UNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations to implement the activities for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC).
The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) is an initiative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, which responds to a broad consensus across nations, cultures, and religions that all societies are interdependent, bound together in their development and security, and in their environmental, economic and financial well-being. The Alliance seeks to forge collective political will and mobilize concerted action at the institutional and civil society levels to overcome the prejudice, misperceptions, and polarization that militate against such a consensus. UNAOC hopes to contribute to a coalescing global movement which, reflecting the will of the vast majority of people, rejects extremism in any society.
The complex, demanding dialogue of civilizations, cultures, and religions is necessary, possible, and fruitful. It is a critical tool against isolation, mistrust, and confrontation, and it is also the most powerful incentive for understanding and tolerance. History has shown that dialogue is not a simple process. If we fail to teach and cultivate it, the situation can give way to a monologue or to mutism, which is conducive to conflict and violent extremism.
The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations was created to serve as a soft-power political tool of the United Nations Secretary-General for conflict prevention and conflict resolution. It is a coalition against extremist forces, a movement to advance mutual respect for cultures, traditions, and religious beliefs, and a platform to bridge divides and overcome prejudice, misconceptions, misperceptions, and polarization. The United Nations Alliance of Civilizations was intended to promote collective action in society as a means of addressing the threats that emerge from the hostile perceptions that foment violence, overcoming cultural and social barriers, reducing tensions, and improving relations between societies and communities with diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, and combatting violent extremism.
The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.
The Communications Specialist supports the development and delivery of communications materials to enhance the visibility, positioning and impact of UNAOC. The incumbent contributes to communication planning, content creation, media engagement, digital outreach, and knowledge sharing, ensuring consistent, high-quality messaging across platforms. The role supports senior management, including the High Representative and Director, and works collaboratively with programme teams and partners to ensure communications are strategic, integrated and aligned with organizational goals.
Speechwriting and Strategic Support
Provide support to the Director and communications team in developing, writing and preparing written materials for delivery by the High Representative.
Seek input and information from substantive staff; review relevant materials, project documents and reports; and draft speeches, statements and talking points for the High Representative and Director, ensuring policy coherence and accuracy.
Research, analyze and present information gathered from diverse sources that may impact the work of the organization.
Identify problems and issues to be addressed and propose corrective actions related to communication activities.
Media Relations and Monitoring
Manage communications between senior management and a wide range of external audiences, including the media.
Maintain regular contact with media, enhance the media network, and arrange media encounters between the High Representative, including providing support during such engagements.
Monitor and analyze daily media for stories and opportunities related to organizational activities and mandates.
Write articles and opinion pieces on behalf of the High Representative for high-profile media, including by identifying newsworthy topics and appropriate outlets to maximize impact.
Maintain and regularly update a database of relevant media contacts in the United States and internationally.
Content Production
Perform day-to-day tactical communications such as social media posts, newsletters, and digital features to amplify UNAOC’s work and increase the organization’s visibility.
Draft and edit press releases, newsletters, web content and social media posts for all major platforms.
Prepare, support, or oversee the production of a diverse range of communication products in support of programmatic initiatives.
Oversee the production and design of reports, multimedia products and microsites, ensuring quality, accuracy and consistency.
Write prefaces and forewords for UNAOC publications.
Draft, review, edit, and proofread reports and other written products developed by the organization.
Support coordination of media and social media coverage of UNAOC meetings and events.
Campaigns, Partnerships and Outreach
Work closely with programme and project counterparts to enhance visibility and contribute to advocacy of policy priorities.
Collaborate with UN departments, funds and agencies to develop and implement system-wide campaigns and to integrate campaign messages and themes into relevant events and products.
Support outreach efforts by coordinating with partners and stakeholders to enhance the visibility and impact of organizational initiatives.
General Duties
Perform other duties as may be reasonably required and in line with the scope of services outlined above.
Monitoring and Progress Controls
A work plan will be developed based on the UNOPS PER cycle and serve as the overarching document to monitor progress and record performance.
