ASSOCIATE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThe UN Secretary-General launched on 1 January 2019 a bold and new global reform that repositioned the UN Development System to deliver more effectively and efficiently with the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. As part of this reform, UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), under the leadership of an empowered and independent UN Resident Coordinator - the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System and Representative of the UN Secretary-General at the country level - support countries in the achievement of their development priorities and the attainment of the SDG's. The Associate Communications Officer maintains relationships with management in their entity, with other Communications specialists in the organization, with managers in other functional areas, and with staff to provide and clarify information, to exchange information, to plan and coordinate communication activities, to seek guidance, to support reporting efforts, to provide updates on activities, to discuss communications support to other functional areas, to support the Crisis Management Team, when required, and to support training activities in the area of communications as necessary. The Associate Communications Officer also maintains external relationships with counterparts in United Nations agencies, funds, and programs; government officials; civil society representatives; local community representatives; digital/community influencers; vendors; media and think tanks; and academia to support building and managing partners, consult and coordinate activities, exchange information and best practices, coordinate activities to strengthen information integrity if needed, and support organizing events and campaigns. This is a FIXED-TERM LIMITED POSITION. The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Ashkhabad, TURKMENISTAN and reports to the Senior Development Coordination Officer, Strategic Planning, and RCO Team Leader. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the incumbent, will perform the following duties: 1. Contribute to gathering insights and analysis from traditional, social, and digital media monitoring, including public narratives and areas of reputational risk to inform communications strategy. 2. Contribute to the implementation of communications strategies that raise awareness, drive engagement, build support and have measurable impact with target audiences. 3. Contribute to the drafting compelling narratives and messaging on the work of the UN that engage target audiences across different channels and platforms. 4. Contribute to media mapping, reaching out to and fostering relationships with traditional and new media outlets. 5. Contribute to the development of media lines, including in crisis situations and on sensitive issues. 6. Contribute to the planning and coordination of press conferences, briefings, and media events. 7. Act as a spokesperson for the organisation, when required. 8. Contribute to the creation of compelling content that is optimised to reach target audiences across a range of platforms and channels. 9. Contribute to the drafting and production of communications products, such as press releases, press statements, web stories, reports, and infographics. 10. Contribute to the development and implementation of communications campaigns that engage and have measurable impact with target audiences through appropriate channels and platforms. 11. Contribute to the development and coordination of strategic communications partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to reach target audiences and maximize impact. 12. Contribute to the delivery of in-person outreach and advocacy strategies and campaigns to engage target audiences and advance UN priorities 13. Contribute to the creation of content, interviews, news and programming for UN and/or community radio channels and podcasts. 14. Contribute to the creation and updating of policy, guidance and/or training related to strategic communications, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders. 15. Assist in the preparation of reporting and inputs for strategic communications in the context of regular reporting to governmental bodies. 16. Keep abreast of the latest trends in communications and maintain expertise in relevant and emerging technologies. 17. Maintain confidentiality, integrity, and discreet handling of sensitive information in compliance with the UN data privacy, security requirements, and standards. 18. Monitor, analyse and report on communications approaches, activities, and strategies to assess their performance and effectiveness. 19. Contributes to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. 20. Documents requirements and background information used for data analysis. 21. Performs other related tasks as assigned. CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: Critical thinking skills; Skills in developing creative content; Knowledge of digital design. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of 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. COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, digital communications or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience demonstrating the ability to develop and implement communications strategies is required. Demonstrated experience in drafting press releases, social media statements and using AI is required. Demonstrated experience working with youth is desirable. Demonstrated experience organizing high level events is desirable. Coordination of joint work with other entities is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage. 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. AssessmentEvaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment, such as a written test, which will be followed by a competency-based interview by phone or teleconference. Special NoticeTHIS IS A FIXED TERM LIMITED POSITION. Appointment or assignment against this post is for an initial period of one (1) year, and any extension will be subject to availability of funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate\". \"External candidate selected for this position will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited (\"FTA-limited\") in accordance with section 2.2 (b) of administrative instruction ST/AI/2013/1 on Administration of Fixed-Term Appointments. Renewal of appointment is contingent upon continued existence of mandate and availability of funding. If this position is discontinued, the incumbent will be separated from service. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of \"internal candidate\" in staff rule 4.10 who are selected for this position subject to limitation will retain their current appointment status and will be reassigned or transferred to the position, without a lien to their parent position.\" THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO NATIONALS OF TURKMENISTAN. The National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located and will be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidate is identified, TURKMENISTAN nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, in which case the candidate would be responsible for any costs related to travelling and relocating to TURKMENISTAN in the event of an employment offer. 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. Note to current staff members at the General Service level: Locally recruited General Service staff members applying for this post must meet the minimum requirements, including academic qualifications and years of relevant experience. Relevant experience in the General Service category at G-6 and G-7 levels may count towards experience requirements. \"Internal Applicants: When completing the form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience, and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you\". 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. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. Upon separation from service, including, but not limited to, expiration or termination of, or resignation from, a fixed-term, continuing or permanent appointment, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment on the basis of a temporary appointment for a period of 31 days following the separation. In the case of separation from service on retirement, a former staff member will be ineligible for re-employment for a period of three months following the separation. This equally applies, mutatis mutandis, with respect to a former or current staff member who has held or holds an appointment in another entity applying the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules and who applies for a temporary position with the Secretariat. United Nations ConsiderationsAccording 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. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile 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 FeeTHE 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.