Communications and Advocacy Officer

This position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) in Caracas, Venezuela, and reports to the Head of the RC Office. The position maintains a close working relationship with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC), which sets the communications and advocacy priorities of the United Nations around the world.ResponsibilitiesProvides guidance on the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the UN Joint Advocacy and Communication Strategy in alignment with and support of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the UNSDCF in the country.Advises the Resident Coordinator (RC) and the UNCT in identifying risks and opportunities related to specific partnerships, reputational risks or crises around sensitive issues, and suggests corrective measures as relevant.Provides substantive support to the Resident Coordinator and UNCT in adapting and localizing UN Global communications and thematic advocacy priorities.Provides diverse material (briefing, speeches, questions and answers, etc.), technical and policy advice on highly complex communications issues related to the work in the country to the Resident Coordinator and the UNCT; provides UN Headquarters with media reports regarding highly complex conditions and public attitudes towards the UN in the country.In collaboration with the UN Communications Group and the UN Programme Management Team (or equivalent), and in coordination with the RCO colleagues responsible for data management and results reporting, prepares the annual communication plan to publicize and communicate results with a focus on the UN’s development impact.Identifies sources and seeks funding and other assistance for major campaigns.Provides advice and expertise to managers, senior officers and other public information staff on a range of public affairs issues, methods, and approaches; anticipates and resolves communications/public relations issues/problems.Develops strategic partnerships with key constituencies to elicit support for and maximize impact of promotional objectives; serves as a spokesperson/principal liaison to media organizations, governmental bodies, national groups, private sector organizations, educational organizations, international organizations, etc.Plans and facilitates dialogues with partners to improve public engagement and participatory approach to the UN’s programme implementation and monitoring, reflecting the views and priorities of people, including those left farthest behind.Prepares or oversees preparation of a diverse range of information/marketing/ communications products in support of major campaign initiatives and strategic communications actions.Plans and facilitates the development and implementation of a digital content strategy for UNCT websites and social media platforms and contributes to the development of key communications and advocacy products.Drafts complex material for UN newsletters, social media, websites, periodicals, reports and books and edits drafts prepared by junior officers.Coordinates, and may chair or co-chair, the UN Communication Group in the country and perform any other duties related to coordination of development cooperation interagency activities.Evaluates results and impact of communications activities; reports on developments, trends and attitudes regarding the UN.Fulfills speaking engagements and makes presentations to groups on UN activities and advocate issues of concern; organizes media coverage and arranges for media contacts, briefings, interviews; organizes seminars, lectures, conferences, public events on major issues and events concerning the UN.Builds information networks; plans and oversees maintenance of publicly accessible information materials on the United Nations, including the UN’s website and social media accounts; plans and develops outreach activities.Manages publications programme; produces materials for print/electronic/voice/visual media/social media.Assists in the day-to-day operation of the RCO to include participating in coordination of substantive and administrative activities of the RCO, interpreting and disseminating policy, providing procedural advice, improving reporting systems, handling operational and administrative queries, preparing budget submissions, establishing and/or coordinating training programmes and monitoring and evaluating results.May coordinate and direct a team of public information staff and/or mentor and supervise the work of junior officers on specific projects.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.EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations or related field. 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.Work ExperienceA minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in development communications and advocacy, public information and/or journalism is required. Experience working in highly politically sensitive context and complex humanitarian settings, providing quality communications advice to senior officials is desired. Working experience in Latin America and the Caribbean region is desired. Previous experience in crisis management communications is desired.LanguagesFor this position fluency in both English and Spanish is required.AssessmentEvaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.Special NoticeThis position is funded for one year. Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds. 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.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 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.
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