Associate Communications Officer, NOB

Org. Setting and Reporting

The UN Secretary-General launched on 1 January 2019 a bold and new global reform which 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 country level - support countries in the achievement of their development priorities and the attainment of the SDG's. In its Resolution A/RES/72/279, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the transformation of the Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) as a stand-alone coordination office within the United Nations Secretariat. DCO exercises managerial and oversight functions of the Resident Coordinator System under the oversight of the Chair of United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG). In 2026, DCO undertook a recalibration to ensure the RC system remains optimally configured to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda and embodies the UN 2.0 shift- anchored in data, digital, innovation, behavioral science, strategic foresight, and a mission driven organizational culture. The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) in Cotonou, Benin, and reports to the Head of the Resident Coordinator Office. The incumbent works in close coordination with the United Nations Communication Group (UNCG) in Benin and with RCO colleagues responsible for data management and results reporting.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible of the following duties: • 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. • Contribute to the implementation of communications strategies that raise awareness, drive engagement, build support and have measurable impact with target audiences. • Contribute to drafting narratives and messaging on the work of the UN that engage target audiences across different channels and platforms. • Contribute to media mapping, reaching out to and fostering relationships with traditional and new media outlets. • Contribute to the development of media lines, including in crisis situations and on sensitive issues. • Contribute to the planning and coordination of press conferences, briefings, and media events. • Act as a spokesperson for the organisation, when required. • Contribute to the creation of compelling content that is optimized to reach target audiences across a range of platforms and channels. • Contribute to the drafting and production of communications products, such as press releases, press statements, web stories, reports, and infographics. • Contribute to the development and implementation of communications campaigns that engage and have measurable impact with target audiences through appropriate channels and platforms. • Contribute to development and coordination of strategic communications partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to reach target audiences and maximize impact. • Contribute to the delivery of in-person outreach and advocacy strategies and campaigns to engage target audiences and advance UN priorities. • Contribute to the creation of content, interviews, news and programming for UN and/or community radio channels and podcasts. • Contribute to the creation and updating of policy, guidance and/or training related to strategic communications, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders. • Assist in the preparation of reporting and inputs for strategic communications in the context of regular reporting to governmental bodies. • Keep abreast of the latest trends in communications and maintain expertise in relevant and emerging technologies • Maintain confidentiality, integrity, and discreet handling of sensitive information in compliance with the UN data privacy, security requirements, and standards. • Monitor, analyse, and report on communications approaches, activities and strategies to assess their performance and effectiveness. • Contribute 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. • Create and moderate engaging and platform-optimized content, including live content, tailored for social media and other digital platforms to advance digital communications priorities and campaigns work. • Monitor and report on social media analytics to stay abreast of trends, measure impact and adjust content strategy as needed. • Contribute to the development and implementation of website strategies that raise awareness, drive engagement, build support and have measurable impact with target audiences. • Contribute to the development and maintenance of the organisation’s website, ensuring it remains up-to-date, user-friendly, and accessible. • Contribute to the development of bespoke content for the website and provide editorial guidance to ensure stylistic consistency, political sensitivity, and accuracy of information. • Contribute, draft and/or review speeches to be delivered by the Resident Coordinator and prepare talking points for public interventions (panels, interviews, TV/radio broadcasting) • Perform other duties as assigned

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Critical thinking skills; knowledge of strategic communications principles and practices; knowledge of risks to information integrity (misinformation, disinformation, hate speech); ability to draft and tailor clear messages for diverse audiences; skills in developing creative content; knowledge of digital design; skills in managing social media in an international organization; knowledge of digital analytics tools; skill in data visualization tools; 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 AND 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.

Education

Advanced 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 an advantage.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience demonstrating ability to develop and implement communications strategies is required. Experience in managing digital communication platforms (websites and social media), including content production, is required. Experience in media relations and demonstrated knowledge of the media landscape in Benin is required. Experience within the UN system or another international organization, including in inter-agency settings such as a UN Communication Group, is desirable. Experience in graphic design, photography and video production and the use of relevant tools is desirable. Experience in results communication and data visualization is desirable. Experience in planning high-visibility events and campaigns (international days, official visits) is desirable.

Languages

English 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).

Required Languages LanguageReadingWritingListeningSpeakingEnglishUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level IIUN Level II Assessment Evaluation 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 Notice This is a fixed-term position. Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one (1) year, and any extension will be subject to the availability of funds, budgetary approval, or extension of the mandate. Additionally, this recruitment process remains subject to budgetary, classification, and intergovernmental approvals. THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO NATIONALS OF GAMBIA. 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. 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