Communications Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UN-Habitat is the United Nations programme dedicated to promoting socially and environmentally sustainable human settlements development. Established to address the challenges posed by rapid urbanization, UN-Habitat aims to ensure adequate shelter for all and improve living conditions in urban areas. The organization operates globally, focusing on the pressing issues of urbanization, including housing shortages, inadequate infrastructure, and the impacts of climate change. With a mission to lead the change in urban planning and development, UN-Habitat collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, private sectors, and civil society, to implement the New Urban Agenda, which was adopted at the UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development in 201

• The organization is committed to addressing the needs of urban populations, particularly in developing regions, and works towards creating sustainable urban environments that leave no one behind.

Job Overview:
The Communications Specialist position is integral to UN-Habitat's Urban Crises Response and Humanitarian Affairs section, which focuses on urban crisis prevention, response, and recovery. The role involves launching a targeted digital communications initiative aimed at enhancing the visibility of the section's work in crisis settings. The Communications Specialist will be responsible for translating complex humanitarian data and urban concepts into accessible narratives that resonate with various stakeholders, including partners and the public. This position requires a strategic approach to content creation and social media engagement, with the ultimate goal of driving engagement and strengthening partnerships. The specialist will work closely with project teams to gather updates and transform them into compelling stories that highlight the section's impact in crisis-affected areas.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Establish thematic pillars for the LinkedIn account focusing on urban resilience and crisis response.
• Create professional and empathetic content that simplifies technical jargon for diverse audiences.
• Develop a strategy to engage the section's Facebook audience and migrate them to LinkedIn.
• Collaborate with project teams to gather updates and create compelling narratives for LinkedIn posts.
• Design visually appealing posts, including photo/video layouts and digestible slides summarizing key documents.
• Maintain a monthly content calendar to ensure consistent posting without daily effort.
• Create engaging Facebook posts that highlight the section's work and direct traffic to LinkedIn.
• Actively engage with institutional partners and donors on social media to enhance visibility.
• Monitor comments and messages for potential partnership inquiries and networking opportunities. 1
• Analyze monthly analytics to track follower growth and content performance, refining strategies as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to translate complex information into accessible content. Proficiency in social media management and content creation is essential, along with experience in digital communications strategies. Familiarity with urban issues and humanitarian contexts will be advantageous. The ideal candidate should demonstrate creativity, strategic thinking, and the ability to engage diverse audiences effectively. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines are also required.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, social sciences, or a related field is required. Advanced degrees or certifications in relevant areas will be considered an asset. Candidates should have a solid understanding of urban development issues and the role of communication in humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2-3 years of experience in communications, public relations, or a related field. Experience working in humanitarian or development contexts, particularly in urban settings, is highly desirable. Proven track record in social media management and content creation is essential, along with experience in engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly French or Spanish, is considered a valuable asset and may enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is a volunteer role, and candidates should be prepared for a flexible commitment. The role may involve remote work, depending on the candidate's location and the organization's needs. UN-Habitat values diversity and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups. The organization offers opportunities for professional development and networking within the UN system.