NATIONAL POST: Communications Associate, G-6, Dili, Timor-Leste

Organizational Context

The Communications Associate is based in the UNFPA Timor-Leste Country Office, reporting to the Partnerships, Resource Mobilization and Advocacy Analyst. This role supports the planning and implementation of the country office’s advocacy and communications efforts, focusing on external and internal visibility. UNFPA is the lead UN agency dedicated to ensuring every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person's potential is fulfilled, aligning with its strategic plan to end preventable maternal deaths, unmet family planning needs, and gender-based violence.

Job Purpose

The Communications Associate's primary purpose is to support the UNFPA Timor-Leste Country Office's communication and visibility initiatives. This involves applying corporate strategies and procedures to design, produce, and disseminate diverse multimedia content, including articles, press releases, social media, and videos. The role is crucial for enhancing media partnerships, sharing knowledge, documenting best practices, and ensuring stakeholders are well-informed of UNFPA’s results and priorities. By strengthening advocacy and communication, the Associate contributes directly to achieving the Country Programme's transformative results, such as ending preventable maternal deaths, unmet family planning needs, and gender-based violence, thereby fulfilling UNFPA's mandate in Timor-Leste.

Responsibilities

The Communications Associate supports the development and implementation of the country office’s communications and advocacy strategy, ensuring quality and adherence to UNFPA brand standards. This includes coordinating communication inputs for high-level visits and advocacy events, and guiding programme teams on messaging. The role involves drafting, editing, and coordinating the production of various communication materials, such as press releases, articles, success stories, and multimedia products, showcasing programme impact through beneficiary experiences. The Associate manages and updates social media channels and web presence, monitors performance, and maintains media contact networks, supporting press briefings and responding to inquiries. Furthermore, the Associate assists in designing and delivering advocacy campaigns aligned with Country Programme priorities, coordinating joint visibility with partners, and producing donor-facing materials to strengthen UNFPA’s positioning and resource mobilization efforts. Liaison with the regional communications team and participation in UN Communications Group activities are also key.

Work Experience

At least six years of relevant professional experience in communication, advocacy, and partnership at the national level, including public relations and handling media relations, is required. Experience in news reporting, editing, drafting success stories, and social media management/promotion is also essential. Familiarity with population issues, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and gender-based violence is an asset. Proficiency in current office software applications, corporate IT systems, and web-based management systems is necessary. Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization is desirable.

Skills

The role requires strong competencies in exemplifying integrity, demonstrating commitment to UNFPA and the UN system, embracing cultural diversity and change, and achieving results with accountability. Essential skills include developing and applying professional expertise, analytical and strategic thinking, teamwork, and effective communication for impact. Functional competencies encompass advocacy, advancing a policy-oriented agenda, leveraging resources from national governments and partners, building strategic alliances, delivering results-based programmes, and internal/external communication for resource mobilization.

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