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The United Nations Is Hiring A Communications Officer APPLY NOW
Background
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945 after World War II. It is composed of 193 member states and serves as a platform for countries to come together and address global challenges collectively. The UN is headquartered in New York City, with additional major offices in Geneva, Vienna, and Nairobi.
Responsibilities
- Design the communication, advocacy, and outreach strategy for the Office, in collaboration with the Chief of Staff, and support its implementation.
- Manage the communications components of campaigns and advocacy efforts, including planning and implementing large, complex campaigns and coordinating with other UN departments and agencies.
- Prepare and oversee a variety of information and communication products, such as press releases, newsletters, reports, and social media content.
- Assist in resource mobilization for major campaigns and ensure coherence of messaging and approaches.
- Foster teamwork and communication among staff and coordinate the finalization of outreach documentation and results reporting tools.
- Oversee the Office’s publications program, including the website and its maintenance.
- Represent the Office in UN communication networks, engage in speaking engagements and presentations, and organize media coverage and events.
- Serve as a spokesperson, as required, and provide advice and expertise on communication and advocacy issues to managers and officers.
- Collect and analyze data to identify trends, patterns, and insights for data-driven planning and decision-making.
- Support the Office in information technology, including the collection, maintenance, and classification of audiovisual materials.
- Evaluate the results and impact of communication and advocacy activities and report on developments and attitudes regarding the UN and the Office.
Competencies
- Possesses comprehensive knowledge of public information and communication, including various aspects and components.
- Capable of addressing a wide range of issues within the context of political developments, public attitudes, and local conditions.
- Able to conceptualize, design, and execute major information campaigns effectively.
- Demonstrates the ability to analyze and integrate diverse information from various sources promptly.
- Diplomatically handles sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivates productive relationships.
- Proficient in producing written communications products in a clear and concise manner.
- Delivers oral presentations to diverse audiences with effectiveness.
- Capable of analyzing and interpreting data to support decision-making and effectively communicates the resulting information to management.
- Exhibits pride in work and achievements, displaying professional competence and mastery of subject matter.
- Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines, and achieving results.
- Motivated by professional considerations rather than personal concerns.
- Demonstrates persistence when faced with challenging problems or obstacles and remains calm in stressful situations.
- Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring gender equality in all areas of work.
- Communicates clearly and effectively through speaking and writing.
- Actively listens to others, correctly interprets messages, and responds appropriately.
- Asks relevant questions to clarify understanding and shows a genuine interest in two-way communication.
- Adapts language, tone, style, and format to suit the audience.
- Exhibits openness in sharing information and keeping others informed.
- Develops clear goals aligned with agreed strategies.
- Identifies priority activities and assignments.
- Adjusts priorities as needed and allocates sufficient time and resources for completing work.
- Anticipates risks and plans for contingencies.
- Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary.
- Uses time efficiently and effectively.
Education
- An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, or a related field is a requirement.
- Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be considered as a substitute for the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
- Minimum of seven years of experience in public information, communication, advocacy campaigns, journalism, or a related field, with a progressive increase in responsibilities.
- Required experience in social media.
- Desirable experience in advocacy campaigns within the United Nations or a similar international organization.
- Desirable experience in managing communication elements of major international events or conferences.
- Desirable experience in children’s rights.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
- Fluency in English is a requirement for this position.
- Knowledge of another United Nations official language is desirable.
Why work at UN
- Global Impact: The United Nations is a global organization dedicated to promoting peace, human rights, sustainable development, and social progress worldwide. By working at the UN, you have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful and impactful work that addresses critical global issues.
- Multicultural Environment: The UN brings together a diverse workforce from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. Working in such a multicultural environment fosters understanding, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas, enriching your professional and personal growth.
- Professional Development: The UN offers numerous opportunities for professional development, including specialized training programs, workshops, and conferences. You can enhance your skills, broaden your knowledge, and gain valuable experience in various fields.
- Networking and Collaboration: Working at the UN allows you to build a global network of colleagues, experts, and professionals from different sectors. Collaborating with international partners, governments, NGOs, and civil society organizations offers unique opportunities for networking, learning, and establishing partnerships.
- Challenging and Rewarding Work: The nature of UN work is often complex and challenging, but it is also highly rewarding. You will be involved in addressing pressing global issues and making a positive difference in the lives of people around the world.
- Competitive Compensation and Benefits: The UN offers competitive salaries and benefits packages, including health insurance, pension plans, and various allowances. These ensure a decent standard of living and security for you and your family.
- Work-Life Balance: The UN recognizes the importance of work-life balance and promotes flexible working arrangements. It values the well-being of its staff and encourages a healthy work-life balance.
- Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The UN is committed to diversity and inclusion, promoting equal opportunities for all staff regardless of their gender, nationality, ethnicity, or background. It values diversity as a strength and fosters an inclusive work environment.
- Prestige and Global Reputation: Working at the UN brings prestige and recognition due to its global reputation as a leading international organization. It enhances your professional profile and opens doors to future career opportunities.
- Making a Difference: Ultimately, working at the UN allows you to contribute to positive change on a global scale. It provides a platform to address pressing challenges, protect human rights, promote sustainable development, and strive for a more peaceful and just world.
About UN
The United Nations (UN) is an international organization founded in 1945 with the aim of promoting peace, security, and cooperation among nations. It serves as a forum for member states to address global challenges collectively and work towards shared goals. The UN is headquartered in New York City and has additional major offices in Geneva, Vienna, and Nairobi.
Key aspects of the United Nations include:
- Membership: The UN has 193 member states, which are sovereign nations recognized by the international community. Each member state has an equal voice and voting power in the General Assembly, the main deliberative body of the UN.
- Charter and Principles: The UN operates based on the principles outlined in its Charter, which include maintaining international peace and security, promoting human rights, fostering social and economic development, upholding international law, and promoting cooperation among nations.
- Structure: The UN has a complex organizational structure comprising several main organs, including the General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, Secretariat, and specialized agencies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
- Peacekeeping and Conflict Resolution: One of the most visible aspects of the UN’s work is peacekeeping. The organization deploys peacekeeping missions to areas affected by armed conflict, with the aim of maintaining peace, protecting civilians, and facilitating political processes for conflict resolution.
- Development and Humanitarian Assistance: The UN is actively involved in promoting sustainable development and providing humanitarian assistance. It coordinates efforts to eradicate poverty, improve healthcare, advance education, address climate change, and respond to humanitarian crises and natural disasters.
- Human Rights: The UN plays a crucial role in promoting and protecting human rights globally. It has established various mechanisms, such as the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, to monitor human rights situations, provide assistance to countries, and advocate for the protection of fundamental rights and freedoms.
- International Law and Justice: The UN contributes to the development and enforcement of international law. It houses the International Court of Justice, the principal judicial organ of the UN, which adjudicates disputes between states and provides legal opinions on matters referred to it by UN bodies.
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): In 2015, the UN adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which includes 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These goals encompass a broad range of social, economic, and environmental objectives, aiming to address poverty, inequality, climate change, and other pressing global issues.
- Global Partnerships: The UN collaborates with a wide range of stakeholders, including governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society, the private sector, and academia. Partnerships are vital to address complex challenges and achieve collective progress.
- Commitment to Multilateralism: The UN upholds the value of multilateralism, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation, dialogue, and diplomacy in addressing global problems. It provides a platform for countries to negotiate, collaborate, and find common solutions to shared challenges.
Overall, the United Nations plays a central role in global governance, fostering dialogue, cooperation, and collective action to address pressing issues and build a more peaceful, just, and sustainable world.
