UN Associate Communications Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations, and to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN Development System, which includes the UN Resident Coordinator Offices (RCO), was restructured in 2019 to enhance its effectiveness in achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN RCO in Cotonou, Benin, plays a crucial role in supporting the country's development priorities and ensuring the UN's efforts are aligned with national goals. The office operates under the leadership of an empowered UN Resident Coordinator, who is the highest-ranking UN official in the country.

Job Overview:
The UN Associate Communications Officer position is designed to support the UN Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) in Cotonou, Benin, by implementing effective communication strategies that raise awareness and engage target audiences. The incumbent will work closely with the United Nations Communication Group (UNCG) and other RCO colleagues to gather insights from various media sources, develop compelling narratives, and create impactful communications products. This role requires a proactive approach to media relations, content creation, and strategic communications partnerships, ensuring that the UN's work is effectively communicated to the public and stakeholders. The position also involves monitoring and analyzing communications strategies to assess their effectiveness and making data-driven decisions to enhance outreach efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: gathering insights from media monitoring to inform communications strategies; implementing communications strategies that drive engagement; drafting narratives and messaging for various channels; fostering relationships with media outlets; developing media lines for crisis situations; planning and coordinating press events; acting as a spokesperson when required; creating optimized content for different platforms; producing communications products such as press releases and reports; developing strategic communications partnerships; delivering outreach and advocacy campaigns; creating content for UN radio channels; updating policy and training materials; preparing reports for governmental bodies; analyzing communications approaches; and maintaining confidentiality and integrity in handling sensitive information. The role also involves monitoring social media analytics and developing website strategies to enhance engagement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess critical thinking skills and knowledge of strategic communications principles. They should be adept at drafting clear messages for diverse audiences, developing creative content, and managing social media platforms. Familiarity with digital analytics tools and data visualization methods is essential. The candidate should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication skills, and the ability to plan and organize work efficiently. A commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work is also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, digital communications, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Completion of programs in data analytics or related fields is considered an advantage.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in developing and implementing communications strategies is required. Candidates should have experience managing digital communication platforms, including content production, and possess knowledge of the media landscape in Benin. Experience within the UN system or other international organizations is desirable, as is experience in graphic design, photography, video production, and results communication.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in both languages is required, with a minimum level of proficiency as outlined by the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term position for an initial period of one year, with the possibility of extension subject to budgetary approval. The position is open to nationals of Benin, and candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidates are found, Benin nationals residing elsewhere may be considered. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request.