UN Associate Communications Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development System was reformed on January 1, 2019, to enhance its effectiveness in achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO) play a crucial role in this reform, led by an empowered UN Resident Coordinator who represents the UN Secretary-General at the country level. The Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) was transformed into a stand-alone office within the UN Secretariat, overseeing the resident coordinator system. The DCO's recalibration in 2026 aimed to optimize support for the 2030 Agenda, focusing on data, digital innovation, and a mission-driven culture. The Associate Communications Officer is integral to maintaining relationships within the organization and with external partners, facilitating communication activities, and supporting the Crisis Management Team as needed.

Job Overview:
The Associate Communications Officer is responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies that effectively engage target audiences and raise awareness about the UN's work. This role involves gathering insights from various media sources, drafting narratives, and creating compelling content tailored for different platforms. The officer will also coordinate media events, act as a spokesperson when necessary, and contribute to the development of strategic communications partnerships. The position requires a proactive approach to outreach and advocacy, ensuring that communications efforts align with UN priorities and have measurable impacts. The officer will also be involved in monitoring and analyzing communication strategies to assess their effectiveness and make data-driven recommendations for improvement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including: gathering insights from media monitoring to inform communication strategies; implementing strategies that drive engagement and support; drafting narratives and messaging for diverse audiences; 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 various platforms; drafting communications products such as press releases and reports; developing and implementing impactful communications campaigns; coordinating strategic partnerships; delivering outreach and advocacy strategies; creating content for UN radio channels and podcasts; updating policy and training related to strategic communications; assisting in reporting for governmental bodies; maintaining confidentiality and integrity in handling sensitive information; and monitoring and analyzing communication approaches to assess performance and effectiveness.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of strategic communications principles and practices, with demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective communication strategies. Skills in creating engaging content, knowledge of digital media platforms, and experience in conducting research and data analysis are highly desirable. The ability to draft clear messages tailored for diverse audiences is essential, along with a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in all communications.

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 demonstrated knowledge of strategic communications principles and practices, as well as skills in creating compelling content. Experience with current and emerging digital media platforms and conducting systematic data collection and analysis is desirable. Work experience in data analytics for one year or more is also advantageous.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French is also a working language of the United Nations Secretariat, but proficiency in French is not mandatory for this position.

Additional Notes:
This is a Fixed Term position available for a duration of one year, with no expectation of renewal. The appointment is subject to budgetary approval and may be affected by the availability of the post. The position is open to nationals of Egypt only, and candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidates are found, Egyptian nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, with the candidate responsible for relocation costs. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. All applicants must adhere to the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, and the UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.