ASSOCIATE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Organizational Context

The UN Resident Coordination Offices (UN RCO), part of the UN Secretariat's Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO), support countries in achieving development priorities and SDGs. This role is within the UN RCO in Damascus, Syria, reporting to the Head of the RCO, and contributes to the UN's reform efforts focused on data, digital innovation, and a mission-driven culture.

Job Purpose

This role supports the UN Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Damascus by contributing to the implementation of communications strategies that enhance awareness, engagement, and support for UN priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals. The incumbent will assist in gathering media insights, drafting narratives, building media relationships, and developing compelling content for various platforms. Responsibilities include supporting media events, creating communications products, and fostering strategic partnerships to maximize impact. The role also involves monitoring and analyzing communication activities, maintaining data integrity, and staying updated on emerging communication technologies and trends to ensure effective outreach and advocacy.

Responsibilities

Gather and analyze insights from media monitoring (traditional, social, digital) to inform communications strategy and identify reputational risks. Implement communications strategies to raise awareness, drive engagement, and build support for UN initiatives. Draft narratives and messaging for diverse audiences across multiple channels. Develop media maps and foster relationships with media outlets. Prepare media lines, especially for crisis situations. Plan and coordinate press conferences, briefings, and media events. Create compelling content optimized for various platforms. Produce communications products like press releases, web stories, and reports. Develop and implement communication campaigns and strategic partnerships. Deliver outreach and advocacy strategies. Create content for UN radio and podcasts. Assist in developing and updating communications policies and training. Prepare reporting inputs for governmental bodies. Stay current with communication trends and technologies. Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information securely. Monitor, analyze, and report on communication activities' performance. Contribute to data collection, analysis, and visualization for planning and decision-making.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of progressive experience in communications or international relations is required. Demonstrated knowledge of risks to information integrity (misinformation, disinformation, hate speech) in crisis environments is essential. Experience with data visualization tools, collecting/analyzing data, and understanding digital media platforms is desirable. Knowledge of strategic communications principles and practices is required.

Skills

Professionalism, Communication, Teamwork, Strategic thinking, Critical thinking, Public speaking, Data analysis, Data visualization, Media relations, Content creation, Campaign development, Digital media proficiency, Crisis communications.

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