BACKGROUND:

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) was established in 1963 as a training arm of the United Nations system and is now headquartered in Geneva. In 2022, UNITAR reached over 390,000 learners globally through innovative learning solutions. We seek to empower individuals, organizations and institutions, enhance global decision-making and support country-level action towards a better future. Our alumni include diplomats and other government officials, non-governmental representatives, private-sector actors and local authorities.

The Division for Prosperity is one of the nine divisions of UNITAR and consists of the Hiroshima Office and the Geneva-based Public Finance and Trade Programme Unit. To “leave no one behind”, we promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth and strive to reach society’s most vulnerable in least developed countries, small island developing states and conflict and post-conflict countries.

The Division for Prosperity runs training programmes in six thematic areas:

1. Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship
2. Leadership and Inclusion
3. Finance and Trade
4. Digital Futures
5. Anti-corruption and Combating Financial Crime
6. Hiroshima and Peace

This includes the Shimanami Collective – Sea and Human Security For Open Indo-Pacific Ocean (hereafter, called FOIP) aims to provide government officials and activists in the Pacific small island developing states (SIDS) and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries with the skills, knowledge and capacity to enhance climate, social, economic, food and maritime security and develop a coordination mechanism across the Pacific.

The Division report to the public and our partners on our work through a variety of communications channels. These including the UNITAR website, social media, printed materials, newsletters, and events. We also seek opportunities for earned media. The Division’s communications team produces communications materials in close coordination with the Communications and IT Support Unit at UNITAR headquarters.

AREA OF SPECIALIZATION/THEMATIC AREAS: Communications, International Relations

The incumbent will improve the visibility of the UNITAR Hiroshima Office, Division for Prosperity through enhanced communication.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent will undertake the following tasks:

• Implement UNITAR’s communications strategies. This includes ensuring that multilingual, multimedia communications materials are created and disseminated through the UNITAR website, social media and quarterly newsletters (divisional, internal and external newsletters) in a timely manner.
• Build communication strategies to raise awareness of the UNITAR brand for Hiroshima Office, Division for Prosperity, mainly in Japan.
• Develop communication proposals to enhance awareness of UNITAR Hiroshima Office’s events and training programmes.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with journalists;
• Organize and conduct media events and interviews in Japan to improve the visibility of the UNITAR brand. The events include those jointly organized with UNITAR Association.
• Organize media briefing sessions periodically to notify media of upcoming events and build media relations in Japan to ensure coverage of events and activities for UNITAR Hiroshima Office.
• Support the management of our social media, including enhancing followers/likes and opportunities to be shared by other entities.
• Develop content and design templates using multimedia tools for digital and print use.
• Support in developing contracts, materials and organizing events and campaigns relating to UNITAR Goodwill Ambassador.
• Lead updating the UNITAR Hiroshima Office website in English and Japanese.
• Support operational work related to the communication team, including financial and administrative management.
• Undertake other tasks as requested by the Head of Hiroshima Office, Division for Prosperity.

MEASURABLE OUTPUTS/DELIVERABLES/SCHEDULE OF DELIVERABLES:

• Submission of proposals to enhance awareness of UNITAR Hiroshima Office
• Communication strategy implemented and adjusted as needed
• Communications materials (website, social media, print, newsletters, press releases and in-person initiatives), including storytelling materials that describe our training impact, developed and disseminated
• Effective and timely communications within the communications team and with project teams, as well as UN Online Volunteers
• Logistical support provided to the communications team and project teams in a timely manner
• Improved media relations and enhanced global outreach, including coordination for global press-release distribution.

REPORTING STRUCTURE: The incumbent will report to Head, Hiroshima Office, Division for Prosperity

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education: A first-level university degree in communications, journalism, international relations or related field.

Experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience in communications, public relations, media or related field is required. Experience in language translation is an asset.

Language: Native-level Japanese language proficiency is required, with excellent oral and written communication skills. Working knowledge of the English language is required. Knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.

Apply here: Individual Contractor - Communications Officer | UNITAR

All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.

Due to high number of expected applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.