COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThe Communications Officer establishes and maintains relationships with senior management in her/his entity, with other Communications specialists in the organization, managers in other functional areas in the same entity, with a Crisis Management team when activated, and with staff to provide and clarify specific or thematic information, to exchange information, to seek guidance, provide updates on activities, coordinate communication activities, to discuss communications support to other functional areas, 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 representatives and local community representatives, artists, creative content producers, digital/community influencers digital media platforms, vendors, information media, think tanks, and academia to build and manage partnerships, exchange information and best practices, align messaging, consult on and coordinate activities, request information on new services and tools, strengthen information integrity, when required, and organize events and promote the work of the United Nations. Typically, the Communications Officer will report to the Chief of Section or Division, or Chief of Strategic Communications and/or to the Mission leadership, according to the Section's structure. ResponsibilitiesProvide analysis and advice to the management and/or UN colleagues on strategic communications issues such as opportunities for proactive communications, building support, managing crises and reputational risks, and strengthening information integrity. Provide insights and analysis from traditional, social, and digital media monitoring, including public narratives and areas of reputational risk to inform communications strategy. Develop and implement communications strategies that raise awareness, drive engagement, build support and have measurable impact with target audiences. Draft compelling narratives and messaging on the work of the UN that engage target audiences across different channels and platforms. Conduct mapping, outreach to and foster relationships with traditional and new media outlets. Develop media lines, including in crisis situations and on sensitive issues. Plan and coordinate press conferences, briefings, and media events. Act as a spokesperson for the organization, when required. Draft and produce communications products, such as press releases, press statements, web stories, reports, and infographics. Develop and implement compelling communications campaigns that engage and have measurable impact with target audiences through appropriate channels and platforms. Develop strategic communications partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to reach target audiences and maximize impact. Create content, conduct interviews and present news and programming for UN and/or community radio channels and podcasts. Create and update policy, guidance and/or training related to strategic communications, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders. 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. Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provides insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. Manage and coordinate the activities of the team, including hiring, training, assigning tasks and responsibilities, evaluating performance, and ensuring that deadlines are met. Plan and manage required resources to implement the responsibilities, projects, and activities. Provide guidance to team members to promote professional development and a positive team culture. 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. 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. MANAGING PERFORMANCE: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority. Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member. Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills. Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines. Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff. Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative. Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff. Appraises performance fairly. 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 seven 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).