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 (UN RCO), was reformed in 2019 to enhance its effectiveness in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN RCO in Kingston, Jamaica, serves multiple countries, including the Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos, and is led by an empowered UN Resident Coordinator who represents the UN Secretary-General at the country level. The office aims to support countries in achieving their development priorities and the SDGs through coordinated efforts and strategic partnerships.

Job Overview:
The Associate Communications Officer plays a crucial role in the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Kingston, Jamaica, by contributing to the development and implementation of effective communications strategies that raise awareness and engage target audiences. This position involves gathering insights from various media sources, drafting narratives and messaging, and fostering relationships with media outlets. The officer will also be responsible for creating compelling content across multiple platforms, planning media events, and acting as a spokesperson when necessary. The role requires a proactive approach to outreach and advocacy, ensuring that communications campaigns have measurable impacts and align with UN priorities. The Associate Communications Officer will also monitor and analyze communications strategies to assess their effectiveness and maintain expertise in emerging communication technologies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Associate Communications Officer include:

• Gathering insights and analysis from traditional, social, and digital media monitoring to inform communications strategies.
• Implementing communications strategies that raise awareness and drive engagement with target audiences.
• Drafting narratives and messaging on UN work for various channels and platforms.
• Mapping media outlets and fostering relationships with traditional and new media.
• Developing media lines for crisis situations and sensitive issues.
• Planning and coordinating press conferences, briefings, and media events.
• Acting as a spokesperson for the organization when required.
• Creating optimized content for target audiences across multiple platforms.
• Drafting and producing communications products such as press releases, reports, and infographics. 1
• Developing and implementing communications campaigns with measurable impacts. 1
• Coordinating strategic communications partnerships with stakeholders. 1
• Delivering outreach and advocacy strategies to engage target audiences. 1
• Creating content for UN and community radio channels and podcasts. 1
• Updating policy and training related to strategic communications. 1
• Preparing reports and inputs for strategic communications. 1
• Monitoring and analyzing communications approaches and strategies. 1
• Collecting and analyzing data to identify trends and provide insights. 1
• Performing other related tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong professionalism, communication, and planning skills. They should have knowledge of strategic communications principles, media monitoring tools, and digital design. The ability to analyze data and make recommendations is essential, along with a commitment to gender perspectives in all areas of work. Candidates should demonstrate critical thinking, public speaking, and presentation skills, as well as the ability to work efficiently under pressure and meet deadlines. The role requires a proactive approach to communication and the ability to tailor messages for different audiences.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, digital communications, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful 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 communications, international relations, or relevant areas is required. Candidates should have demonstrated knowledge of risks to information integrity, including misinformation and disinformation, particularly in fragile or crisis environments. Skills in data visualization and experience in data analytics or related areas are desirable. Knowledge of current digital media platforms and strategic communications principles is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, but not mandatory. Candidates must meet the minimum required level for each skill in these languages according to 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 and availability of funds. The position is open to nationals of Jamaica only, and candidates residing elsewhere may be considered at their own expense for relocation. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process is subject to various approvals and candidates must provide complete and accurate information in their applications. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.