Org. Setting and Reporting

The Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is responsible for providing leadership, operational support and oversight of the United Nations security management system (UNSMS) globally. As a global leader in security risk management principles, UNDSS enables the safe and effective delivery of United Nations programmes and activities in the most complex and challenging environments, while maximizing precious resources. To this end, the work of the Department is aligned under a clear mission, to enable United Nations system programme activities through trusted security leadership and solutions. This position is located in the Strategic Planning Service (SPS), Office of the Under-Secretary-General (OUSG), Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS). The Strategic Planning Service provides strategy advice to, and assists, the Department’s leadership in the fulfillment of core functions of strategic planning and risk management, communications, compliance and evaluation and gender and inclusivity. The Service coordinates the implementation of the Under-Secretary-General’s strategic vision and ensures follow up and monitoring of the Department’s strategic objectives. It ensures adherence with Secretariat policies and alignment of the Department with broader UN agendas and reform initiatives. The Communications Officer reports to the Strategic Communications Officer He/she is primarily responsible for executing and monitoring communication campaigns, as well as producing and disseminating innovative communication products.. This is a unique opportunity to join a diverse, dynamic and exciting organization gaining unique and valuable experience where security provides great value. Besides the opportunity to gain new skills and further advance security expertise, this position offers a fulfilling environment that gives you satisfaction by contributing directly or indirectly to peace and security, human rights, and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. For more information on the Department, and how we make an impact on the world in enabling the achievement of SDGs, visit: https://www.un.org/undss/

Responsibilities

Under delegated authority, the Communications Officer will be responsible for the following duties: 1. Design, Development, and Dissemination of Communication Products • Design and develop high-quality communications products aligned with UNDSS corporate goals and priorities. • Provide expert advice on communications strategies and outreach activities. • Deliver professional communications support, particularly during crises. • Manage and maintain UNDSS and UNSMS communication platforms, including social media accounts. • Develop impactful storytelling products incorporating data visualization to enhance audience engagement. • Research and monitor emerging communication tools, techniques, and trends, advising on their implementation to ensure innovation and effectiveness. 2. Media Monitoring, Analysis, and Engagement • Monitor and analyze current events, public opinion, and media trends to identify key issues and opportunities. • Prepare special reports and briefings on specific topics, as needed. • Support UNDSS senior leadership with media engagements, including interviews, press appearances, and talking points. • Draft briefing papers, talking points, and meeting notes, ensuring timely and accurate media responses. • Organize and facilitate media coverage, including written, audio, and video content, as required. • Advise senior management on appropriate actions or responses to media inquiries. 3. Outreach, Partnerships, and Campaign Management • Develop and implement targeted media outreach strategies to promote UNDSS initiatives. • Establish and maintain partnerships with key stakeholders, including UN agencies, funds, programs, and external constituencies. • Organize and manage communication campaigns and projects in support of the United Nations Security Management System (UNSMS). • Facilitate knowledge sharing by assisting in the dissemination of good practices and knowledge products across country and global teams. • Advise internal clients on effective communication opportunities and mechanisms to showcase UNDSS’s work. • Ensure regular communication with the Inter-Agency Security Management Network (IASMN) and other relevant entities. • Liaise with communication focal points across the UN system to align messaging and efforts. • Track, analyze, and report on the impact of communication initiatives and campaigns. 4. Capacity Building and Advocacy • Conduct sensitization sessions for staff on advocacy, communications strategies, and best practices. • Prepare progress reports, briefing materials, and impact assessments for UNDSS initiatives. • Assist in editing and finalizing major reports, speeches, and other key communication materials. 5. Additional Responsibilities • Perform other related duties as required or assigned by the Director, SPS, or the Strategic Communications Officer.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of the full range of communications approaches, tools, and methodologies essential to planning and executing effective campaign strategies and programmes, e.g., campaign management, media operations, marketing and promotion, audience outreach, message targeting. Ability to align communication production with strategy. Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences, in different organizational channels and cultivate productive relationships. Knowledge of relevant internal policies and business activities/issues. Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style. Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. Ability to moderate meetings and workshops. Knowledge of tools and techniques used for the development of complex, multilingual websites for international organizations comparable to the UN. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and proficiency in subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Provides an environment in which others can talk and act without fear of repercussion; places confidence in and builds trust with colleagues, staff members and stakeholders. • Client orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients ” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view. Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect. Identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions. Monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems. Keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects. Meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. • Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services: Continuously looks for ways to enhance and optimize existing initiatives. Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs: Proposes innovative solutions tailored to the unique requirements of clients. Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas: Advocates for and encourages the adoption of novel approaches within the organization. Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”: Willingly explores unconventional methods and thoughtfully assesses potential risks and benefits. Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things: Demonstrates curiosity and openness toward emerging concepts and methodologies. Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches: Challenges existing paradigms and remains open to alternative perspectives. • Technological Awareness: Manages on a daily basis multilingual websites using Drupal or comparable content management systems; Keeps abreast of available technology; understands, applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology (AI, Microsoft, Adobe) to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education

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

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

At least five years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public information, journalism, digital marketing or related field is required. Experience using data visualization and engagement techniques for content development, storytelling and meetings is required. At least two years of experience in managing websites using Drupal, Office 365, and/or comparable content management systems, including the management and monitoring of social media platforms is required. Proficiency in Adobe suite and AI tools for developing multi-media content is required. Experience in producing and disseminating public information materials in the UN common system or similar international organizations is desirable. Experience using metrics to drive impactful communication is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English (oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is desirable. NOTE: ”Fluency” equals a rating of ”fluent” in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and ”Knowledge of” equals a rating of ”confident” in two of the four areas.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Special Notice

• Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. • For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or under-represented in the UN Secretariat as of 30 November 2024, are strongly encouraged to apply: Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, China, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Libya, Liechtenstein, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu.. • The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is taking efforts to improve gender parity, including full implementation of the UN-wide, and Departmental Gender Strategies. We are committed to providing an inclusive culture and exciting opportunities for women in the security and operations field. • An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential. • Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. • Those candidates who apply and are subsequently recommended and endorsed for the job opening, but are not selected for the current vacant position, will be placed on the roster for similar functions at the level and category of the job opening for possible future selection. Roster membership does not guarantee selection. • Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position. • The selection process for this job opening will be conducted pursuant to ST/AI/2010/3 on the “Staff Selection System” and include the compliance review process by a review body described in staff rule 4.15. The Staff Regulations, Staff Rules and administrative issuance governing staff appointments can be viewed at: http://www.un.org/hr_handbook/English.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General. Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.