Crisis Communications Officer
Organizational Context
The UNDP Humanitarian Advisory Team in Papua New Guinea supports a coordinated humanitarian system by assisting the Government and UN partners in disaster preparedness and response. Operating in a country facing diverse challenges like natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and conflict, the team enhances coordination, preparedness, and information management. It connects immediate response with long-term resilience and development, aiming to build a more prepared Papua New Guinea. The UN Country Team coordinates support, with the Disaster Management Team as the key inter-agency coordination body.
Job Purpose
This role strengthens crisis communication preparedness and provides surge support for the UN in Papua New Guinea during emergencies and high-profile events. The incumbent will work with the Resident Coordinator's Office, UN Communications Group, and other partners to ensure coherent messaging throughout crisis cycles. The position is crucial for protecting UN credibility, supporting operational objectives, combating misinformation, and ensuring affected communities receive accurate, life-saving information. The role involves advising on communication strategies, managing reputational risks, and coordinating responses to humanitarian appeals and emergency operations.
Responsibilities
The Crisis Communications Officer will enhance crisis communication preparedness, coordination, and implementation across the UN in Papua New Guinea, reporting to the Head of the Humanitarian Advisory Team and guided by the Resident Coordinator. Key duties include developing and maintaining crisis communication strategies and SOPs, establishing a UN Crisis Communications Cell, and managing communication tools like holding statements and key messages. The role involves planning for major hazards, conducting simulations, and building capacity among UN agencies. During emergencies, the officer will provide surge support, advise on strategy and risk management, draft communications, and ensure consistent UN messaging. Responsibilities also include media relations, monitoring misinformation, managing digital content, and coordinating with government, partners, and regional networks. Special attention will be given to communication initiatives related to elections and sensitive political contexts, ensuring neutrality and promoting peaceful discourse.
Work Experience
Requires at least 7 years of progressive experience in communications, public information, journalism, advocacy, media relations, or strategic communications. Demonstrated experience in crisis communications, emergency communications, humanitarian communications, or reputation management is essential. Experience supporting communications during humanitarian emergencies, natural disasters, or conflict situations is highly desirable. Experience with the UN or international organizations is also beneficial.
Skills
Core competencies include Professionalism, Integrity, Teamwork, Communication, Planning and Organizing, Accountability, Adaptability, and Client Orientation. Technical skills encompass crisis communications, reputation management, strategic planning, media relations, digital communications, misinformation monitoring, content development, multimedia storytelling, stakeholder engagement, and risk communication. Expertise areas include Administration, Communication, Advocacy, Public Information, and Community Development.