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 has undergone significant reforms since January 1, 2019, aimed at enhancing its effectiveness in achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (RCO) play a crucial role in this system, supporting countries in their development priorities under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator. The UN Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) oversees the resident coordinator system, ensuring it is optimally configured to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda. The UN operates in numerous countries worldwide, employing thousands of staff across various functions to fulfill its mission.

Job Overview:
The Associate Communications Officer position is located within the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) in San Jose, Costa Rica. This role is pivotal in supporting the UN's communication strategies and initiatives aimed at raising awareness and engagement with target audiences. The officer will be responsible for gathering insights from various media sources, contributing to the development and implementation of communications strategies, and drafting narratives that effectively communicate the UN's work. The position requires a proactive approach to media relations, including fostering relationships with media outlets and acting as a spokesperson when necessary. The officer will also be involved in creating compelling content for multiple platforms, coordinating press events, and ensuring that communications efforts align with the UN's strategic goals. This role demands a strong understanding of sustainable development issues and the ability to analyze and interpret data to inform decision-making and reporting.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Communications Officer will perform a variety of duties, including but not limited to: gathering insights and analysis from media monitoring; implementing communications strategies that engage target audiences; drafting narratives and messaging for various channels; 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 different platforms; drafting communications products such as press releases and reports; developing and implementing 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; assisting in reporting for governmental bodies; monitoring and analyzing communications strategies; and performing other related tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong set of qualifications, including advanced skills in communication, journalism, or international relations. The role requires a deep understanding of sustainable development theories and the ability to analyze data effectively. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, strategic thinking, and public speaking skills. They must also show a commitment to gender perspectives and the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, along with the ability to tailor messages to different audiences. Planning and organizing skills are also crucial, as the officer will need to develop clear goals and manage priorities effectively.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, digital communications, or a related field is required for this position. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additional qualifications in data analytics, project management, or digital transformation are advantageous and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in communications, international relations, or related fields is required. Candidates should have demonstrated knowledge of risks to information integrity, including misinformation and disinformation, particularly in fragile or crisis environments. Experience with data visualization tools and the ability to analyze large volumes of data are also essential. Knowledge of current digital media platforms and strategic communications principles is required, with additional experience in data analytics being desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Spanish is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking in both languages, meeting the UN Language Framework standards.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term position with an initial appointment period of one year, subject to availability of funds and budgetary approval. The position is open to nationals of Costa Rica only, and candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidates are found, Costa Rican nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, but they will be responsible for relocation costs. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The recruitment process is subject to strict standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, and candidates with a history of violations of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law or other serious offenses will not be considered.