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 various agencies, funds, and programs, works to support countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established in 201

• The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO) play a crucial role in this system by coordinating development efforts at the country level, ensuring that the UN's work aligns with national priorities and the 2030 Agenda. The UN RCO in Uganda is focused on enhancing collaboration among UN entities and fostering partnerships with government, civil society, and the private sector to achieve sustainable development outcomes.

Job Overview:
The Associate Communications Officer is a pivotal role within the UN Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Kampala, Uganda. This position is designed to support the UN's communication strategies and enhance the visibility and impact of its work in the country. The officer will be responsible for maintaining relationships with various stakeholders, including management, other communications specialists, and external partners such as government officials and media representatives. The role involves gathering insights from media monitoring, drafting narratives, and implementing communication strategies that engage target audiences. The officer will also contribute to the planning and coordination of media events, act as a spokesperson when necessary, and create compelling content for various platforms. This position requires a proactive approach to building partnerships and ensuring effective communication of the UN's mission and activities in Uganda.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: gathering insights and analysis from media monitoring; implementing communications strategies that raise awareness and drive engagement; 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; producing communications products such as press releases and reports; developing 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 duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess critical thinking skills, public speaking abilities, and knowledge of digital design. They should demonstrate professionalism, efficiency, and a commitment to gender perspectives in their work. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, as well as the ability to plan and organize tasks efficiently. The role requires a strong understanding of strategic communications principles and the ability to analyze data to support decision-making. Candidates should be motivated by professional concerns and demonstrate persistence in overcoming challenges.

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. 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 developing and implementing communications strategies is required. Candidates should have demonstrated knowledge of strategic communications principles and practices, as well as skills in creating engaging content. Familiarity with current and emerging digital media platforms and the ability to conduct systematic data collection and analysis are desirable. Experience in data analytics for at least one year is also preferred.

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 considered a good to have language, but not mandatory. Proficiency in both languages will enhance communication capabilities within the UN Secretariat.

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 the availability of the post. The position is open to nationals of Uganda only, and candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities. The UN Secretariat is committed to achieving gender balance and diversity in its workforce.