, digital presence, and outreach activities. Reporting to the Director, the incumbent will be responsible for strengthening the visibility, credibility, and engagement of UNU-INWEH through coordinated content production, website and social media management, and media liaison support. The position requires a proactive approach to managing social media channels, ensuring consistent branding and messaging, and monitoring engagement metrics to inform content planning. The Communications Assistant will also assist in maintaining the Institute's website, ensuring that content is accurate and aligned with institutional priorities. This role involves transforming technical research outputs into accessible content for diverse audiences, supporting multimedia production, and engaging with media and institutional communications. The successful candidate will contribute to communication campaigns that promote UNU-INWEH projects and knowledge products, while also monitoring trends in digital communications to enhance outreach effectiveness.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Social Media & Digital Communications Support: Manage UNU-INWEH’s social media channels, draft and publish content, monitor engagement metrics, and ensure branding consistency.
• Website Maintenance & Editorial Support: Update and maintain the Institute's website, support news and publication dissemination, and provide editorial assistance for high-quality communication products.
• Content Production & Multimedia Development: Adapt digital content, support video production, and contribute to graphic design tasks.
• Media & Institutional Communications Engagement: Draft press releases, maintain media contact lists, and coordinate responses to media inquiries.
• Campaigns, Outreach & Coordination Support: Assist in planning communication campaigns, monitor trends in digital communications, and provide inputs for institutional reporting.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
1) Education and certification: A Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Media Studies, Marketing, Digital Communications, Business Administration, Social Sciences, Environmental Sciences, or a related field, with a minimum of two years of relevant experience; or a Master’s degree in the above fields may be accepted in lieu of experience. 2) Required skills and experience: At least 2 years of experience in communications, digital media, or content production, preferably in an academic or international organization. Strong written communication skills in English, experience with design tools, and familiarity with social networking services are essential. 3) Desirable skills and experience: Experience with website content management systems, basic photography and video editing skills, and familiarity with science communication are advantageous.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field is required, with a Master’s degree being desirable. The educational background should align with the responsibilities of the position and the areas of work of the Institute.

Experience:
The position requires at least two years of relevant experience in communications, digital media, or content production. Experience in an academic institution, research organization, or international organization is preferred, along with demonstrated experience in managing social media and supporting communications activities.

Languages:
Fluency in both written and spoken English is required, while fluency in French is highly desirable. Knowledge of another UN official working language is considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
The successful candidate will be employed under a Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, which offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary, 30 days of annual leave, and a health insurance scheme. The initial contract duration is one year, with the possibility of renewal based on performance. The mandatory retirement age for PSA holders is 65 years. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on the deadline date, and late submissions will not be accepted. UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.