Communications Officer

Contract

This is a P-4 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 171,387 USD and 220,969 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations' Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) on Violence against Children is a global independent advocate to promote the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against children. The core responsibility of the SRSG is to advance implementation of the recommendations of the United Nations Study on Violence against Children (2006), building upon health and child protection initiatives and developments, and promoting the protection of children from violence as a human rights imperative. This position is located in the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children (OSRSG-VAC) in New York. The incumbent reports to the Special Representative through the Chief of Staff of OSRSG-VAC.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: • Design, in close cooperation with the Chief of Staff for the SRSG's approval, of the overall communication, speech writing, advocacy and outreach strategy for the Office, and supports its implementation, including through coordinating with all focal points in the OSRSG -VAC. • Manages the communications components of campaigns and advocacy efforts of the Office. Takes the lead in planning, development and implementation of large, complex communications and advocacy campaigns (e.g. global advocacy and communication initiatives, public information programmes for a region, broad-reaching subject specific issues, etc.); where appropriate, works with different UN departments, funds and agencies to develop ways to implement system-wide campaigns and to incorporate the campaign message and themes into all relevant events and products. • Prepares or oversees a diverse range of information and communications products in support of major campaign initiatives including through social media including press releases, newsletters, periodicals, reports and publications and social media. Builds information networks; plans and oversees maintenance of publicly accessible information materials on OSRSGVAC; plans and develops outreach activities. • Collaborates with the Chief of Staff in the resource mobilization to ensure coherence of messaging and approaches, seeks funding and other assistance for major campaigns. Contributes to overall Office's planning and carries out the work plan under his/her responsibility, determining priorities, and proposing allocation of resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery; ensures that the outputs produced by the Communications Team meet high-quality standards and support relevant OSRSG-VAC mandate. • Fosters teamwork and communication among staff and across organizational boundaries. Participates in coordination with all relevant staff the finalization of key outreach documentation include results reporting tools monitoring and evaluating results. • Oversees OSRSG-VAC's publications programme and ensure quality multilingual materials including the website and its maintenance. • Represents OSRSG VAC in UN communication networks; fulfils speaking engagements and makes presentations to groups on OSRSG VAC activities and advocates issues of concern; organizes media coverage and arranges for media contacts, briefings, and interviews; organizes seminars, lectures, conferences, public events on major issues and events concerning the organization. • Serves as a spokesperson when required and in close cooperation and supervision of the SRSG and the Chief of Staff to media organizations, governmental bodies, national groups, private sector organizations, educational organizations, and international organizations, as required. • Evaluates results and impact of communications and advocacy activities; reports on developments, trends and attitudes regarding the UN, and OSRSG VAC in particular. • Provides advice and expertise to managers and officers across OSRSG VAC on a range of communication and advocacy issues, methods, and approaches; anticipates and resolves communications/public relations issues/problems. • 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. • Supports the OSRSG-VAC on information technology including ensuring collection, maintenance and classification of audio visual materials including photo gallery in full compliance with OSRSG -VAC's safeguarding policy.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of different aspects of public information and communication. Ability to address a range of issues in the context of political developments, public attitudes and local conditions. Ability to conceptualize, design and implement major information campaigns. Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships. Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style. Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. 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. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. 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 the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Creativity: Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services. Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs. Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas. Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks "outside the box." Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things. Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches. Empowering others: Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations, and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work. Encourages others to set challenging goals. Holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility. Genuinely values all staff members' input and expertise. Shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort. Involves others when making decisions that affect them.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two years additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in public information, communication, advocacy campaigns, journalism, or related area is required. Experience in social media is required. Experience in advocacy campaigns for an international organization, such as a UN Advocacy campaign is desirable. Experience in managing the communication element of major international events/conferences is desirable. Experience in children's rights is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE 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.