ASSOCIATE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER, Santo Domingo

Org. Setting and ReportingThe UN Secretary-General launched on 1 January 2019 a bold and new global reform which repositioned the UN Development System to deliver more effectively and efficiently with the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. As part of this reform, UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), under the leadership of an empowered and independent UN Resident Coordinator - the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System and Representative of the UN Secretary-General at country level - support countries in the achievement of their development priorities and the attainment of the SDG's. In its Resolution A/RES/72/279, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the transformation of the Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) as a stand-alone coordination office within the United Nations Secretariat. DCO exercises managerial and oversight functions of the resident coordinator system under the oversight of the Chair of United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG). In 2026, DCO undertook a recalibration to ensure the RC system remains optimally configured to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda and embodies the UN 2.0 shift- anchored in data, digital, innovation, behavioral science, strategic foresight, and a mission driven organizational culture. The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, under the supervision of the Head of the Resident Coordinator Office.

ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Associate Communications Officer will perform the following duties:

• Contribute to gathering insights and analysis from traditional, social, and digital media monitoring, including public narratives and areas of reputational risk to inform communications strategy.
• Contribute to the implementation of communications strategies that raise awareness, drive engagement, build support and have measurable impact with target audiences.
• Contribute to drafting narratives and messaging on the work of the UN that engage target audiences across different channels and platforms.
• Contribute to media mapping, reaching out to and fostering relationships with traditional and new media outlets.
• Contribute to the development of media lines, including in crisis situations and on sensitive issues.
• Contribute to the planning and coordination of press conferences, briefings, and media events.
• Act as a spokesperson for the organisation, when required.
• Contribute to the creation of compelling content that is optimized to reach target audiences across a range of platforms and channels.
• Contribute to the drafting and production of communications products, such as press releases, press statements, web stories, reports, and infographics.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of communications campaigns that engage and have measurable impact with target audiences through appropriate channels and platforms.
• Contribute to development and coordination of strategic communications partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to reach target audiences and maximize impact.
• Contribute to the delivery of in-person outreach and advocacy strategies and campaigns to engage target audiences and advance UN priorities
• Contribute to the creation of content, interviews, news and programming for UN and/or community radio channels and podcasts.
• Contribute to the creation and updating of policy, guidance and/or training related to strategic communications, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
• Assist in the preparation of reporting and inputs for strategic communications in the context of regular reporting to governmental bodies.
• Keep abreast of the latest trends in communications and maintain expertise in relevant and emerging technologies.
• Maintain confidentiality, integrity, and discreet handling of sensitive information in compliance with the UN data privacy, security requirements, and standards.
• Monitor, analyse, and report on communications approaches, activities and strategies to assess their performance and effectiveness.
• Contribute to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned.

  CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: Presentation skills. Strategic thinking skills. Public speaking skills. Critical thinking skills. Knowledge of strategic communications principles and practices. Knowledge of Media Monitoring tools. Knowledge of Digital Design. Knowledge and understanding of sustainable development theories, concepts & approaches and knowledge of Media Monitoring tools. Skills in developing creative content. Ability to identify and develop sources for data collection. Ability to undertake research, analyze data, make recommendations and write draft reports on sustainable development issues. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. PLANNING AND ORGANIZING: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

  EducationAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, digital communications or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage.

  Job - Specific QualificationNot available.

  Work ExperienceA minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, international relations, or other relevant areas is required. Demonstrated knowledge of risks to information integrity - misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, and threats in fragile, post conflict, and crisis environments is required. Demonstrated skills in data visualization tools to create charts, graphs, and visual outputs is desirable. Demonstrated knowledge of current and emerging digital media platforms, their principles and technologies is desirable. Demonstrated knowledge of strategic communications principles and practices is required. One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable.

  LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, fluency in English and Spanish is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult for details).