Associate Communications Officer
Organizational Context
The UN Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) in Baghdad, Iraq, operates under the UN Secretariat's reformed Development System, supporting country-level achievement of the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. Led by an empowered UN Resident Coordinator, the RCO is part of the Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO), which exercises oversight of the resident coordinator system. The office embodies the UN 2.0 shift, focusing on data, digital innovation, and a mission-driven culture.
Job Purpose
The Associate Communications Officer will support the implementation of communication strategies to enhance awareness, engagement, and support for the UN's work among target audiences. This involves developing compelling narratives and messaging across various channels, contributing to media lines for sensitive issues and crisis situations, and producing communication materials like press releases and reports. The role also includes fostering strategic partnerships, monitoring communication effectiveness, and analyzing data to inform planning and decision-making. The position is situated within the UN RCO in Baghdad, Iraq, reporting to the Head of the Resident Coordinator Office, and contributes to the UN's mission of achieving development priorities and the SDGs.
Responsibilities
Contribute to the implementation of communication strategies to raise awareness, drive engagement, and build support for UN initiatives. Develop and draft narratives and messaging for various channels and platforms to effectively communicate the UN's work. Assist in creating media lines, particularly for crisis situations and sensitive topics. Produce communication products, including press releases, statements, web stories, reports, and infographics. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to develop and coordinate strategic communication partnerships. Monitor, analyze, and report on communication activities and strategies to assess their performance and effectiveness. Collect and analyze data, identify trends, and provide insights using data visualization methods for planning and decision-making. Perform other related tasks as assigned.
Work Experience
A minimum of two years of progressive experience in communications, international relations, or related fields is required. Demonstrated knowledge of information integrity risks (misinformation, disinformation, hate speech) in fragile environments is necessary. Skills in collecting, processing, and analyzing large volumes of data are required. Knowledge of strategic communications principles and digital media platforms is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, strategic thinking, public speaking, critical thinking, knowledge of sustainable development, media monitoring, data collection and analysis, data interpretation, communication (written and verbal), client orientation, presentation skills, partnership building, data visualization.