Communications Specialist at United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)

The Communications Specialist supports the development and delivery of communications materials to enhance the visibility, positioning and impact of UNAOC. The incumbent contributes to communication planning, content creation, media engagement, digital outreach, and knowledge sharing, ensuring consistent, high-quality messaging across platforms. The role supports senior management, including the High Representative and Director, and works collaboratively with programme teams and partners to ensure communications are strategic, integrated and aligned with organizational goals.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Speechwriting and Strategic Support

• Provide support to the Director and communications team in developing, writing and preparing written materials for delivery by the High Representative.

• Seek input and information from substantive staff; review relevant materials, project documents and reports; and draft speeches, statements and talking points for the High Representative and Director, ensuring policy coherence and accuracy.

• Research, analyze and present information gathered from diverse sources that may impact the work of the organization.

• Identify problems and issues to be addressed and propose corrective actions related to communication activities.

Media Relations and Monitoring

• Manage communications between senior management and a wide range of external audiences, including the media.

• Maintain regular contact with media, enhance the media network, and arrange media encounters between the High Representative, including providing support during such engagements.

• Monitor and analyze daily media for stories and opportunities related to organizational activities and mandates.

• Write articles and opinion pieces on behalf of the High Representative for high-profile media, including by identifying newsworthy topics and appropriate outlets to maximize impact.

• Maintain and regularly update a database of relevant media contacts in the United States and internationally.

Content Production

• Perform day-to-day tactical communications such as social media posts, newsletters, and digital features to amplify UNAOC’s work and increase the organization’s visibility.

• Draft and edit press releases, newsletters, web content and social media posts for all major platforms.

• Prepare, support, or oversee the production of a diverse range of communication products in support of programmatic initiatives.

• Oversee the production and design of reports, multimedia products and microsites, ensuring quality, accuracy and consistency.

• Write prefaces and forewords for UNAOC publications.

• Draft, review, edit, and proofread reports and other written products developed by the organization.

• Support coordination of media and social media coverage of UNAOC meetings and events.

Campaigns, Partnerships and Outreach

• Work closely with programme and project counterparts to enhance visibility and contribute to advocacy of policy priorities.

• Collaborate with UN departments, funds and agencies to develop and implement system-wide campaigns and to integrate campaign messages and themes into relevant events and products.

• Support outreach efforts by coordinating with partners and stakeholders to enhance the visibility and impact of organizational initiatives.

General Duties

• Perform other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the scope of services outlined 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.

Skills

Copywriting, Editing, Internal & External Communications, Media Research, Media Strategy, Social Media Communications, Stakeholder Engagement, Strategic Communications, Writing

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational 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.

Education Requirements

• 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.

Experience Requirements

Required

• Relevant experience is defined as professional experience at the international level in communications, media strategy, programme management, policy support, journalism, public information, or related fields.

• 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.

Desired

• 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.