Associate Communications Officer

Organizational Context

The UN Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) in Cotonou, Benin, operates under the UN Secretariat's reformed Development System, supporting national development priorities and SDGs. It is led by an empowered UN Resident Coordinator and functions within the framework of the Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO), recalibrated for the UN 2.0 era. The RCO collaborates with the UN Communication Group and colleagues managing data and results reporting.

Job Purpose

This role contributes to the UN's communication efforts in Benin, supporting the Resident Coordinator's Office. The purpose is to implement communication strategies that enhance awareness, engagement, and support for UN initiatives, aligning with the 2030 Agenda and SDGs. The incumbent will draft narratives, manage media relations, create compelling content across various platforms, and coordinate communication campaigns and partnerships. Key contributions include informing strategy through media monitoring, acting as a spokesperson when needed, and producing diverse communication products. The role also involves data analysis for reporting, managing digital platforms, and ensuring website content is accurate and engaging, ultimately advancing UN priorities through effective communication.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities include monitoring traditional, social, and digital media to inform communication strategies and identify reputational risks. The role involves implementing communication strategies to raise awareness and engagement, drafting narratives and messaging for diverse audiences across multiple channels, and developing media outreach by fostering relationships with media outlets. This includes preparing media lines, coordinating press conferences and events, and potentially acting as a spokesperson. The incumbent will create compelling content optimized for various platforms, draft communications products like press releases and reports, and develop/implement communication campaigns and partnerships. Responsibilities also extend to creating content for radio and podcasts, contributing to communication policy and training, assisting with reporting, staying updated on communication trends and technologies, and maintaining data privacy and security. Monitoring and analyzing communication activities, collecting and visualizing data for reporting, creating and moderating social media content, and managing website content are also crucial duties.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of progressive experience in developing and implementing communication strategies is required. Essential experience includes managing digital communication platforms (websites, social media) and content production, as well as media relations and knowledge of the Benin media landscape. Desirable experience includes working within the UN system or international organizations, graphic design, photography, video production, results communication, data visualization, and planning high-visibility events.

Skills

Professionalism (critical thinking, strategic communications, risk awareness, message tailoring, creative content development, digital design, social media management, digital analytics, data visualization), Communication (clear speaking/writing, active listening, appropriate tailoring of language/tone/style/format), and Planning & Organizing (goal setting, prioritization, resource allocation, risk management, monitoring and adjustment, time management).

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