Communications and Advocacy Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development System was reformed on January 1, 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 this reform, led by an empowered UN Resident Coordinator who represents the UN Secretary-General at the country level. The organization aims to support countries in achieving their development priorities and the SDGs, operating in various countries worldwide with a focus on collaboration and partnership.

Job Overview:
The Communications and Advocacy Officer is responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships with various stakeholders, including management, other communications specialists, and external partners such as UN agencies, government officials, and civil society representatives. This role involves developing and implementing communication strategies that raise awareness and drive engagement, drafting narratives and messaging, and creating compelling content for different platforms. The officer will also participate in crisis management, organize events, and mobilize resources to support UN priorities. The position requires a proactive approach to communication, ensuring that the UN's work is effectively communicated to target audiences and that the organization's messaging is aligned across various channels.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide insights and analysis from media monitoring to inform communications strategy.
• Develop and implement communications strategies that engage target audiences.
• Draft narratives and messaging for various 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 target audiences.
• Produce communications products like press releases and reports. 1
• Participate in outreach and advocacy strategies. 1
• Create content for UN and community radio channels. 1
• Update policy guidance related to strategic communications. 1
• Monitor and report on communications strategies' effectiveness. 1
• Analyze data to identify trends and provide insights for decision-making.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess skills in developing creative content and knowledge of digital designs. They should be able to analyze and interpret data to support decision-making and convey information effectively. A commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation is essential. Candidates should demonstrate professionalism, effective communication, and teamwork skills, showing the ability to work collaboratively and value others' ideas.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, digital communications, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Completion of programs in data analytics or related fields is advantageous.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications is required. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to develop and implement communications strategies and communicate complex matters to diverse audiences. Experience in data analytics or related areas is desirable, with at least two years preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English is required for this position. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, understanding), while knowledge is rated as 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Notes:
This is a fixed-term limited position for an initial period of one year, with extensions subject to funding availability. The position is open to nationals of Papua New Guinea only, and candidates residing elsewhere may be considered if no suitable local candidates are identified. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its recruitment process.