Communications Senior Officer

• Within assigned authority, the Communications Senior Officer will support the Spokesperson and communication team in developing, drafting, and preparing written materials for the High Representative and senior management, managing both internal and external communications with diverse audiences, including media.
• Manage tactical communications on a day-to-day basis, including social media posts, news items, letters, and informational updates, with the goal of building a strong, bold, and principle-based brand. Collaborate with UN departments, funds, and agencies to implement system-wide campaigns, ensuring campaign messages and themes are integrated into relevant events and products.
• Participate in the development and implementation of assigned programmes and projects related to communication activities, including identifying and addressing issues, proposing corrective actions, and enhancing overall visibility.
• Research, analyze, and present information gathered from diverse sources that may impact UNOCT's work. Draft speeches, statements, and talking points for the High Representative, Spokesperson, and senior management, ensuring policy coherence and accuracy.
• Prepare meeting minutes, coordinate media and social media activities, and maintain regular contact with media networks to facilitate interactions between the High Representative and the media. Enhance media engagement by maintaining a comprehensive database of relevant media contacts nationally and internationally.
• Support the writing of articles, opinion pieces, press releases, newsletters, and web content on behalf of the High Representative for high-profile media to maximize the impact of UNOCT activities. Identify and develop newsworthy ideas and topics for media placement, and generate content for various social media platforms, including Twitter and Facebook.
• Monitor, compile, and analyze daily media coverage for stories and opportunities related to UNOCT activities and mandates. Oversee the preparation of a diverse range of communication products, including reports, multimedia content, and microsites, in support of programmatic initiatives.
• Manage the Global Online Parliamentary Network by regularly updating the platform with relevant substantive information. Write prefaces and forewords for UNOCT publications, and ensure thorough proofreading and review of reports developed by UNOCT as required.
• Support the production and design of communication materials, ensuring quality and consistency across all outputs. Collaborate with programme and project counterparts to enhance advocacy efforts and policy communication.
• Perform other duties as required, aligned with the scope of services and responsibilities of the role.

Key Deliverables:  

Specific tasks for the individual contractor will include:

• Ensure timely and quality communication materials, including, but not limited to, digital/social media and audio-visual products, presentations, infographics, factsheets, web articles, digital versions of posters, reports, layout design for project reports; etc.
• Support the development of graphic design materials and produce the deliverables in various formats, including for digital and print distribution, depending on the needs of the project;
• Support the development of proposals for online and off-line public information material for campaigns, conferences, events, and meetings promoted through the media, and UNOCT’s website and webpages and social media presence;
• Perform other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the incumbent’s scope of services above.

Monitoring and Progress Controls:

Timely delivery of outputs as outlined in the Terms of Reference. Quality of materials produced and approval of all products/deliverables/outputs by the Chief of Office.

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, or related field is required. 
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in a similar field in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

• A minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in communications, including support in developing communications and advocacy strategies or media, is required. 
• Excellent drafting skills are required. 

• Experience in visual design is desirable.

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.