COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThe UN Secretary-General launched on 1 January 2019 a bold and new global reform which repositioned the UN Development System to deliver more effectively and efficiently with the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. As part of this reform, UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), under the leadership of an empowered and independent UN Resident Coordinator - the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System and Representative of the UN Secretary-General at country level - support countries in the achievement of their development priorities and the attainment of the SDG's. The Communications Officer establishes and maintains relationships with management in her/his entity, with other Communications specialists in the organization, managers in other functional areas in the same entity, with the Crisis Management team, when applicable, and with staff to provide and clarify information, provide specific or thematic information, to exchange information, to plan and coordinate communication activities, to provide guidance and discuss communications support to other functional areas, to participate and support in the Crisis Management Team, and to share information with staff, as necessary. The Communications Officer also establishes external relationships with counterparts in United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, government officials, civil society representative and local community representatives, artists, creative content producers, digital/community influencers, social media platforms and other digital media platforms, vendors, media and think tanks, and academia to build partnerships, exchange information and best practices, align messaging, request information on new services and tools, strengthen information integrity, if needed, organize events and outreach activities, and mobilize resources. The Communications Officer is responsible for conducting a wide range of tasks. Depending on the organizational setting, these may include developing and implementing communications strategies, crisis communications, media relations and monitoring, digital campaigns and analytics, internal communications, outreach, and advocacy. THIS IS A FIXED TERM LIMITED POSITION. The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Maputo, Mozambique and reports to the Senior Development Coordination Officer, Strategic Planning and RCO Team Leader. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the incumbent, will perform the following duties: 1. Provide insights and analysis from traditional, social, and digital media monitoring, including public narratives and areas of reputational risk to inform communications strategy. 2. Contribute to the development and implementation of communications strategies that raise awareness, drive engagement, build support and have measurable impact with target audiences. 3. Draft compelling narratives and messaging on the work of the UN that engage target audiences across different channels and platforms. 4. Conduct mapping, outreach to and foster relationships with traditional and new media outlets. 5. Participate in the development of media lines, including in crisis situations and on sensitive issues. 6. Plan and coordinate press conferences, briefings, and media events. 7. Act as a spokesperson for the organization, when required. 8. Create compelling content that is optimized to reach target audiences across a range of platforms and channels. 9. Draft and produce communications products, such as press releases, press statements, web stories, reports, and infographics. 10. Participate in the creation of compelling communications campaigns that engage and have measurable impact with target audiences through appropriate channels and platforms. 11. Participate in the development and delivery of in-person outreach and advocacy strategies and campaigns to engage target audiences and advance UN priorities. 12. Participate in the development and delivery of in-person outreach and advocacy strategies and campaigns to engage target audiences and advance UN priorities. 13. Create content, conduct interviews and present news and programming for UN and/or community radio channels and podcasts. 14. Contribute to the creation and updating of policy guidance and/or training related to strategic communications, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders. 15. Serve as focal point on policy and reporting and prepare inputs for strategic communications in the context of regular reporting to governmental bodies. 16. Keep abreast of the latest trends in communications and maintain expertise in relevant and emerging technologies. 17. Maintain confidentiality, integrity, and discreet handling of sensitive information in compliance with the UN data privacy, security requirements, and standards. 18. Monitor, analyze and report on communications approaches, activities and strategies to assess their performance and effectiveness. 19. Collect and analyze data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables, and report using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation, and reporting. 20. Ensures that requirements, background information used for data analysis are documented. 21. Performs other related tasks as assigned. CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: Demonstrates the ability to deliver high-quality, creative, and impactful work aligned with the standards and values of the United Nations. Applies digital tools and data analysis to inform communication strategies and support evidence-based decision-making. Maintains a strong results orientation, meets deadlines reliably, and addresses challenges with efficiency and integrity. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Continuously seeks to improve performance by staying current with evolving trends, tools, and best practices, particularly in the field of communication. Shows adaptability in responding to shifting priorities, global events, or crises, ensuring timely and appropriate messaging across diverse platforms and audiences. Upholds the principles of inclusivity and gender equality by integrating gender perspectives into all aspects of communication. Ensures balanced representation and active participation of women and men, contributing to communication efforts that reflect the UN’s commitment to equity, diversity, and human rights. 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. CREATIVITY: Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks \"outside the box\"; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, digital communications or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of 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 an advantage. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience demonstrating Knowledge in strategic communications principles and practices is required. Demonstrated ability to develop and implement communications strategies is desirable. Demonstrated skills to communicate complex and technical matters to diverse audiences is desirable. Work experience of two (2) years or more in data analytics or related area is desirable Work experience as communication officer in an international or multinational organization, in particular as communication adviser of Senior officials is desirable. Work experience in developing communication content and managing social media and digital communication is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Portuguese 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).