Communications Specialist

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Position Title: Communications Specialist
Location: Geneve
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) was established in December 1999 and serves as the designated focal point within the United Nations system for coordinating disaster reduction efforts. With approximately 150 staff members based in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and five regional offices, UNDRR operates globally to enhance disaster risk reduction strategies. The organization aims to ensure synergies among disaster reduction activities across the United Nations and regional organizations, focusing on socio-economic and humanitarian fields. UNDRR guides, monitors, and reports on the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030), advocates for increased investment in disaster risk reduction, and empowers communities to reduce their vulnerability to hazards. Additionally, UNDRR provides practical tools and services, such as PreventionWeb and the Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction, to inform and connect stakeholders in disaster risk reduction efforts.

Job Overview:
The Communications Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the communications work leading up to, during, and after the World Resilient Recovery Conference (WRRC). This position requires collaboration with the International Recovery Platform (IRP) Secretariat, WRRC Steering Group members, and participants, as well as close coordination with UNDRR’s Communication Section and the 2025 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction team. The specialist will be responsible for ensuring that timely and relevant products are disseminated on various platforms, including PreventionWeb and UNDRR social channels. The role involves promoting webinars and master classes, drafting media stories, and capturing good practices from these events. The Communications Specialist will also support the development of communication strategies, manage social media content, and coordinate hybrid meetings to ensure effective engagement of both in-person and virtual participants.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communications Specialist will be home-based and will report to the Programme Management Officer in the Intergovernmental Processes, Interagency Cooperation and Partnerships Branch. Key responsibilities include:

• Providing communication support for thematic sessions, webinars, and master classes, including developing media cards and promoting events through social media.
• Drafting media stories for webinars and publishing them on the UNDRR website.
• Identifying and documenting good practices and impact stories from webinars and thematic sessions.
• Finalizing the WRRC communication strategy and ensuring regular updates to the WRRC website.
• Drafting web stories and supporting the development of promotional materials such as banners and PowerPoint templates.
• Liaising with the WRRC and communications team to identify experts for interviews and supporting video production.
• Responding to media inquiries and preparing related correspondence.
• Supporting the development of WRRC proceedings by compiling and drafting content.
• Attending weekly editorial meetings and collaborating with the communications section to produce social media content. 1
• Coordinating hybrid meetings, ensuring effective engagement of virtual participants, and supporting the use of engagement tools during the WRRC.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in digital media, communications, journalism, or social science. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in similar fields combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. A minimum of five years of experience in communications, including at least two years in digital content production, is required. Proficiency in graphic and video editing software, web content management, and experience in organizing hybrid events are essential. Experience in drafting reports and written inputs, as well as knowledge in disaster risk reduction, climate change, humanitarian action, or international development, is desirable.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in relevant fields such as digital media, communications, journalism, or social science. A first-level university degree in similar fields may be accepted if combined with additional qualifying experience.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of professional experience in communications, with a minimum of two years specifically focused on digital content production. Experience with graphic and video editing software, web content management, and organizing hybrid events is also required. Familiarity with disaster risk reduction and related fields is considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of any other UN languages is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's qualifications.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last from March 3, 2025, to July 2, 202

• Due to the high volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants are advised not to share their bank account information.