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 has undergone significant reforms to enhance its effectiveness in achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO) play a crucial role in supporting countries to meet their development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN operates in numerous countries worldwide, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to various missions and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Associate Communications Officer position is integral to the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Beijing, China. This role involves maintaining relationships with various stakeholders, including management, other communications specialists, and external partners such as government officials and civil society representatives. The officer will implement communications strategies that align with the Cooperation Framework’s Communications Strategy (2026-2030) in China, aimed at raising awareness and driving engagement with target audiences. The position requires a proactive approach to support reporting efforts, coordinate communication activities, and assist in crisis management when necessary. The officer will also be responsible for creating compelling content across multiple platforms and channels, ensuring that communications efforts have a measurable impact.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Communications Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: gathering insights and analysis from various media sources to inform communications strategies; drafting narratives and messaging that engage target audiences; conducting media mapping and fostering relationships with media outlets; developing media lines for crisis situations; planning and coordinating press conferences and media events; acting as a spokesperson when required; creating optimized content for diverse platforms; producing communications products such as press releases and reports; developing and implementing impactful communications campaigns; coordinating strategic communications partnerships; delivering outreach and advocacy strategies; creating content for UN and community radio channels; updating policy and training related to strategic communications; preparing reports for governmental bodies; monitoring and analyzing communications strategies; and ensuring compliance with UN data privacy and security standards.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of strategic communications principles and practices, with demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective communications strategies. Proficiency in drafting clear messages tailored for diverse audiences is essential. Candidates should also have skills in creating engaging content and knowledge of current digital media platforms. Experience in conducting research and data analysis is desirable, along with familiarity with data visualization methods for effective communication of insights.

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 degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered an advantage.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in developing and implementing communications strategies is required. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of strategic communications principles and practices, as well as the ability to draft and tailor messages for diverse audiences. Experience in data analytics or related fields is desirable, particularly if it includes one year or more of relevant experience.

Languages:
English and Chinese (Mandarin) are the required working languages for this position. Proficiency in both languages at UN Level II is mandatory, covering reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Knowledge of French is considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
This is a Fixed Term position available for a duration of one year, with no expectation of renewal. The position is open to nationals of China only, and candidates must be recruited within the country or within commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidates are identified, Chinese nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, but they will be responsible for any relocation costs. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process is free of charge, and the UN does not request any fees from applicants.