Communications Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. The UN's mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations, and it plays a crucial role in addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN Development System, which includes various agencies, funds, and programs, aims to support countries in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). The UN Resident Coordinator Offices (RCO) are integral to this mission, providing leadership and coordination for development efforts at the country level. The UN RCO in Caracas, Venezuela, is tasked with supporting the country's development priorities and facilitating the achievement of the SDGs. The office operates under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator, who is the highest-ranking UN official in the country and represents the Secretary-General. The UN RCO collaborates with various stakeholders, including government officials, civil society, and the private sector, to foster partnerships and mobilize resources for development initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Communications Officer position is critical for enhancing the visibility and understanding of the UN's work in Venezuela. This role involves developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies that align with the UN's objectives and effectively engage target audiences. The Communications Officer will work closely with the UN Resident Coordinator and the Country Team to set communication and advocacy priorities. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for communication, managing crises, and addressing reputational risks. The officer will also be responsible for monitoring media narratives and public perceptions, providing insights that inform strategic communications. This role demands creativity in crafting compelling narratives and messaging that resonate across various channels, including traditional media, social media, and digital platforms. The Communications Officer will also coordinate outreach and advocacy activities, ensuring that the UN's priorities are effectively communicated to diverse stakeholders, including government officials, civil society representatives, and the media.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communications Officer will undertake a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: developing and implementing communication strategies that raise awareness and drive engagement; providing analysis and advice on strategic communications issues; drafting narratives and messaging for various audiences; conducting media outreach and fostering relationships with media outlets; coordinating joint outreach and advocacy activities with internal and external stakeholders; managing crisis communications and reputational risks; creating and managing content for digital platforms; monitoring media coverage and public narratives; organizing events and meetings to engage staff and stakeholders; and developing media relations strategies to shape public perceptions of the UN's work. The officer will also be responsible for preparing reports on communications outcomes and trends, advising senior management on communication plans, and ensuring timely responses to media inquiries.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong background in communications, with a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in development communications, public information, or journalism. Experience in politically sensitive contexts and complex humanitarian settings is essential, as is the ability to provide quality communications advice to senior officials. Candidates should demonstrate critical thinking skills, knowledge of media monitoring tools, and the ability to develop and implement effective communications strategies. Strong writing and presentation skills are also required, along with the ability to tailor messages for diverse audiences. Previous experience in crisis management communications is desirable, as is familiarity with the Latin America and Caribbean region.

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 in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background ensures that candidates have the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to excel in the role of Communications Officer.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience, with a focus on development communications and advocacy, public information, or journalism. Candidates should have at least one year of experience working in politically sensitive and complex humanitarian contexts, providing communications advice to senior officials. Experience in crisis management communications and familiarity with the Latin America and Caribbean region is highly desirable, as it equips candidates with the insights needed to navigate the unique challenges of the role.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Spanish is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another UN official language is considered an advantage. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'Fluent' in all four areas (reading, speaking, writing, and understanding), while knowledge is rated as 'Confident' in two of the four areas. This linguistic proficiency is essential for effective communication within the UN and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The appointment for this position is open for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension based on funding availability. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance in its staff and strongly encourages female candidates to apply. Internal applicants must ensure that all fields in their application are completed and up-to-date, as this information is crucial for assessing eligibility and suitability. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. Reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities upon request.