Job description
United Nations University (UNU)
The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organisation within the United Nations System. UNU engages in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations. The work of UNU contributes to solving pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.
For the past five decades, UNU has been a source of impartial research on sustainability, human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers working at institutes in 12 countries, UNU's expertise spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit http://unu.edu
About Office/Institute
The United Nations University โ Maastricht Economic and Social Research Institute on Innovation and Technology (UNU-MERIT) contributes to UNUโs mission through high-quality research and education in the fields of innovation, development, and public policy. It aims to contribute to a better understanding of complex global challenges and how to govern them, from its core expertise, to help create a world where societies champion well-being and inclusive sustainable development. Close Collaboration with Maastricht University The UNUโMERIT Institute and the INSPIRE department of the School of Business and Economics (SBE) of Maastricht University work together in the UNU-UM Collaboration, which goes by the brand name UNU-MERIT, through a joint strategic plan and integrated activities. Taken together, UNUโMERIT is currently one of the largest UNU institutes, counting some 40 full-time academic staff, about 30 in-house PhD fellows and 90 MSc students, following the UM-UNU dual degree MSc programme on Public Policy and Human Development. In addition to the degree programs, UNU-MERIT engages in capacity building activities for professionals working in innovation, development and public policy.
Responsibilities
The Digital Communications Officerโs responsibilities include the following:
Digital and Editorial Communications
Oversee the maintenance and strategic development of UNU-MERITโs website, in close coordination with internal teams and UNUโs global web infrastructure.
Draft, edit, and coordinate institutional communications materials, including blogs, news items, policy briefs, and editorial outputs.
Ensure quality control and brand consistency across all public-facing materials, including internal layouts and visual assets.
Liaise with the UNU global communications team and UM SBE communications office to align messaging, campaigns, and institutional updates.
2. Social Media Management and Campaign Execution
Develop and implement multi-platform social media campaigns (LinkedIn, X, Instagram), including asset creation, scheduling, and analytics.
Support the promotion of research outputs, institutional milestones, and global initiatives (e.g., UN Observances) through targeted digital storytelling.
Assist in coordinating digital strategies for student recruitment, particularly for the Master of Public Policy, PhD, and professional training programmes.
3. Institutional Visibility and Network Engagement
Serve as the main contact for UNU-MERIT on internal communications platforms (e.g., UMployee), ensuring visibility within the wider UM network.
Support internal coordination and content-sharing across research groups, education programmes, and strategic projects.
Provide communications guidance to student ambassadors and contribute to alumni outreach in collaboration with the KMU team.
4. Event Communication and Outreach Support
Assist in communications planning and execution for outward-facing events (public lectures, partner visits, UN engagements). promotional materials and digital visibility for internal Institute-wide events and academic conferences.
5. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor
Key Performance Indicators
Effective management and timely updates of the MERIT and UM websites.
Successful collaboration and communication with the SBE comms team and other internal stakeholders.
Enhanced visibility and engagement through well-managed content on internal platforms and student newsletters.
Significant contribution to student recruitment efforts and accurate portrayal of educational programs.
Strong coordination with UNU HQ for global communications outreach.
Effective support and guidance for student initiatives in communications
High-quality content creation and meticulous proofreading lead to error-free and impactful communications.
Competencies
Values:
Inclusion โ take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity
Integrity โ act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards
Humility โ demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others
Humanity โ act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet
Behaviours:
Connect and collaborate โ build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
Analyse and plan โ seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
Deliver results with positive impact โ hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
Learn and develop โ pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
Adapt and innovate โ demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways
Qualifications
1) Education and certification
Masterโs degree or equivalent in Communications, Public Policy, International Relations, Development Studies, or a related field.
A bachelorโs degree in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of a Masterโs degree.
2) Required skills and experience
Minimum of two (2) yearsโ relevant work experience (with a Bachelorโs degree) in communications, preferably within international organisations, academic institutions, or policy environments.
Proven ability to produce and edit high-quality written content for diverse audiences and formats.
Proficiency in digital communications, including CMS (e.g., Drupal), social media management tools, and graphic editing software.
Strong interpersonal and organisational skills; ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
Familiarity with the UN system, global development agendas, and the academic policy interface is a distinct advantage.
3) Language Requirements:
Fluency in English (written and spoken) and Fluency in Dutch is desirable
Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.
Remuneration
The successful candidate will be employed under PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days annual leave and a health insurance scheme.
UNU is not liable for any taxes that may be levied on the remuneration you receive under this contract. Payment of any such taxes remains the sole responsibility of PSA holders.
Duration of contract
The duration of the initial contract is 1 year. This is Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The combined duration on a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years.
Starting date
Immediate
How to Apply
To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:
Apply via the apply link;
fill out the UNU P11 Form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and
answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.
You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.
Application Deadline
07 September 2025
Submissions must be received by [23.59 CET] on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks, and references.
Special Notice
PSA holders are neither โstaff membersโ under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations nor โofficialsโ for the purpose of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations (1946). They are subject to the Rector's authority and may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University. The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that advertised. UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply and become part of the organisation. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. Eligible internal applicants are also encouraged to apply. UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. If you have supervisory function, you need to have awareness on gender related issues.
Information about UNU rosters
UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Scam Warning
UNU does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.
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