Associate Communications Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Development System was restructured on January 1, 2019, under the leadership of the UN Secretary-General 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, supporting countries in their development priorities and the attainment of the SDGs. The UN RCO in Bosnia and Herzegovina coordinates the work of various UN entities under the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSCDF), which outlines operational activities for the partnership between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the UN. Currently, 12 resident and 6 non-resident UN entities contribute to the UNSDCF outcomes, and a new UNSCDF for 2026-2030 is under development.

Job Overview:
The Associate Communications Officer position is integral to the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The role involves maintaining relationships with management, other communications specialists, and various stakeholders to facilitate effective communication strategies. The officer will support reporting efforts, provide updates on activities, and assist in training related to communications. The position also requires external engagement with UN agencies, government officials, civil society, and media to build partnerships and coordinate activities. The officer will play a key role in identifying and disseminating best practices and success stories, as well as leading communications initiatives that leverage innovative solutions, including ethical AI usage.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Associate Communications Officer will perform a wide range of duties, including gathering insights from media monitoring to inform communication strategies, implementing campaigns that engage target audiences, drafting narratives and messaging, and fostering relationships with media outlets. Responsibilities also include planning press events, acting as a spokesperson, creating optimized content for various platforms, and developing communications products like press releases and reports. The officer will coordinate strategic communications partnerships, deliver outreach strategies, and create content for UN and community radio channels. Additionally, the officer will maintain confidentiality, analyze communication strategies, and contribute to data-driven planning and reporting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess critical thinking skills, creativity in content development, and the ability to analyze data for decision-making. Professionalism is essential, as is the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines. The role requires effective communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment. The officer should demonstrate a commitment to gender perspectives and inclusivity in all areas of work.

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 two years of progressively responsible experience in developing and implementing communications strategies is required. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to communicate complex matters to diverse audiences and possess excellent drafting and editorial skills. Experience in multimedia production and data analytics is desirable, as is experience working in large international organizations like the UN.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian is required for this position. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered 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 the possibility of extension subject to funding availability. The position is open to nationals of Bosnia and Herzegovina only, and candidates residing outside the country may be considered if no suitable local candidates are found. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. All applicants must follow the online application process and provide accurate information regarding their qualifications.