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 aims to ensure that the RC system is optimally configured to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda, focusing on data, digital innovation, and a mission-driven culture. The UN RCO in Kazakhstan is responsible for supporting the country's development priorities and SDG attainment.

Job Overview:
The Associate Communications Officer will be pivotal in developing and implementing communication strategies for the UN Country Team. This role involves close collaboration with UN leadership and communication focal points to create common messaging on collective priorities. The officer will enhance the visibility of the Resident Coordinator's engagements with external partners through effective media and social media coverage. The position requires facilitating interagency communication initiatives, media campaigns, and UN events, ensuring that key messages are effectively communicated. The officer will also support the UN Communication Group in strengthening the One UN voice and maintaining the UN Kazakhstan website and social media platforms with relevant content.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for implementing communication strategies that raise awareness and drive engagement with target audiences. This includes gathering insights from media monitoring, drafting narratives, and developing media lines for crisis situations. The officer will plan and coordinate press conferences and media events, create compelling content for various platforms, and draft communications products like press releases and reports. Additionally, the role involves developing strategic communications partnerships, delivering outreach strategies, and creating content for UN radio channels. The officer will also monitor and analyze communication strategies' effectiveness and maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong writing and speaking skills, critical thinking abilities, and knowledge of digital design. They should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication, teamwork, and creativity in their work. The ability to develop and implement communication strategies is essential, along with expertise in current digital media platforms and media monitoring tools. Candidates should also have experience in data visualization and be able to write for digital platforms.

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. Completion of programs in data analytics or business analytics is advantageous.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of experience in communications, international relations, or a relevant area is required. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in developing communication strategies and knowledge of digital media platforms. Experience in data analytics or related fields is desirable, along with the ability to write for international organizations' digital platforms.

Languages:
English is required at UN Level II proficiency. Russian and Kazakh are also required at the same proficiency level. Candidates must demonstrate strong skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in these languages.

Additional Notes:
This is a Fixed Term position available for one year, with no expectation of renewal. The position is open to nationals of Kazakhstan only, and candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance. If no suitable local candidates are found, KAZAKHSTAN nationals residing elsewhere may be considered. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and may be assigned to different functions periodically. The recruitment process does not involve any fees, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.