Senior Communications Officer
Organizational Context
The UN Development Coordination Office (DCO) seeks a Chief of Section for Strategic Communications and Information Integrity in New York. This role leads DCO's strategic communications, innovation, and information integrity functions across the UN Resident Coordinator (RC) system. The position reports to the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement and collaborates across the UN system to strengthen public trust and advance UN development priorities.
Job Purpose
The Chief of Section leads DCO's strategic communications, information integrity, and innovation functions, setting the direction to enhance public trust in the UN development system. This involves developing coherent narratives on UN priorities, including SDG acceleration, and positioning the RC system as a reliable information source in complex digital environments. The role provides strategic advice on communications, reputational risks, and crisis management. It also guides the development of system-wide strategies, campaigns, and partnerships, driving innovation in UN communication. A key focus is supporting Resident Coordinators and UN Country Teams in combating misinformation, disinformation, and declining trust, particularly in challenging contexts, by developing integrated communications strategies, messaging, and training, and by analyzing information risks to inform prevention and response efforts.
Responsibilities
Lead and advise on strategic communications, including proactive outreach, crisis management, and reputational risk mitigation. Oversee the development and execution of communications strategies to raise awareness, drive engagement, and achieve measurable impact. Guide media monitoring and analysis to inform strategy and identify reputational risks. Coordinate the creation of policy, guidance, and training materials on strategic communications. Manage and develop a multidisciplinary team, including work planning, resource allocation, and performance evaluation. Oversee digital communication strategies, including social media and websites. Develop and implement research methodologies to monitor and report on information integrity risks. Lead efforts to combat misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech through communication and advocacy strategies and partnerships. Coordinate integrated entity-wide actions to address information integrity challenges. Cultivate strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to support UN campaigns, initiatives, and resource mobilization.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of experience in communications, international relations, or related fields is required. Experience with strategic communications principles, developing and implementing communication strategies, and knowledge of digital media platforms are essential. Familiarity with information integrity risks (misinformation, disinformation, hate speech) in complex environments is also required. Desirable experience includes developing KPIs, trend analysis, communicating complex matters, project management, and policy development in a multilateral setting.
Skills
Strategic Communications, Information Integrity, Communications Innovation, Leadership, Team Management, Digital Communications Strategy, Media Monitoring and Analysis, Crisis Communications, Partnership Building, AI and Emerging Technologies, Research and Analysis, Policy Development, Public Trust Building, SDG Acceleration.