Associate Communications Officer

Responsabilités

Org. Setting and Reporting: The 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 SDGs. The Associate Communications Officer maintains relationships with management in their entity, with other Communications specialists in the organization, with managers in other functional areas and with staff to provide and clarify information, to exchange information, to plan and coordinate communication and advocacy activities, to seek guidance; to support reporting efforts, provide updates on activities, to discuss communications support to other functional areas, to support the Crisis Management Team, when required, and to support training activities in the area of communications, as necessary. The Associate Communications Officer also maintains external relationships with counterparts in United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, government officials, development partners, civil society representatives and local community representatives, digital/community influencers, vendors, media and think tanks, and academia to support building and managing partners, consult and coordinate activities, exchange information and best practices, coordinate activities to strengthen information integrity, if needed, support organizing events and campaigns. The Associate Communications Officer will contribute to crafting clear, timely and evidence-based messaging on humanitarian needs, preparedness and response, in coordination with UN agencies and humanitarian partners, to raise awareness, support resource mobilisation and communicate the needs and priorities of affected communities, consistent with humanitarian principles. The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) in Lilongwe, Malawi and reports to the Head of RCO. Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: 1. Contribute to gathering 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 implementation of communications strategies that raise awareness, drive engagement, change behaviour, build support and have measurable impact with target audiences. 3. Contribute to the drafting narratives and messaging on the work of the UN that engage target audiences across different channels and platforms. 4. Contribute to media mapping, reaching out to and fostering relationships with traditional and new media outlets. 5. Contribute to the development of media lines, including in crisis situations and on sensitive issues. 6. Contribute to the drafting and production of communications products, such as press releases, press statements, web stories, reports, and infographics. 7. Contribute to the development and implementation of communications campaigns that engage and have measurable impact with target audiences through appropriate channels and platforms. 8. Contribute to the development and coordination of strategic communications partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to reach target audiences and maximize impact. 9. Contribute to the creation of content, interviews, news and programming for UN and/or community radio channels and podcasts. 10. Contribute to the creation and updating of policy, guidance and/or training related to strategic communications, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders. 11. Keep abreast of the latest trends in communications and maintain expertise in relevant and emerging technologies. 12. Maintain confidentiality, integrity, and discreet handling of sensitive information in compliance with the UN data privacy, security requirements, and standards. 13. Monitor, analyse and report on communications approaches, activities and strategies to assess their performance and effectiveness. 14. Contributes to the collection and analysis of data and identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. 15. Documents requirements and background information used for data analysis. 16. Perform other related tasks as assigned. Competencies PROFESSIONALISM: Critical thinking skills; Skills in developing creative content; Knowledge of digital design; Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. 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 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. 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. TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Education: Advanced 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 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 Qualification: Not available. Work Experience: A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience demonstrating ability to develop and implement communications strategies is required. Demonstrated knowledge of Media Monitoring tools is required. Skills in graphic design and the production of visual communications materials, including infographics, social media graphics and publication layouts, using relevant design tools is required. Demonstrated knowledge of risks to information integrity – misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, and threats in complex, and crisis environments is desirable. Demonstrated skills to communicate complex and technical matters to diverse audiences is desirable. Demonstrated ability to identify trends and provide insights is desirable. Knowledge of multimedia production, including photography, video filming and editing, and the development of short-form content for digital platforms, is desirable. A minimum of 1 year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. Languages: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult for details). Required Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking English UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II Assessment: Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment, such as a written test, which will be followed by a competency-based interview by phone or teleconference. Special Notice: This is a Fixed Term position. Appointment against this position is available for a duration of one (1) year and does not carry any expectancy, legal or otherwise, of renewal. The appointment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. The United Nations secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged

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