Communication and Advocacy 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, and to address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN Development System was reformed in 2019 to enhance its effectiveness in achieving the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO) play a crucial role in supporting countries to achieve their development priorities and the SDGs, led by an empowered UN Resident Coordinator who represents the UN Secretary-General at the country level. The UN operates in numerous countries worldwide, employing thousands of staff members dedicated to various missions and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Communication and Advocacy Officer is responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships with various stakeholders, including management, other communications specialists, and external partners. This role involves providing insights and analysis from media monitoring to inform communication strategies, developing and implementing these strategies to raise awareness and engage target audiences. The officer will draft compelling narratives and messaging, conduct outreach to media outlets, and participate in the development of media lines, especially during crises. The position requires the creation of content optimized for various platforms, drafting communications products, and engaging in outreach and advocacy strategies to advance UN priorities. The officer will also monitor and analyze communications approaches to assess their effectiveness and maintain expertise in emerging technologies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide insights and analysis from media monitoring to inform communications strategy.
• Develop and implement communications strategies to raise awareness and drive engagement.
• Draft narratives and messaging for target audiences across channels.
• Foster relationships with media outlets.
• Develop media lines for crisis situations.
• Plan and coordinate press events.
• Act as a spokesperson when required.
• Create optimized content for various platforms.
• Produce communications products like press releases and reports. 1
• Engage in strategic communications partnerships. 1
• Develop outreach and advocacy strategies. 1
• Create content for UN radio channels and podcasts. 1
• Update policy guidance related to strategic communications. 1
• Serve as focal point for policy and reporting. 1
• Monitor communications trends and maintain expertise in technologies. 1
• Handle sensitive information with confidentiality. 1
• Analyze communications strategies for effectiveness. 1
• Use data visualization methods for reporting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess critical thinking skills, creativity in content development, and knowledge of digital design. They should demonstrate professionalism, efficiency, and a commitment to gender perspectives in their work. The ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both in writing and verbally, is essential. Candidates should also be able to plan and organize their work effectively, adjusting priorities as needed and using time efficiently.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, digital communications, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in developing and implementing communications strategies is required. Candidates should have at least two years of experience with media monitoring tools and the ability to communicate complex matters to diverse audiences. Experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable, as is knowledge of risks to information integrity in fragile environments.

Languages:
Fluency in both French and English is required for this position, with knowledge of another official UN language being an advantage. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding).

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term limited position with an initial appointment of one year, subject to availability of funds and budgetary approval. The position may be renewed based on the continued existence of the mandate and funding availability. The UN encourages applications from underrepresented member states and is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities may be provided upon request.