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. The UN Development System, which includes the UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), was reformed in 2019 to enhance its effectiveness in achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN RCO in Port of Spain serves multiple countries, including Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Curacao, and Sint Maarten, and operates under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator, who is the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System at the country level. The organization emphasizes data-driven approaches, innovation, and a mission-driven culture to support countries in achieving their development priorities.

Job Overview:
The Associate Communications Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the UN's communication strategies aimed at raising awareness and engagement with target audiences. This position involves gathering insights from various media sources, contributing to the development of communication strategies, and drafting narratives that effectively communicate the UN's work. The officer will also be responsible for media mapping, fostering relationships with media outlets, and creating compelling content across different platforms. The role requires a proactive approach to planning and coordinating media events, acting as a spokesperson when necessary, and ensuring that communications campaigns have measurable impacts. The officer will also be involved in outreach and advocacy strategies to engage audiences and advance UN priorities, while maintaining confidentiality and compliance with data privacy standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Communications Officer will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Gathering insights and conducting analysis from traditional, social, and digital media to inform communication strategies.
• Implementing communication strategies that raise awareness and drive engagement with target audiences.
• Drafting narratives and messaging that effectively communicate the UN's work across various channels.
• Conducting media mapping and building relationships with media outlets.
• 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 various platforms.
• Drafting and producing communications products such as press releases and reports. 1
• Developing and implementing communications campaigns with measurable impacts. 1
• Coordinating strategic communications partnerships with stakeholders. 1
• Engaging in outreach and advocacy strategies to promote UN priorities. 1
• Creating content for UN and community radio channels and podcasts. 1
• Updating policy and guidance related to strategic communications. 1
• Assisting in reporting and inputs for strategic communications. 1
• Monitoring and analyzing communications strategies to assess their effectiveness. 1
• Collecting and analyzing data to identify trends and provide insights.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong professionalism, communication, planning, and teamwork skills. They should demonstrate critical thinking abilities, knowledge of media monitoring tools, and digital design skills. The ability to analyze data and provide insights is essential, along with a solid understanding of sustainable development theories and concepts. Candidates should also be able to undertake research, analyze data, and write reports on sustainable development issues. A commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work is expected.

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 (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of 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 related fields is required. Candidates should have demonstrated knowledge of current and emerging digital media platforms, strategic communications principles, and the ability to communicate complex matters to diverse audiences. Experience in data visualization tools and knowledge of data protection standards is desirable, with at least one year of experience in data analytics being a plus.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of French is also beneficial. Candidates must meet the minimum required level for each language skill according to the UN Language Framework, which includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

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 Trinidad and Tobago only, and candidates residing elsewhere may be considered if no suitable local candidates are identified. 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.