Communications Specialist

Background Information – Job-specific

UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development projects.  Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement, and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors, and United Nations organizations.

• New York Portfolio Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as 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.
• The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with peacebuilding, humanitarian, and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP). It provides Services to partners’ programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners headquartered in New York.  The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.
• UNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations to implement the activities for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC)
• United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) is an initiative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, which responds to a broad consensus across nations, cultures, and religions that all societies are interdependent, bound together in their development and security, and in their environmental, economic and financial well-being. The Alliance seeks to forge collective political will and mobilize concerted action at the institutional and civil society levels to overcome the prejudice, misperceptions, and polarization that militate against such a consensus. UNAOC hopes to contribute to a coalescing global movement which, reflecting the will of the vast majority of people, rejects extremism in any society.
• The complex, demanding dialogue of civilizations, cultures, and religions is necessary, possible, and fruitful. It is a critical tool against isolation, mistrust, and confrontation, and it is also the most powerful incentive for understanding and tolerance. History has shown that dialogue is not a simple process. If we fail to teach and cultivate it, the situation can give way to a monologue or to mutism, which is conducive to conflict and violent extremism.
• The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations was created to serve as a soft-power political tool of the United Nations Secretary-General for conflict prevention and conflict resolution. It is a coalition against extremist forces, a movement to advance mutual respect for cultures, traditions, and religious beliefs, and a platform to bridge divides and overcome prejudice, misconceptions, misperceptions, and polarization. The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations was intended to promote collective action in society as a means of addressing the threats that emerge from the hostile perceptions that foment violence, overcoming cultural and social barriers, reducing tensions, and improving relations between societies and communities with diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, and combatting violent extremism.
• The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.

Functional Responsibilities

• Within assigned authority, the Communications Specialist will provide support to  the Spokesperson and communication team in developing, writing and preparing written material for delivery by the High Representative and senior management and managing communications, both external and internal, between the senior management and a wide range of audiences, including media.
• Perform day-to-day tactical communications such as social media posts, news items, letters, and informational updates, all with a view to build strong, bold, sharp and principle-based brand; works with UN departments, funds and agencies to develop ways to implement and collaborate on campaigns system-wide and to incorporate the campaign message and themes into all relevant events and products.
• Participate in the development and implementation of assigned programme/projects in the area of communication activities.
• Identify problems and issues to be addressed and propose corrective actions.
• Research, analyze and present information gathered from diverse sources that could/may impact the work of UNAOC;
• Seek input and information from substantive staff, review relevant material, project documents and reports with a view to drafting speeches, statements and talking points for the High Representative, Spokesperson and senior management, while ensuring policy coherence and accuracy.
• Prepare minutes, and coordinating media and social media.
• Maintain regular contact and enhance media network and arrange media encounters between the High Representative and the media and assist him/her in these encounters.
• Work closely with programme/project counterparts to enhance visibility and contribute to advocacy of policy including to maintain a database of relevant media contacts in the US and internationally.
• Write articles and opinion pieces on behalf of the High Representative for high-profile media in order to maximize the impact of UNAOC activities by identifying and developing newsworthy ideas/topics and identifying possible high-profile media for placement.
• Monitor and analyze daily media for stories and opportunities related to UNAOC activities and mandates
• Take the lead in writing press releases, regular newsletters, web content and generate content for various social media platforms, including Twitter and Facebook.
• Prepares or oversees preparation of a diverse range of information communications products in support of programmatic initiatives. Oversees the production and design of reports, multimedia products and microsites.
• Write prefaces and forewords for UNAOC publications.
• Proofread and review reports developed by UNAOC as required.
• Perform other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of  services above.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

• A work plan will be developed based on the UNOPS PER cycle and serve as the overarching document to monitor progress and record performance.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in journalism, communications, public information, business administration, management, social sciences, political science, or another related field is required.
• A first-level university degree in a related field and two (2 )additional years of work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Required Experience: 

• Minimum five (5) of progressively responsible professional experience at the international level in programme management, policy support, journalism, communication, public information or related fields is required
• Experience in writing speeches for senior or high-level officials within strict deadlines is required.
• Experience in social media and monitoring impact is required.
• Experience in communicating with the media is required
• Desirable experience (the following experience is optional candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply):
• Experience in a relevant field in the United Nations system or a similar international organization is desirable.
• Experience in the development and implementation of communication projects and plans is desirable.

Language requirements:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English are required;
• Knowledge of additional languages is an advantage.

Source: https://jobs.unops.org/Pages/ViewVacancy/VADetails.aspx?id=28705