Associate Communications Officer

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Associate Communications Officer
Location: Mbabane
Country: Eswatini
Deadline Date:

Job Details

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, addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN operates in various countries around the world, with a focus on sustainable development and humanitarian assistance. The UN Resident Coordinator's Office in Eswatini is part of this global network, working to support the country's development priorities and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The Associate Communications Officer will play a crucial role in ensuring high-quality communication materials that effectively translate the UN global agenda. This position involves producing media releases, opinion pieces, and developmental journalism, as well as innovating major communication campaigns with a creative approach. The officer will be responsible for the effective design and delivery of information and communication products that align with the organizational objectives and policies of the UN. The role requires a deep understanding of the UN's mission and the ability to adapt global communications to local contexts, particularly in relation to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the UN’s Cooperation Framework.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Communications Officer will provide substantive advice and support to the Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team (UNCT) in adapting and localizing UN global communications and thematic advocacy priorities. This includes preparing diverse materials such as briefing papers, speeches, and technical advice on complex communications issues. The officer will develop strategic partnerships with key constituencies to maximize the impact of promotional objectives and serve as a principal liaison to media organizations and other stakeholders. Responsibilities also include organizing media coverage, maintaining publicly accessible information materials, and developing digital communications platforms. The officer will assist in the day-to-day operations of the Resident Coordinator's Office, including coordinating substantive and administrative activities, improving reporting systems, and preparing budget submissions. Additionally, the officer will collect and analyze data to identify trends and provide insights for data-driven planning and decision-making.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in programme communications and advocacy in a development context is required. Experience in managing resources, including personnel and budget, to support communications and advocacy activities is desirable. Candidates should also have sound knowledge of the national context of Eswatini, including its language, culture, institutions, and systems.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, or a related area. A first-level university degree may be accepted if combined with relevant experience, demonstrating the candidate's capability in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in programme communications and advocacy, particularly in the context of development. Candidates should have experience managing resources, including personnel and budget, to support communications and advocacy activities in a local context. This level of experience is essential to ensure that the candidate can effectively contribute to the UN's mission and objectives in Eswatini.

Languages:
Fluency and proficiency in English and Siswati are mandatory for this position. These language skills are crucial for effective communication within the UN system and with local stakeholders, ensuring that the UN's messages are accurately conveyed and understood in the local context.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for a period of 6 months and is full-time. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. This temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, but it does not guarantee future employment in the same role. Eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station, and it may be restricted to 'internal candidates' who have been recruited through a competitive examination or selection process. Additionally, staff members who are approaching the mandatory age of separation or retirement are not eligible to apply. The UN does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.