Communications 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 has undergone significant reforms 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 meet their development priorities and goals, led by an independent UN Resident Coordinator who is the highest-ranking UN official 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 Communications Officer position is pivotal in establishing and maintaining relationships with senior management and other communications specialists within the UN organization. This role involves coordinating communication activities, especially during crises, and providing thematic information to various stakeholders. The officer will also engage with external partners, including government officials, civil society representatives, and media outlets, to build partnerships and align messaging. The position requires a strategic approach to communications, focusing on raising awareness and driving engagement with target audiences. The Communications Officer will be responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies that have measurable impacts, managing crisis communications, and creating compelling content across various platforms. This role is essential for ensuring that the UN's work is effectively communicated and understood by diverse audiences, thereby supporting the organization's mission and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide analysis and advice on strategic communications issues, including proactive communications and crisis management.
• Monitor traditional, social, and digital media to inform communications strategies.
• Develop and implement communications strategies to raise awareness and engage target audiences.
• Coordinate crisis communications responses with stakeholders at various levels.
• Draft narratives and messaging for different channels.
• Develop media lines and ensure timely updates on sensitive issues.
• Foster relationships with media outlets and conduct outreach.
• Plan and coordinate press conferences and media events.
• Create optimized content for various platforms. 1
• Produce communications products such as press releases and reports. 1
• Implement communications campaigns with measurable impacts. 1
• Collaborate with stakeholders for joint outreach activities. 1
• Create content for UN and community radio channels. 1
• Prepare inputs for strategic communications reporting. 1
• Stay updated on communications trends and technologies. 1
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity in handling sensitive information. 1
• Monitor and analyze communications strategies for effectiveness. 1
• Use data visualization methods to present insights. 1
• Develop digital communication strategies to engage target audiences. 2
• Manage content for websites and social media channels.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications. They should have a proven ability to develop and implement communications partnership strategies. Knowledge of media monitoring tools and experience with data visualization tools are desirable. Candidates should exhibit strong analytical skills and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve organizational goals. The role requires a proactive approach to communications and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, sustainable development, social sciences, education, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Successful completion of programs in data analytics or business analytics is an advantage.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications principles and practices. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in developing and implementing communications strategies and partnerships, as well as familiarity with media monitoring and data visualization tools.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English and Spanish is required for this position. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage. The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French, and 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 period 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 availability of funding. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Internal candidates will retain their current appointment status if selected. The UN does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.