Background Information - Job-specific
The Global Portfolios Office (GPO) comprises the New York Portfolios Office, the Geneva Office (hosted partnerships and the Water, Environment and Climate team - WEC - in Vienna).
The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) works across the globe. It brings together:
- The New York Portfolios Office, including the Sustainable Development Cluster and the Peace and Security Cluster
- The Geneva Office, including hosted engagements, the Water, Environment and Climate (WEC) team based in Vienna, and other global programmes.
The office harnesses the collective expertise, resources, and networks of our Geneva and New York offices and the WEC team to amplify our impact globally in support of UNOPS strategic priorities and SDGs, ensure a streamlined approach to global programmes, and promote collaboration and communication with country offices.
The office works closely with major global partners and benefits from close links with the Geneva Liaison Office and the New York Board and External Relations Office.
We implement projects in over 130 countries on diverse thematics:
- Sustainable development
- Climate action and energy
- Health
- Peace & security
- Humanitarian leadership and people's displacement
The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.
*** Duty Station: The organizational unit is in New York, U.S.A. but we will consider accepting applicants willing to be based in one of the following duty stations: New York-U.S.A, or Geneva-Switzerland, or Vienna-Austria, or Copenhagen-Denmark. Functional Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the GPO Director, and in coordination with the GPO senior management team as required, the Communications Specialist will have the following key responsibilities:
- Positioning of the GPO portfolio and related initiatives
- Management and implementation of external communications
Positioning of the GPO portfolio and related initiatives
Contribute to the development, implementation and monitoring of the GPO Communications strategy, ensuring alignment with the GPO strategy and UNOPS priorities. Assist with identifying priority audiences and mapping relevant stakeholders. Support reputational positioning efforts by preparing background briefs and communications materials for senior leadership. Assist in aligning messaging with cross-organizational communication guidance. Management and implementation of external communications
Support the development of communication materials and campaigns, including coordination of events and digital outreach activities. Coordinate digital content dissemination and assist with media outreach in collaboration with the Communications Group. Assist in preparing the GPO Director and senior management for public engagements by drafting remarks, talking points, and supporting content. Support media relations efforts by coordinating responses and assisting with drafting materials under the guidance of the Communications Group. Work closely with the Communication Group to ensure that various high-level communications are provided to the GPO Director and Senior Management. The role may include the provision of supervisory guidance and technical support to junior communications personnel, consultants, or interns, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and UNOPS communication standards as needed. Internal communication and knowledge management
Coordinate internal communication updates and maintain content on platforms such as the intranet and UNOPS.org. Facilitate information sharing and knowledge exchange across GPO teams. Assist with the collection and packaging of lessons learned and best practices. Partnership development and outreach
Support GPO senior management with partnership activities, including background research, drafting communications materials, and tracking opportunities. Help ensure consistent communication with partners and support the preparation of content related to partnership engagement. Contribute to the preparation of the GPO partnerships report and related outreach products. Education/Experience/Language requirements
*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY*
Education:
Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent), preferably in Communications, Journalism, Public Administration, Economics, International Development, Political Science, International Relations or in a field related to the post description with at least five (5) years of relevant experience is required; OR. First-level university degree (Bachelor's or equivalent) preferably in Communications, Journalism, Public Administration, Economics, International Development, Political Science, International Relations or in a field related to the post description with at least seven (7) years of relevant experience is desirable. Required Work Experience:
Relevant experience must include supporting the development and implementation of communication strategies, public information, media engagement, and/or partnership initiatives. Demonstrated experience in communication for development, partnership coordination, and/or support to project or portfolio development. Desired Experience (The following experience is optional. Candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply):
Experience in communications related to GPO’s core thematic areas (e.g., Climate, Health, Peace & Security, Sustainable Development, Digital/Innovation) is an asset. Experience in the private sector, especially in roles related to communications, strategy, or operations, is also beneficial. Experience supporting media relations, media content development, or assisting with media strategies is an advantage. Prior exposure to the United Nations system, international cooperation, or multilateral organizations is desirable. Familiarity with project coordination, technical assistance, or capacity-building activities is an asset. Work experience in a media or journalism environment is an advantage. Experience working in multicultural teams is an asset. Language Requirements:
Fluency in English (read, write, speak) is required. Fluency in another UN languages is an asset. Competencies
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground. Contract type, level and duration
Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA)
Contract level: International Individual Contractor Agreement (I-ICA 2 / ICSC10)
Contract duration: Open-ended (renewable subject to funds availability and satisfactory performance) *** Duty Station: The organizational unit is in New York, U.S.A. but we will consider accepting applicants willing to be based in one of the following duty stations: New York-U.S.A, or Geneva-Switzerland, or Vienna-Austria, or Copenhagen-Denmark.
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
Additional Information
Terms and Conditions
All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda. It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.