Communications Specialist
New York City
- Organization: UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services
- Location: New York City
- Grade: Mid level - IICA-2, International Individual Contractors Agreement
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Occupational Groups:
- Communication and Public Information
- Closing Date: 2025-07-20
Job categories Communications
Vacancy code VA/2025/B5004/30264
Level ICS-10
Department/office GPO, NYPO, Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio
Duty station New York, United States of America
Contract type International ICA
Contract level IICA-2
Duration Ongoing contract (subject to good performance, availability of funds, organizational requirements and project duration)
Application period 04-Jun-2025 to 20-Jul-2025
Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.
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
*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY
Education:
Education:
- Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) preferably in journalism, communications, public information, business administration, management, social sciences, political science, or in a field related to the post description with five (5) years of relevant experience is required; OR
- A first-level university degree (Bachelor's degree) preferably in journalism, communications, public information, business administration, management, social sciences, political science, or in a field related to the post description with seven (7) years of relevant experience is desirable.
- Relevant experience is defined as 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
- Experience 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.
- Fluency in English (read, write and speak) is required;
- Knowledge of additional languages is an advantage.
We do our best to provide you the most accurate info, but closing dates may be wrong on our site. Please check on the recruiting organization's page for the exact info. Candidates are responsible for complying with deadlines and are encouraged to submit applications well ahead.
Before applying, please make sure that you have read the requirements for the position and that you qualify.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.
Applications from non-qualifying applicants will most likely be discarded by the recruiting manager.