Communications and Partnerships Senior Officer

Job Posting Organization:
UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services) is an operational arm of the United Nations, established in 1995, with a mission to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development. UNOPS operates in over 80 countries, providing project management, infrastructure, procurement, and other services to support humanitarian and development efforts. The organization emphasizes efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability in its operations, ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget while adhering to the highest standards of quality and accountability.

Job Overview:
The Communications and Partnerships Senior Officer plays a pivotal role in developing and executing strategic communication initiatives that align with UNOPS's mission and objectives. This position is responsible for leading the creation of high-impact communication products that support donor engagement, resource mobilization, and strategic partnerships. The Senior Officer will conduct research on partnership opportunities, draft high-level concept notes, and oversee the production of editorial content, ensuring that messaging is consistent and effectively targeted. The role requires building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including media and prospective partners, and providing guidance on communication standards. This position is crucial for enhancing UNOPS's visibility and impact in Afghanistan and the broader Asia Pacific region.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Communications, Partnerships, and Positioning: Coordinate strategic communications across the Country Office, ensuring coherent messaging aligned with corporate priorities and programme objectives. Identify and develop compelling stories and communications content from projects for internal and external audiences. Liaise with HQ and Regional Office communications colleagues to strengthen messaging and organizational positioning. Monitor the communications environment and advise on strategic positioning and emerging opportunities. Prepare briefing packages for senior management meetings with partners and donors. Draft capability statements, partner profiles, and strategic presentations.
• Communications and Partnerships Delivery and Coordination: Coordinate delivery of communications activities across projects, ensuring consistency of messaging and effective promotion of programme results. Develop high-quality communications products, including success stories, press materials, and digital content. Support proposal development through strategic communications products.
• Strategic Stakeholder Engagement and Representation: Provide strategic communications and partnership advice to programme teams throughout the project lifecycle. Identify opportunities to strengthen programme positioning with donors through strategic communications and partner engagement. Represent UNOPS in communications and partnership working groups and external events.
• Content, Internal Communications, and Knowledge Management: Coordinate internal communications that promote organizational priorities and knowledge sharing. Capture and disseminate lessons learned and success stories from programmes. Maintain editorial quality and compliance with UNOPS branding standards across communications products.

Required Qualifications:
Required: A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in communications, development, international relations, public relations, or a relevant discipline with 4 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with 2 years of relevant experience. Desired: A globally or nationally recognized professional certificate in partnerships, resource mobilization, communications, journalism, project management, or digital and social media is preferred.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in communications, development, international relations, public relations, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred and may substitute for some experience requirements. Professional certifications in relevant areas are also desirable.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience with a master's degree, or 4 years with a bachelor's degree, in communications, development, international relations, public relations, or a related discipline. Experience in establishing partnerships with UN agencies or international development organizations is preferred. Familiarity with collaboration and productivity tools, as well as experience in multicultural environments or UN system organizations, is also desired.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in additional languages is considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as mid-level and falls under the ICA - LICA - Specialist - Regular contract type. The contract is open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. The organization conducts background checks for all final candidates to ensure compliance with its standards.