Communications Specialist

Contract

This is a IICA-2 contract. This kind of contract is known as International Individual Contractor Agreements. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's an external contract. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education. More about IICA-2 contracts.

Background Information - Job-specific

Global Pulse is a flagship innovation initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General on big data. Its vision is a future in which big data and AI are harnessed and used responsibly as a public good. Its mission is to accelerate discovery, development and scaled adoption of data innovation for sustainable development and humanitarian action. To this end, Global Pulse will work to promote awareness of the opportunities Big Data presents for sustainable development and humanitarian action, forge public-private data sharing partnerships, generate high-impact analytical tools and approaches through its network of Pulse Labs, and drive broad adoption of useful innovations across the UN System.

Global Pulse implements data innovation programs through its Pulse Labs to provide UN and development partners with access to the data, tools and expertise required to discover new uses of big data and AI for development. Global Pulse develops policies, toolkits, applications and platforms to improve data-driven decision-making and support the evaluation of promising solutions.

Functional Responsibilities

The Communications Specialist will report to the Deputy Director or other senior managers. The Communications Specialist will execute special projects as necessary in addition to the following duties:

Editorial

• Coordinate communications activities, such as the production of press releases, articles, interviews, information sheets, brochures, presentations and key messages for the Global Pulse Labs;
• Provide guidance to senior management on talking points for events, forums and high-level meetings;
• Oversee the production of knowledge-sharing materials including reports, publications and white papers;
• Provide quality control to ensure all communication products are of high quality, meet deadlines and comply with UN standards;
• Support the production and design of visual communications content such as slideshows, informational graphics, publications, videos, etc., to engage with different stakeholders including private partners, donors and civil society.

Social Media and Outreach

• Manage the portfolio of social networks (e.g., mailing lists, blogs, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) and other online media strategies for advocacy and information sharing;
• Manage Global Pulse interactions with the media, including providing background information and keeping track of media mentions;
• Creation of occasional multimedia content (e.g. photographs, simple videography and editing)
• Research and implement new avenues for digital content distribution and promotion;
• Identify trends in digital communications topics of relevance to Global Pulse (including emerging social media channels, trends in mobile phone usage, new social media monitoring technologies, etc.);
• Define and adjust Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for social media;
• Coordinate the preparation of Global Pulse events (e.g., workshops, innovation camps, competitions);
• Represent Global Pulse in inter-agency working groups, conferences, workshops, etc.;

Website

• Manage content and design of the Global Pulse website, including original content development;
• Manage maintenance of the Global Pulse website by initiating site performance tests and working on bug reporting and fixes;
• Oversee and undertake front-end technical tasks and technology upgrades;
• Regularly monitor and report on website analytics (e.g., information architecture, user experience);

Strategy

• Provide substantial inputs to the development of the overall Global Pulse communication strategy to develop cohesive messaging, content and communications materials across all Global Pulse locations;
• Develop strategies and guidelines for the use of social media and other audience engagement tools in line with the overall Global Pulse communication strategy;

Other Activities

• Regularly monitor references to Global Pulse online including daily twitter reports, in UN documents (including resolutions, official statements, and reports) and public documents (including social and regular media, and expert publications);
• Monitor news and the latest developments in areas of relevance to Global Pulse work;
• Identify issues and trends of significance to Global Pulse and advise Management on appropriate responses and actions;
• Actively keep track of events and conferences of interest to Global Pulse;
• Provide guidance and instruction to junior staff and interns as necessary.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

******* FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY** *** CANDIDATES WITH NO UNITED NATIONS OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY******

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master´s or equivalent), preferably in in Communications, International Relations/Public Affairs, Journalism, Media Arts, Marketing, Political Science or other related disciplines is required.

• A first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree) in combination with 2 additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

  Work Experience: Required:- A minimum of five years of experience in communications, preferably with an international organization or the public sector is required;

• Within the above 5 years, three years of experience in web-content management and production of communication materials is required;
• Demonstrated experience in managing and creating social media networks for advocacy and information sharing is required;

Desirable: (The following experience is optional. Candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply):

• Experience in writing and communicating about big data, data analysis, new sources of data, with a specific focus on development and humanitarian action is highly desirable;
• Ability to leverage online communication tools and methodologies (such as online monitoring, web analytics, or other online measurement tools) and to develop and analyze online communications performance indicators is an asset;
• Excellent understanding on the intersection of technology, web, design, editorial, digital, social media and multimedia platforms is desirable;
• In-depth knowledge of web development, interactive and visual communications processes and web project lifecycles is desirable;
• Strong digital media, visualization and web interactive skills, with proven experience in producing visually compelling digital products is an asset;
• Sound knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, Fireworks, InDesign, Lightroom, Dreamweaver, Edge, After Effects) is an asset;

• Sound knowledge of front-end development (HTML and CSS). Knowledge of JavaScript, modern JS libraries, visualization and interactive software, is an asset.

  Language:

• Fluency in English (read, write, speak) is required.

• Knowledge of other official working languages of the UN is an asset.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above) Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles. Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role). Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries. Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements. Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving. Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) Contract level: International Individual Contractor Agreement (I-ICA 2) Contract duration: Open-ended (renewable subject to funds availability and satisfactory performance)

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

Additional Considerations

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (around 4 hours) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS.
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

Background Information - UNOPS

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.

Background Information - Sustainable Development Cluster

Based in New York, the Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations.

The SDC’s services include grants management, development and special initiatives support, and technology support to the UN and UN agencies.

The SDC is part of the New York Service Cluster that supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as a broadening community of other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.