ASSOCIATE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThe Associate Communications Officer maintains relationships with management in their entity, with other Communications specialists in the organization, with managers in other functional areas and with staff to provide and clarify information, to exchange information, to plan and coordinate communication activities, to seek guidance; to support reporting efforts, provide updates on activities, to discuss communications support to other functional areas, to support the Crisis Management Team, when required, and to support training activities in the area of communications, as necessary. The Associate Communications Officer also maintains external relationships with counterparts in United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, government officials, civil society representative and local community representatives, digital/community influencers, vendors, media and think tanks, and academia to support building and managing partners, consult and coordinate activities, exchange information and best practices, coordinate activities to strengthen information integrity, if needed, support organizing events and campaigns. Typically, the Associate Communications Officer will report to the Chief of Strategic Communications and/or Chief of Unit or Department, according to the structure. ResponsibilitiesContribute to gathering insights and analysis from traditional, social, and digital media monitoring, including public narratives and areas of reputational risk to inform communications strategy. Contribute to the implementation of communications strategies that raise awareness, drive engagement, build support and have measurable impact with target audiences. Contribute to drafting narratives and messaging on the work of the UN that engage target audiences across different channels and platforms. Contribute to media mapping and fostering relationships with media outlets. Contribute to the planning and coordination of press conferences, briefings, and media events. Contribute to the creation of compelling content that is optimized to reach target audiences across a range of platforms and channels. Contribute to the drafting and production of communications products, such as press releases, press statements, web stories, reports, and infographics. Contribute to the development and implementation of communications campaigns that engage and have measurable impact with target audiences through appropriate channels and platforms. Contribute to development and coordination of strategic communications partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to reach target audiences and maximize impact. Contribute to the delivery of in-person outreach and advocacy strategies and campaigns to engage target audiences and advance UN priorities Contribute to the creation of content, interviews, news and programming for UN and/or community radio channels and podcasts. Assist in the preparation of reporting and inputs for strategic communications in the context of regular reporting to governmental bodies. Keep abreast of the latest trends in communications and maintain expertise in relevant and emerging technologies. Maintain confidentiality, integrity, and discreet handling of sensitive information in compliance with the UN data privacy, security requirements, and standards. Contribute to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: Demonstrates knowledge of strategic communications principles and practices. Demonstrates knowledge of risks to information integrity - misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, and threats in fragile, post conflict, and crisis environments. Demonstrates ability to develop and implement communications strategies. Demonstrates ability to draft and tailor clear messages for diverse audiences. Demonstrates skills to conduct research such as systematic data collection and analysis of information from various sources. Demonstrates knowledge of current and emerging digital media platforms, their principles and technologies. Demonstrates the ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and proficiency in 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. 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. 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. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, digital communications or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in communications, international relations, or other relevant areas is required. Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, either English or French is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).