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. The Communications Officer establishes and maintains relationships with management in her/his entity, with other Communications specialists in the organization, managers in other functional areas in the same entity, with the Crisis Management team, when applicable, and with staff to provide and clarify information, provide specific or thematic information, to exchange information, to plan and coordinate communication activities, to provide guidance and discuss communications support to other functional areas, to participate and support in the Crisis Management Team, and to share information with staff, as necessary. The Communications Officer also establishes external relationships with counterparts in United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, government officials, civil society representative and local community representatives, artists, creative content producers, digital/community influencers, social media platforms and other digital media platforms, vendors, media and think tanks, and academia to build partnerships, exchange information and best practices, align messaging, request information on new services and tools, strengthen information integrity, if needed, organize events and outreach activities, and mobilize resources. The Communications Officer is responsible for conducting a wide range of tasks. Depending on the organizational setting, these may include developing and implementing communications strategies, crisis communications, media relations and monitoring, digital campaigns and analytics, internal communications, outreach, and advocacy. THIS IS A FIXED TERM LIMITED POSITION located in the United Nations Resident Coordination Office (RCO) in Praia, Cabo Verde and reports to the Senior Development Coordination Officer, Head of RCO and Strategic Planner. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the incumbent, will perform the following duties: a. Contribute to the development and implementation of communications strategies that raise awareness, drive engagement, build support and have measurable impact with target audiences: b. Provide insights and analysis based on the monitoring of traditional, social, and digital media, including on risks to information integrity such as trends in mis and disinformation c. Contribute to the coordination of the crisis communications response with the communications stakeholders at the local, regional, and global levels, including the crisis communications cell and UN Communications Group in country. d. Contribute to the drafting of key messages that reflect relevant mandates of the UN system e. Participate in the creation and management of compelling and relevant content for websites, create and moderate engaging and platform-optimized content for social media channels, including live content, tailored for digital platforms to advance digital communications priorities and campaigns work. f. Participate in the development of approaches to analyse, monitor, and report social media, web, and other digital content to measure results, inform content creation, and adjust ongoing initiatives g. Contribute to the drafting of clear, concise business intelligence and insights reports on communications outcomes and trends for key stakeholders, including on reputational risks and crisis communications h. Contribute to the planning, development and execution of research methodologies - quantitative and qualitative – to monitor, collect, analyse and report on risks to information integrity across various online and/or offline information sources. i. Contribute to the identification and cataloguing of incidents and patterns of misinformation, disinformation, malinformation, hate speech, and threats. j. Prepare communications plans for keeping staff informed and engaged in organization objectives and initiatives, including change management, business continuity processes and during times of crisis. k. Participate in organizing regular meetings and events, in cooperation with internal and system wide stakeholders, such as management and subject matter experts, to keep staff informed and engaged with internal initiatives; moderate and present as required l. Participate in the development and implementation of media relations strategies to shape public perceptions of the UN, its work and impact. m. Contribute to the coordination and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to develop and deliver joint outreach and advocacy activities to advance UN priorities n. Support the development of creative campaign concepts, content, and materials, including digital and print assets, social media posts, email communications, and multimedia content o. Promote campaigns, events and collaboration with stakeholders by organizing media engagement and coverage p. Monitor and evaluate campaign performance, providing regular reports and insights to inform future strategies and initiatives. q. Perform other related tasks as assigned. CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: Demonstrates the ability to deliver high-quality, creative, and impactful work aligned with the standards and values of the United Nations. Applies digital tools and data analysis to inform communication strategies and support evidence-based decision-making. Maintains a strong results orientation, meets deadlines reliably, and addresses challenges with efficiency and integrity. The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.Continuously seeks to improve performance by staying current with evolving trends, tools, and best practices, particularly in the field of communication. Shows adaptability in responding to shifting priorities, global events, or crises, ensuring timely and appropriate messaging across diverse platforms and audiences. Upholds the principles of inclusivity and gender equality by integrating gender perspectives into all aspects of communication. Ensures balanced representation and active participation of women and men, contributing to communication efforts that reflect the UN’s commitment to equity, diversity, and human rights. 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. 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 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 five (5) years of progressively responsible experience demonstrating Knowledge and skills in strategic communications principles and practices is required. Demonstrated ability to develop and implement communications strategies is desirable. Demonstrated skills to communicate complex and technical matters to diverse audiences is desirable. Work experience of two (2) years or more in data analytics or related area is desirable Demonstrated ability to manage global, multi-lingual social media campaigns on international issues is required. Demonstrated ability to write for digital platforms, such as social media or websites, for an international organization is desirable. Demonstrated skills in developing creative content is desirable. Demonstrated knowledge of strategic communications principles and practices is required. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in oral and written English and Portuguese is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage. NOTE: \"Fluency equals a rating of \"fluent\" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and \" Knowledge of equals a rating of' confident\" in two of the four areas. AssessmentEvaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment, such as a written test, which will be followed by a competency-based interview by phone/teleconference or face-to-face. Special NoticeTHIS IS A FIXED TERM LIMITED POSITION. Appointment against this post is for an initial period of one (1) year and any extension will be subject to availability of funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. \"External candidate selected for this position will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited (\"FTA-limited\") in accordance with section 2.2 (b) of administrative instruction ST/AI/2013/1 on Administration of fixed-term appointments. Renewal of appointment is contingent upon continued existence of mandate and availability of funding. If this position is discontinued, the incumbent will be separated from service. United Nations Secretariat staff members who meet the definition of \"internal candidate\" in staff rule 4.10 who are selected for this position subject to limitation will retain their current appointment status and will be reassigned or transferred to the position, without a lien to their parent position.\" THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO NATIONALS OF CABO VERDE ONLY. National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located and will be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of the office. If no suitable local candidate is identified, Cabo Verde nationals residing elsewhere may be considered, in which case the candidate would be responsible for any costs related to traveling and relocating to Cabo Verde in the event of an employment offer. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures. Note to current staff members at the General Service level: Locally recruited General Service staff members applying for this post must meet the minimum requirements, including academic qualifications and years of relevant experience. Relevant experience in the General Service category at G-6 and G-7 levels may count towards experience requirements. \"Internal Applicants: When completing the form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you\". The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an email acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira \"Need Help?\" link. United Nations ConsiderationsAccording to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.