Org. Setting and Reporting
The position is located in the Office of the United Nations Ombudsman and Mediation Services (UNOMS), which provides independent, confidential, and neutral conflict resolution services to UN employees in the Global Secretariat. The Strategic Communications Officer reports to the Head of Entity and is responsible for supporting outreach efforts within the UN community to promote awareness and understanding of the role of the Ombudsman’s Office and the services it offers, and to facilitate internal communication and information-sharing within the office.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Strategic Communications Officer will be responsible for the following duties: 1. Coordinate the communications and outreach efforts of UNOMS: • Develop and plan the outreach and information strategies aimed at promoting awareness and understanding of the role and services of UNOMS within the UN community. • Produce, develop and/or oversee production of information products, such as iSeek articles, brochures, booklets, audio-visual presentations, backgrounders, etc., relating to UNOMS activities and services. This includes drafting, research, obtaining clearances, liaising with other offices regarding design, printing and other production elements. • Act as focal point and ensures updating and maintenance of the UNOMS website. • Evaluate the effectiveness of outreach efforts, for example through surveys or other feedback, and make recommendations for improvements. • Manages and ensures adherence of the global office to its branding. • Support the regional offices in their local promotional activities. 2. Facilitate communication and information-sharing among staff within the global UNOMS: • Promote the use of collaboration and information sharing tools such as Microsoft Teams, Sharepoint, etc. • Conduct surveys and gather data from a wide variety of sources and analyze and present findings to Senior Managers. 3. Support the efforts of UNOMS to promote conflict prevention skill building activities among UN staff: • Assist in the development of materials in support of the activities of the Office and its conflict competence initiatives, such as skill-building workshops and presentations.
Competencies
Professionalism: Knowledge of the full range of communications approaches, tools, and methodologies essential to planning and executing effective campaign strategies and programmes, e.g. campaign management, media operations, marketing and promotion, audience outreach, message targeting. Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Ability to identify public affairs issues, opportunities and risks in an international environment. Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships. Knowledge of relevant internal policies and business activities/issues. Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style. Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. 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. 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 Technological awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.
Education
An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent degree) in communications, journalism, international relations, marketing, public administration or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, public relations, journalism or related field is required. Experience working with information technology tools is required. Experience in preparing and delivering internal communications in an international organization is desirable. Experience in drafting and producing a variety of information products is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required; Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.