Communications Senior Officer

The Communications Senior Officer leads strategic communication initiatives, develops high-quality editorial and multimedia content, and builds key stakeholder relationships to support organizational success. The role requires expertise in digital content development and serves as a technical communications resource within the East and Southern Africa Multi-Country Office (ESAMCO).

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and draft analytical reports and background papers for high-level fora and events.
• Prepare key messages, statements and presentations for strategic events.
• Provide substantive input to the implementation and monitoring of strategic plans.
• Engage with agencies and partners to document lessons and facilitate knowledge exchange.
• Follow up on key recommendations and reporting deliverables from major events.
• Contribute to developing comprehensive communication strategies and ensure alignment with corporate priorities.
• Contribute to the day-to-day implementation of the strategy, ensuring timely, high-quality outputs.
• Monitor and analyze communication context and recommend adjustments.
• Contribute to communication budget tracking and ensure compliance with corporate standards.
• Collaborate with specialists on proposal development and methodological improvements.
• Lead development of high-quality editorial content - press materials, digital media, videos and knowledge products.
• Oversee processes of capturing, analyzing and packaging content for strategic communication.
• Draft and refine messaging for targeted audiences and ensure brand coherence.
• Manage multiple content deliverables and ensure timeliness and quality.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders and media partners.
• Support organization and representation at external events, ensuring professional alignment with UNOPS principles.
• Provide guidance to teams on stakeholder messaging and communication standards.
• Support the organization, facilitation and delivery of training and learning sessions on communications topics.
• Participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and Communities of Practice (CoPs), contributing insights and lessons learned from communications project implementation.
• Conduct research on communication-related topics and contribute to the drafting of reports, summaries and briefing notes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with 4 years of relevant experience OR Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 2 years of relevant experience is required.
• A globally or nationally recognized professional certificate in communications, journalism, or digital and social media communications is desired.
• Relevant experience is work in communications, public relations, media, journalism or related fields.
• Experience in the use of collaboration and productivity tools (e.g. MS Office, G-Suite, etc) and web-based management systems are required.
• Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.
• Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is desired.
• Experience in developing and monitoring content for grassroots-level audiences is desired.
• Proficiency in English is required.

Skills

• Strategic Communications
• Editorial Content Development
• Multi-media Content Development
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Digital Content Creation
• Public Relations
• Media Relations
• Journalism
• Social Media Communication
• Collaboration Tools
• Productivity Tools
• Web-based Management Systems
• Communications in Multicultural Environments
• Communications in Development Contexts
• Communications in Humanitarian Contexts

Languages

English