Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the United Nations Office for Partnerships (UN Partnerships). Guided by the priorities of the UN Secretary-General, UN Partnerships is the gateway to the UN system to connect and co-create partnerships to deliver solutions to reach everyone, everywhere. In its role as a connector, UN Partnerships proactively engages, convenes and leverages stakeholders, initiatives and solutions in support of the Decade of Action to keep the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). UN Partnerships oversees the UN Fund for International Partnerships (UNFIP), the UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF), and the SDG Advocates programme. The incumbent will support all initiatives of the UN Partnerships and report to the Chief of Service for Global Advocacy and Outreach and work closely with other members of the team.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Communications Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
- Takes the lead in strategy, planning, development and implementation of large, complex communications campaigns (e.g. speeches, social media presence, global promotion initiatives, public information programmes for a region, broad-reaching subject specific issues, etc.); where appropriate, works with departments, funds and agencies to develop ways to implement campaigns system-wide and to incorporate the campaign message and themes into all relevant events and products.
- Identifies sources and seeks funding and other assistance for major campaigns.
- Provides advice and expertise to managers, senior officers and other public information staff on a range of public affairs issues, methods, and approaches; anticipates and resolves communications/public relations issues/problems. Contribute to the formulation of policy and communications to UN leadership on SG priorities.
- Develops strategic partnerships with key constituencies to elicit support for and maximize impact of promotional objectives; serves as a spokesperson/principal liaison to media organizations, governmental bodies, national groups, private sector organizations, educational organizations, international organizations, etc. Liaise with Secretariat departments, UN agencies, members of civil society, the private sector and others to produce speeches and other materials that are persuasive, politically sound and factually accurate.
- Prepares or oversees preparation of a diverse range of information communications products, speeches, social media content and reports in support of major campaign initiatives.
- Writes complex material for UN newsletters, periodicals, reports and books and edits drafts prepared by junior officers.
- Evaluates results and impact of communications activities; reports on developments, trends and attitudes regarding the UN.
- Represents the institution in meetings and conferences; fulfills speaking engagements and makes presentations to groups on UN activities and advocate issues of concern; organizes media coverage and arranges for media contacts, briefings, interviews; organizes seminars, lectures, conferences, public events on major issues and events concerning the organization.
- Builds information networks; plans and oversees maintenance of publicly accessible information materials on the United Nations; manage and create content for office websites; designs and implements social media strategies; plans and develops outreach activities.
- Manages publications programme; produces materials for print/electronic/voice/visual media. Write and edit a wide range of materials for the UNOP leadership and others, including speeches, remarks, op-ed articles, video messages, talking points, press statements, talking points and background notes on issues that cover the full spectrum of the United Nations agenda.
- Consults with UN leadership, Department of Global Communications and the Spokesman’s office on the form and content of speeches and other materials, in line with the Secretary-General's vision and the Organization' s communications strategy.
- Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
Competencies
- PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of different aspects of public information and communication. Ability to address a range of issues in the context of political developments, public attitudes and local conditions. Ability to conceptualize, design and implement major information campaigns. Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships. Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style. Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
- COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
- PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.
Education
- An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
- A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area is required.
- Experience in strategic communications and public information, including writing high-impact speeches, briefing notes, and talking points for senior leadership and public figures is required.
- Experience in designing and implementing complex, multi-platform communications campaigns, including content creation for digital, print, and social media channels is required.
- Experience in managing and creating content for websites and social media with expertise in using data and analytics for content strategy, is required.
- Experience collaborating with partners to develop and deliver compelling global campaigns that drive engagement and help secure funding for key projects and initiatives is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required; Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.
Application instructions
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