Communication Support Specialist for DRR Initiative

Result of ServiceThe Western Balkans DRR Initiative is supported with high quality communication materials and its visibility is enhanced according to the expectations of the donor and the implementer. The UNDRR ROECA Office is provided with concrete support for overall communication efforts and DRR visibility, with a specific focus on Western Balkans. Work LocationHome-based Expected duration01/09/25 - 28/02/26 Duties and ResponsibilitiesCreated in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of efforts to reduce disasters and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in both developed and less developed countries. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG/ASG), UNDRR has over 150 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices. UNDRR guides, monitors, analyses, and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030. It supports regional and national implementation of the Framework and catalyzes action and increases global awareness to reduce disaster risk working with UN Member States and a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians and the science and technology community. United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of efforts to reduce disaster risk and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations. Specifically, UNDRR guides, monitors, analyses, and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, supports local and national implementation of the Framework and catalyzes action and increases global awareness to reduce disaster risk. The key focus of the consultancy is communication support for the Strengthening Transboundary Collaboration and Capacities on Disaster Risk Reduction and Early Warning System in the Western Balkans initiative (Western Balkans DRR initiative) currently implemented by UNDRR with the financial support of the AICS in order to strengthen disaster and climate resilience in the three countries of the sub-region. Under the overall supervision of the Chief of the Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, and in close collaboration with the Programme Management Officer of the Western Balkans Initiative and the Programme Management Officer in charge of external relations, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities: - Strengthen DRR information and awareness raising in Western Balkans through communications, development of advocacy materials and communication-related events, such as International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction. - Support visibility and communication-related actions of the Western Balkan DRR Initiative, preparing written articles and social media content in both English and local languages; identifying media platforms for regional audiences, support the visibility of activities undertaken as part of the initiative. - Support basic formatting and design of documents. - Develop thematic and annual reports related to the Initiative. - Support social media activities including basic design of social cards and drafting of messages. - Contributes to UNDRR ROECA Office overall communication-related efforts, including on advocacy. - Support basic video footage gathering (eg. Short interview clips on a mobile phone) and basic editing. - Contribute to advancing risk communication portfolio in the region such as adaptation and dissemination of Stop Disaster Game. - Supports the planning of a visibility event for the initiative and other initiatives related events. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Communications, Journalism, Development Studies, International Relations, Social Sciences, or related area is required. A first-level university degree in combination with at least two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum 3 years of experience in journalism or public relations and communications, including social media and other digital media management is required. Experience in Microsoft Office Google Workspace is required. Experience in Canva, Adobe InDesign, Mailchimp, Basic Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator is desirable. Experience with the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, disaster risk reduction, and climate change adaptation is desirable. Experience in developing innovative and effective social media campaigns, including using data for storytelling and publishing stories and editing content is desirable. Experience with communication work for the UN or similar international organization is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post fluency in English is required. Knowledge of one the following languages: Serbian, North Macedonian or Albanian is required. Additional InformationDue to the high volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.