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 UN and with external stakeholders to support communication efforts and reporting.

Job Overview:
The Associate Communications Officer is responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies that raise awareness and engage target audiences effectively. This role involves gathering insights from various media, drafting narratives, and fostering relationships with media outlets. The officer will contribute to the planning of press events, act as a spokesperson when necessary, and create compelling content for diverse platforms. The position requires collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to maximize the impact of communications campaigns and outreach strategies, ensuring alignment with UN priorities and maintaining information integrity.

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 engage target audiences.
• Drafting narratives and messaging for different channels.
• Mapping media and fostering relationships with outlets.
• Developing media lines for crisis situations.
• Planning press conferences and media events.
• Acting as a spokesperson when required.
• Creating optimized content for various platforms.
• Producing communications products like press releases and reports. 1
• Developing communications campaigns with measurable impacts. 1
• Coordinating strategic communications partnerships. 1
• Delivering outreach and advocacy strategies. 1
• Creating content for UN and community radio channels. 1
• Updating policy and training related to strategic communications. 1
• Assisting in reporting for governmental bodies. 1
• Staying updated on communication trends and technologies. 1
• Maintaining confidentiality and integrity in handling sensitive information. 1
• Monitoring and analyzing communications strategies for effectiveness. 1
• Collecting and analyzing data to identify trends for reporting. 2
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess critical thinking skills, public speaking abilities, and knowledge of digital design. They should be able to communicate complex information effectively and analyze data to support decision-making. Professionalism, communication skills, and planning and organizing capabilities are essential. The ability to incorporate gender perspectives in work is also required.

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. Completion of programs in data analytics or related fields is an advantage.

Experience:
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in developing and implementing communications strategies is required. Knowledge of strategic communications principles and practices is essential, along with the ability to draft clear messages for diverse audiences. Experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable, as is familiarity with current digital media platforms.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in both languages is required, with a minimum level of II in reading, writing, listening, and speaking for each language according to the UN Language Framework.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term position for an initial period of one year, subject to budgetary approval and availability of funds. The position is open to nationals of Guinea, and candidates must be recruited within the country or commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidates are found, Guinea nationals residing elsewhere may be considered. The UN is committed to gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request.