Job Description
Dutystation: Multiple
Functional responsibilities
Under the supervision of the GPO Director, and in coordination with the GPO senior management team as required, the Communications Specialist will have the following key responsibilities:
- Positioning of the GPO portfolio and related initiatives
- Management and implementation of external communications
- Internal communication and knowledge management
- Partnership development and outreach
Scope of Assignments
Positioning of the GPO portfolio and related initiatives - Contribute to the development, implementation and monitoring of the GPO Communications strategy, ensuring alignment with the GPO strategy and UNOPS priorities.
- Assist with identifying priority audiences and mapping relevant stakeholders.
- Support reputational positioning efforts by preparing background briefs and communications materials for senior leadership.
- Assist in aligning messaging with cross-organizational communication guidance.
Management and implementation of external communications
- Support the development of communication materials and campaigns, including coordination of events and digital outreach activities.
- Coordinate digital content dissemination and assist with media outreach in collaboration with the Communications Group.
- Assist in preparing the GPO Director and senior management for public engagements by drafting remarks, talking points, and supporting content.
- Support media relations efforts by coordinating responses and assisting with drafting materials under the guidance of the Communications Group.
- Work closely with the Communication Group to ensure that various high-level communications are provided to the GPO Director and Senior Management.
- The role may include the provision of supervisory guidance and technical support to junior communications personnel, consultants, or interns, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and UNOPS communication standards as needed.
Internal communication and knowledge management - Coordinate internal communication updates and maintain content on platforms such as the intranet and UNOPS.org.
- Facilitate information sharing and knowledge exchange across GPO teams.
- Assist with the collection and packaging of lessons learned and best practices.
Partnership development and outreach - Support GPO senior management with partnership activities, including background research, drafting communications materials, and tracking opportunities.
- Help ensure consistent communication with partners and support the preparation of content related to partnership engagement.
- Contribute to the preparation of the GPO partnerships report and related outreach products.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY*
Education:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent), preferably in Communications, Journalism, Public Administration, Economics, International Development, Political Science, International Relations or in a field related to the post description with at least five (5) years of relevant experience is required; OR.
- First-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) preferably in Communications, Journalism, Public Administration, Economics, International Development, Political Science, International Relations or in a field related to the post description with at least seven (7) years of relevant experience is desirable.
Required Work Experience: - Relevant experience must include supporting the development and implementation of communication strategies, public information, media engagement, and/or partnership initiatives.
- Demonstrated experience in communication for development, partnership coordination, and/or support to project or portfolio development.
Desired Experience (The following experience is optional. Candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply): - Experience in communications related to GPO’s core thematic areas (e.g., Climate, Health, Peace & Security, Sustainable Development, Digital/Innovation) is an asset.
- Experience in the private sector, especially in roles related to communications, strategy, or operations, is also beneficial.
- Experience supporting media relations, media content development, or assisting with media strategies is an advantage.
- Prior exposure to the United Nations system, international cooperation, or multilateral organizations is desirable.
- Familiarity with project coordination, technical assistance, or capacity-building activities is an asset.
- Work experience in a media or journalism environment is an advantage.
- Experience working in multicultural teams is an asset.
Language Requirements: - Fluency in English (read, write, speak) is required.
- Fluency in another UN languages is an asset.
About the Organization
TOGETHER, WE BUILD THE FUTURE
UNOPS – an operational arm of the United Nations – supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by successfully implementing its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world.
Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development.
We are proud of our people and embrace diversity and are committed to equal employment opportunities. Our workforce brings together approximately 160 nationalities, represented by over 5,000 UNOPS personnel as well as some 7,800 personnel recruited on behalf of our partners. Spread across 80 countries from a range of backgrounds, and languages and have different gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities.
We encourage women and candidates from underrepresented groups in UNOPS to apply. These include candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
