Jobs
United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Is Hiring A Communications Manager APPLY TODAY
Background
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is a self-financing arm of the United Nations system that provides project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to support the implementation of sustainable development projects around the world.
About UNOPS
- Mandate: UNOPS was established in 1973 and operates under the United Nations Charter. Its primary mandate is to help partners deliver projects that advance the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and contribute to peace and security.
- Services: UNOPS offers a range of services to its partners, including project management, procurement, infrastructure development, and advisory services. It supports projects in various sectors, such as infrastructure, health, education, environment, peacebuilding, and humanitarian assistance.
- Partnerships: UNOPS works with a wide range of partners, including governments, United Nations agencies, international financial institutions, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. It collaborates closely with its partners to design and implement projects that align with their development objectives.
- Project Management: UNOPS specializes in project management, ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. It follows internationally recognized project management methodologies and practices to achieve successful project outcomes.
- Procurement Services: UNOPS provides procurement services to help partners source goods, works, and services for their projects. It follows transparent and competitive procurement processes, ensuring value for money and compliance with international standards.
- Infrastructure Development: UNOPS supports the development of sustainable infrastructure, including roads, bridges, schools, health facilities, and water and sanitation systems. It focuses on infrastructure that promotes social and economic development while minimizing environmental impact.
- Sustainability and Resilience: UNOPS integrates sustainability and resilience principles into its project design and implementation. It promotes environmentally friendly practices, social inclusion, gender equality, and the use of innovative technologies to enhance project outcomes.
- Capacity Building: UNOPS emphasizes capacity building and knowledge transfer to its partners. It works closely with local communities and institutions to strengthen their project management skills, foster local ownership, and promote sustainable development in the long term.
- Global Presence: UNOPS operates in over 80 countries worldwide, providing support and expertise in diverse cultural, political, and geographical contexts. Its decentralized structure ensures proximity to partners and facilitates effective project implementation at the local level.
- Self-Financing: UNOPS operates on a self-financing model, generating income from the services it provides to cover its operational costs. This financial independence allows it to maintain flexibility, respond to partners’ needs, and allocate resources efficiently.
UNOPS plays a crucial role in supporting the implementation of development projects, contributing to the achievement of the SDGs and the overall mission of the United Nations. Its focus on project management excellence, sustainable infrastructure, and collaborative partnerships makes it a valuable partner for governments and organizations worldwide.
Why Work At UNOPS
Working at the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) offers several compelling reasons to consider. Here are some key advantages of working at UNOPS:
- Global Impact: UNOPS plays a vital role in supporting the implementation of sustainable development projects worldwide. By working at UNOPS, you can contribute to projects that address pressing global challenges, such as poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, climate change mitigation, and humanitarian assistance. Your work can have a direct and positive impact on the lives of people in need.
- Multidisciplinary Opportunities: UNOPS operates across a wide range of sectors, including infrastructure, health, education, environment, peacebuilding, and humanitarian assistance. This provides diverse opportunities for professionals from various fields, including project management, engineering, finance, procurement, and more. You can apply your expertise and contribute to projects aligned with your interests and skills.
- Collaborative Work Environment: UNOPS fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, promoting teamwork, knowledge sharing, and innovation. You’ll have the opportunity to work with colleagues from different cultural backgrounds, disciplines, and expertise, fostering a rich and diverse work environment. Collaborating with international partners and stakeholders will broaden your perspectives and enhance your professional growth.
- Global Network: UNOPS operates in over 80 countries, offering a global platform to work on projects in different regions and contexts. You’ll have the chance to engage with governments, United Nations agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other partners, building a valuable network of contacts and expanding your professional connections.
- Professional Development: UNOPS is committed to the professional growth and development of its staff. The organization offers a range of training programs, learning opportunities, and career development initiatives to enhance your skills, knowledge, and expertise. You’ll have access to resources and support to further your professional goals.
- Impactful Partnerships: UNOPS collaborates with a wide range of partners, including governments, United Nations agencies, international financial institutions, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. Working at UNOPS provides an opportunity to establish meaningful partnerships and contribute to collaborative efforts that drive sustainable development and positive change.
- Work-Life Balance: UNOPS recognizes the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The organization promotes flexible working arrangements, supports employee well-being, and offers benefits that contribute to a fulfilling personal and professional life.
- Commitment to Sustainability: UNOPS integrates sustainability principles into its projects and operations. By working at UNOPS, you can contribute to environmentally friendly practices, social inclusion, gender equality, and responsible use of resources, aligning your work with the global agenda for sustainable development.
- Prestige and Reputation: UNOPS is a reputable and respected organization within the United Nations system. Working at UNOPS can enhance your professional profile, provide opportunities for career advancement within the United Nations, and open doors to future opportunities in the international development field.
- Purpose-Driven Work: UNOPS operates with a clear mission to support partners in achieving their development goals. By working at UNOPS, you become part of a collective effort to make a positive difference in the world, contributing to the United Nations’ vision of a more sustainable and equitable future.
Hosted Entities: Technical Advisory Unit (UN Water)
Job Categories: Communications, Water Management, Programme Management
Level: ICS-11
Department/Office: GPO, GVA, Geneva
Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Contract Level: P4
Duration: Initially one year, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and funding availability
Due Date: May 10, 2024
Role of the Communications Manager
- The UN-Water Communications Manager assists in coordinating media and communications efforts for UN-Water.
- The goal is to enhance the UN system’s ability to effectively communicate on water and sanitation issues with a unified voice.
- This role is crucial in supporting the UN system-wide strategy for water and sanitation.
- The UN-Water Communications Manager directly reports to the UN-Water Chief Technical Adviser.
- They are part of the UN-Water Technical Advisory Unit (TAU) within the UN-Water Management Team.
Competencies
- Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, focusing on long-term and external perspectives to positively shape the organization.
- Anticipates and understands the impact of future decisions and activities on different parts of the organization.
- Treats all individuals with respect, promoting sensitivity to differences and encouraging others to do the same.
- Upholds organizational and ethical norms, maintaining high standards of trustworthiness.
- Serves as a role model for diversity and inclusion.
- Acts as a positive role model, fostering team spirit and supporting the development of others.
- Demonstrates an understanding of how their role impacts partners and prioritizes the end beneficiary.
- Builds and maintains strong external relationships, serving as a competent partner (if relevant to the role).
- Efficiently determines the appropriate course of action to achieve goals, ensuring quality in all areas and responsible use of resources.
- Embraces change and adapts effectively in a fast-paced environment, continuously seeking improvements.
- Evaluates data and options to make logical, pragmatic decisions, applying innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
- Communicates ideas and information clearly, concisely, and openly, considering the feelings and needs of others.
- Actively listens and shares knowledge, handling conflicts constructively by finding common ground
Requirements
Education
- A Master’s degree preferably in communications, international relations, public relations or another relevant field is required.
- A combination of a Bachelor’s degree with an additional two (2) years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.
Experience
Required:
- Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, or related fields, in an international setting.
- Within these seven (7) years, a minimum of three (3) years managerial experience.
- Proven experience of minimum three (3) years in coordinating communications in multi-stakeholder settings.
Desirable:
- Experience in working in the water sector at large.
- Understanding of international development issues, key players and processes.
- Knowledge of complex multilateral systems, the innovation ecosystem and understanding of digital transformation.
Languages
- Full working knowledge of English is essential. Knowledge of another official UN language is an asset.
