Communications Specialist

Communications Specialist

United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

October 27, 2026November 29, 2026Panama CityPanama
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is a vital part of the United Nations system, established to help governments and organizations implement projects that drive sustainable development. UNOPS operates in 23 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on building resilient infrastructure, enhancing public health, and promoting transparent public management. The organization is committed to aligning its interventions with national priorities and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through practical, results-driven support. UNOPS emphasizes collaboration with governments and development stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of its mandate, fostering inclusive growth and improving quality of life.

Job Overview:
The Communications Specialist plays a crucial role in leading the strategic communications and public positioning agenda of the UNOPS Regional Office in Latin America and the Caribbean. This position involves managing communication plans, digital engagement, content creation, and event coordination to enhance the visibility and impact of organizational initiatives. The incumbent will work closely with project leadership and team members to ensure that communications are aligned with organizational goals and effectively engage key stakeholders. The role requires a strong understanding of communication strategies and the ability to translate organizational priorities into compelling messaging across various platforms. Additionally, the Communications Specialist will be responsible for fostering partnerships and supporting outreach efforts to advance organizational objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Develop, implement, and monitor communication strategies and work plans that align with organizational priorities.
  • Prepare briefs, talking points, and communication materials for senior leadership to support reputational positioning.
  • Identify target audiences and tailor outreach strategies accordingly.
  • Manage the production of communication materials, campaigns, publications, and events to strengthen visibility.
  • Oversee digital presence, including websites and social media platforms, ensuring high-quality content production.
  • Cultivate relationships with media outlets and coordinate media outreach efforts.
  • Coordinate internal communications and facilitate knowledge sharing within the organization.
  • Support partnership development and external outreach, including fundraising and donor engagement.
  • Conduct training and learning sessions on communication topics to build internal capacity. 1
  • Participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and contribute to the drafting of reports and summaries.

Required Qualifications:
  • A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with 7 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 5 years of relevant experience is required.
  • A globally or nationally recognized professional certificate in communications, journalism, or digital and social media communications is desired.
  • Relevant experience in communications, public relations, media, journalism, or related fields is required.
  • Proficiency in collaboration and productivity tools (e.g., MS Office, G-Suite) and web-based management systems is required.
  • Experience working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with substantial relevant experience, or a Master’s degree with a minimum of five years of relevant experience. A professional certificate in communications or related fields is preferred, indicating a commitment to ongoing professional development in the field of communications.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant experience in communications, public relations, or related fields, with a strong emphasis on strategic communications and media engagement. Experience leading teams and applying emerging technologies to enhance communication workflows is highly desirable. Previous roles in similar capacities within Latin America are essential, as is experience in development or humanitarian contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Spanish is required, as the role demands effective communication in both languages. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified at the mid-level (ICS 10) and is offered under an Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) with a regular contract type. The contract duration is indefinite, subject to budget availability and performance. The application deadline is set for October 29, 2026, and candidates are advised to submit their applications before midnight Copenhagen time (CET). UNOPS is committed to diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups, including women and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
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