COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThe United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. UN-Habitat is the focal point for all urbanization and human settlement matters within the UN system. UN-Habitat works with partners to build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities. UN-Habitat promotes urbanization as a positive transformative force for people and communities, reducing inequality, discrimination and poverty. The World Urban Forum (WUF) is a non-legislative technical forum convened by the UN-Habitat biannually since 2002. The Forum gathers a wide range of experts from every walk of life. Participants of the Forum include but are not limited to national, regional and local governments, nongovernmental organizations, community-based organizations, professional, research institutions and academia, professional, private sector, development finance institutions, foundations, media, United Nations organizations and other international agencies. The WUF is recognized as the foremost global arena for interaction among policymakers, local government leaders, non-governmental organizations and expert practitioners in the field of sustainable urban development and human settlements. The WUF has been identified as a key platform to support implementation of the New Urban Agenda (NUA) adopted at the Habitat III conference. The WUF provides opportunities for stakeholder organizations of all kinds to come together to share the latest in innovative advances in sustainable urban development and projects showcasing the implementation of the NUA. Directly connected to the Office of the Director of External Relations Strategy, Knowledge and Innovation Division, the WUF Coordination Office seeks a Programme Management Officer to provide substantive support to the implementation, monitoring of programmes and operations of the World Urban Forum. The Communications Officer will work under direct supervision of the WUF Coordinator and will work closely with the Chief of Communications and will perform the following duties: Responsibilities1. Provide 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 development and implementation of communications strategies that raise awareness, drive engagement, build support and have measurable impact with target audiences. 3. Draft compelling narratives and messaging on the work of the UN that engage target audiences across different channels and platforms. 4. Conduct mapping, outreach to and foster relationships with traditional and new media outlets. 5. Participate in the development of media lines, including in crisis situations and on sensitive issues. 6. Plan and coordinate press conferences, briefings, and media events. 7. Create compelling content that is optimized to reach target audiences across a range of platforms and channels. 8. Draft and produce communications products, such as press releases, press statements, web stories, reports, and infographics. 9. Participate in the creation of compelling communications campaigns that engage and have measurable impact with target audiences through appropriate channels and platforms. 10. Participate in the development and coordination of strategic communications partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to reach target audiences and maximize impact. 11. Participate in the development and delivery of in-person outreach and advocacy strategies and campaigns to engage target audiences and advance UN priorities. 12. Contribute to the creation and updating of policy, guidance and/or training related to strategic communications, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders. 13. Serve as focal point on policy and reporting and prepare inputs for strategic communications in the context of regular reporting to governmental bodies. 14. Keep abreast of the latest trends in communications and maintain expertise in relevant and emerging technologies. 15. Maintain confidentiality, integrity, and discreet handling of sensitive information in compliance with the UN data privacy, security requirements, and standards. 16. Monitor, analyse, and report on communications approaches, activities and strategies to assess their performance and effectiveness. 17. Collect and analyse data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables, and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation, and reporting. 18. Coordinate the activities of the team, including hiring, training, assigning tasks and responsibilities, evaluating performance, and ensuring that deadlines are met. 19. Manage required resources to implement the responsibilities, projects, and activities. 20. Provide guidance to team members to promote professional development and a positive team culture. 21. Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision making, presentation and reporting. 22. Performs other duties as required. CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field; ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems; ability to conduct data collection using various methods; conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases, ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities; 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. PLANNING & ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. 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 two (2) additional years of 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 desirable. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, international relations, or other relevant areas, is required. Experience designing communications/information strategies and campaigns, preferably for a large-scale international conference is required. Experience in a broad range of public information and communication tools, including new media and social networking tools is required. Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).