Communications Specialist

JOB HIGHLIGHTSupport high-level communications to amplify organizational impact, shape public perception and strengthen engagement with key audiences and partners.UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.New York Portfolio Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides Services to partners' programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.UNOPS Development and Special Initiatives team works with UN partners and Member States. This portfolio offers support for various initiatives and priorities of the UN Secretary-General in pursuit of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, it helps the UN Secretariat in implementing global programs in areas such as political affairs, climate, counterterrorism and peacebuilding, among others.JOB SPECIFIC CONTEXTUNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations to implement the activities for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC).The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) is an initiative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, which responds to a broad consensus across nations, cultures, and religions that all societies are interdependent, bound together in their development and security, and in their environmental, economic and financial well-being. The Alliance seeks to forge collective political will and mobilize concerted action at the institutional and civil society levels to overcome the prejudice, misperceptions, and polarization that militate against such a consensus. UNAOC hopes to contribute to a coalescing global movement which, reflecting the will of the vast majority of people, rejects extremism in any society.The complex, demanding dialogue of civilizations, cultures, and religions is necessary, possible, and fruitful. It is a critical tool against isolation, mistrust, and confrontation, and it is also the most powerful incentive for understanding and tolerance. History has shown that dialogue is not a simple process. If we fail to teach and cultivate it, the situation can give way to a monologue or to mutism, which is conducive to conflict and violent extremism.The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations was created to serve as a soft-power political tool of the United Nations Secretary-General for conflict prevention and conflict resolution. It is a coalition against extremist forces, a movement to advance mutual respect for cultures, traditions, and religious beliefs, and a platform to bridge divides and overcome prejudice, misconceptions, misperceptions, and polarization. The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations was intended to promote collective action in society as a means of addressing the threats that emerge from the hostile perceptions that foment violence, overcoming cultural and social barriers, reducing tensions, and improving relations between societies and communities with diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, and combatting violent extremism.The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.Role PurposeThe 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 expectedSpeechwriting 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.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 requirementsRequired* 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.Language requirements* Fluency in English is required. * Knowledge of other UN working languages is desired.HOW TO APPLYFor applying to this position, please access: https://careers.unops.org/careersmarketplace/JobDetail/2245