Background Information – Job-specific

 

*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY*

UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, 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.

The New York Portfolios 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 their 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 that are headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.

This is a position in UNOPS for supporting projects carried out for or in the United Nations Secretariat. The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.

 

Functional Responsibilities

 

The Senior Project Manager- Communication and Marketing will play a pivotal role in providing expert guidance to the Office of the Assistant Secretary-General for Supply Chain Management (OASG OSCM). This role involves crafting and executing a comprehensive communication strategy for the Office of Supply Chain Management, including the Category Management initiative. Key responsibilities include the development of tactical communication plans, research, content creation, media relations, and managing the organization’s digital presence. The Senior Project Manager -Communication and Marketing will also be responsible for the strategic planning and execution of high-impact media events, town halls, and outreach campaigns.

The Senior Project Manager – Communication and Marketing will undertake, but not be limited to, the following tasks/duties:

Communications

• Lead the development and implementation of a communication strategy that aligns with the objectives of OSCM.
• Oversee the creation, editing, and production of all communications materials, including project stories, publications, social media content, infographics, and presentations.
• Build and strengthen relationships across departments, UN agencies, and other key stakeholders to ensure cohesive and aligned communication efforts.
• Provide regular updates and briefings on ongoing communication and marketing activities, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Strategically manage high-profile events and public outreach efforts, enhancing the visibility and impact of OSCM initiatives.
• Identify innovative strategies to increase awareness and outreach, driving engagement with OSCM’s key messages and deliverables.
• Develop and refine key messaging in collaboration with the communications team, ensuring consistency across all promotional materials and activities.
• Ensure all publications and communications materials meet the highest standards of quality and effectively reach their intended audiences.
• Enhance OSCM’s branding and visibility, positioning the organization as a leader in supply chain management across the UN system.

Reporting

• Analyze and distill key insights, trends, and messaging for discussions with senior stakeholders, providing strategic advice and recommendations.
• Monitor and report on the impact of communication initiatives, adjusting strategies as needed to maximize effectiveness.
• Supervise and if needed prepare and edit comprehensive reports and briefs for external stakeholders, including legislative committees and key decision-makers.
• Supervise and support the drafting of background analysis and briefing documents, ensuring informed decision-making at all levels.

Knowledge management:

• Lead efforts to establish and nurture communities of practice, contributing to the organization’s knowledge management and the dissemination of best practices.
• Coordinate with communications teams across the Department of Operational Support (DOS) and the broader UN Secretariat to ensure consistent messaging and shared objectives.
• Contribute to the identification and sharing of lessons learned, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within OSCM.

Research and Marketing

• Strategically think and develop and conduct market research to enhance the OSCM’s strategic pillars. for Obtaining information, analysing and preparing reports about the activities of key stakeholders
• Develop communication and advertising initiatives to reach a target demographic in each functional area to promote the services of Office of the Supply Chain Management
• Review communication and outreach content developed by others across OSCM for relevancy, consistency, and brand compliance
• Identifying opportunities for new content and PR-based initiatives that drive organizational objectives

Other

• Undertake any other communications and marketing-related activities that support the OSCM’s mandates.
• Perform additional duties as required, in line with the scope of services and organizational priorities.

 

Education/Experience/Language requirements

 

*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY*

a. Education

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree) preferably in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Relations, Marketing or a related field is required.
• University Degree (Bachelor’s degree/first level) with a combination of two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

Required:

• Minimum 7 years of relevant work experience in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Media or Journalism is required

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

• Experience working with the UN is an advantage
• Experience working with Social Behavioral Change Communication is an asset.
• Experience in producing analytical reports and communications products is an advantage.

c. Languages

• Fluency in oral and written English is required.
• Knowledge of another official United Nations language 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: ICS11 (IICA 3)
• Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds 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 Information

 

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities
• 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.
• This position will be based in New York, USA which is a family duty station.
• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

• 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 ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.