Background Information – Job-specific

* FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

The New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.

The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their Peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP). It provides Services to partners’ programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York. The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.

UNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations to implement the project activities for UN Global Pulse

UN Global Pulse UN Global Pulse is the Secretary-General’s Innovation Lab. We work at the intersection of innovation and the human sciences to inform, inspire, and strengthen the ability of the United Nations family and those it serves to anticipate, respond and adapt to the challenges of today and tomorrow. Our teams are spread across the world, with hubs in Uganda, Indonesia, Finland and the United States. Drawing on more than a decade of experience with digital innovation in the UN family, UN Global Pulse unites specialists from the digital and social sciences in search of solutions to the world’s most pressing problems, from conflict to climate change.

We aim to reduce the risks that innovation involves and move towards the opportunities. We restore public trust in technology by making it inclusive, accessible and ethical. Our input brings value to the work of the UN and external partners in protecting the vulnerable and defending human rights. The goals of the UN Global Pulse Network are: i) Support efforts to advance innovations ii) Contribute to the development of global frameworks, and iii) Support the transformation of the UN family. The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.

Functional Responsibilities

In May 2022, UN Global Pulse launched its new strategy, now serving as the Secretary-General’s Innovation Lab, and reframing its value-add in the context of the UN system. In light of the bold opportunities outlined within the new strategy and recent recruitments undertaken, UN Global Pulse looks to build out the Creative Communications and Design portfolio extensively to better communicate its work and use creative practices to further drive change and support its mission of innovating for our common future. The Creative Communications and Design portfolio will serve as a “creative studio” to not only support corporate communications but reimagine how creative and science-based communications can be applied to bridge art and organizational change. The portfolio focuses on three strategic pillars across multiple levels of the system UN Global Pulse operates, including the UN Global Pulse Network, the wider UN system and our ecosystem of partners working to use values-based innovation approaches to catalyse collective action. The three pillars supporting the Creative Communications and Design portfolio are:

•  Demonstrate the value, lessons learned, and examples of innovation;
•  Build a culture for creative communications and design to drive transformative change;
•  Reimagine and experiment with how we communicate and undertake design activities.

As Global Pulse deepens its work on Creative Communications and Design, it is requested that we increase resources to expand the core Creative Communications and Design team to support wider communications needs of Global Pulse Finland activities and the wider UN Global Pulse network. As UN Global Pulse seeks to build out this portfolio, there is a specific need to support UN Global Pulse’s external communications framework and implementation, alongside launch of external facing products and platforms. With the upcoming launch of UN Global Pulse’s new website, visual identity and brand design and other major external-facing projects in the next twelve months, we require a specialist to support the strategic development and implementation of on-going external communications outputs and strategy. The Communications Advisor (External Relations) supports the work of UN Global Pulse under the direct supervision of UN Global Pulse’s Creative Strategy Lead and will work in close collaboration with others across the network. The Communications Advisor (External Relations) will be responsible for the following: Creative Communications and Design Portfolio: External Communications Framework and Ongoing Deliverable Support

•  Support the design and implementation of UN Global Pulse’s External Communications Framework which includes defining external communications objectives, the development of key messages, strategic communication tactics, outlining the team’s preferred channels / platforms, identifying key audiences and outlining measures of success;
•  Support and undertake interviews, feedback sessions and opportunities for colleagues to provide insight on how best to align and implement the UN Global Pulse External Communications Framework to local contexts;
•  Advise and develop opportunities for UN Global Pulse to engage with relevant media and communication formats to better amplify the organization’s impact and on-going collaborations;
•  Advise and develop strategies for the External Communications Framework to be implemented through regional lenses including adapting workflows, platforms and tools of engagement for a network-wide approach;
•  Support the implementation and roll out of large externally facing creative products and milestones such as Global Pulse’s new website and visual identity;
•  Advise the Creative Communications team on the structure of the Creative Communications team – identifying skills gaps and possible opportunities that support a long-term vision of the team;
•  Advise and support wider Creative Communications research activities, outputs, products and processes, as required;
•  Advise and support on how to best capture information, data and insights on the creative communications, in collaboration with Global Pulse’s MEL Specialist.

Monitoring and Progress Controls The selected candidate will be working on a retainer basis. The Communications Advisor (External Relations) will meet regularly with the Creative Specialist to outline ongoing deliverables and ensure that projects and engagements have realistic deadlines and workflows. In coordination with the Creative Specialist, the Communications Advisor (External Relations) will report on progress to ensure the timely deliverables of the agreed outputs. The Communications Advisor (External Relations) is expected to exercise flexibility in the assignment regarding the potential of dynamically changing delivery requirements.Education/Experience/Language requirements

*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

*CANDIDATES WITH NO UNITED NATIONS OR UNOPS EXPERIENCE ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

a) Education:

•  Advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) preferably in communications, social sciences, political science, design or in a field related to the role is required.
•  A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) with 2 years of additional relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

b) Work Experience:

Required Experience:

•  A minimum of (7) years of progressive experience in one or a combination the following: creative communications, external relations, public relations and / or journalism.
•  Experience in developing and implementing communications and / or brand strategies for the United Nations, international institutions, movements and / or NGOs.

Desirable: The following experience is optional. Candidates who do not have it are welcome to apply

•  Experience in developing global strategies to manage internal communication workflows across different continents, languages and teams;
•  Experience in media engagement and relationship management for global communications teams;
•  Experience in developing external relations products such as videos, campaigns, press releases, multimedia material and other external-facing products for specific audiences;
•  Experience in how to manage global communications teams and building structures for collaboration and localized approaches;
•  Experience in how to monitor, analyse and build strategic frameworks for measuring the impact of communications outputs and products.

c) Language:

•  Fluency in English (write, read, speak) is required.
•  Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an asset.

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organization. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organization.(for levels IICA-2, IICA-3, LICA Specialist- 10, LICA Specialist-11, NOC, NOD, P3, P4 and above)

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Contract type, level and duration

Contract type: ICA

Contract level: I-ICA 3 Contract duration: Ongoing ICA – ‘Open-ended, subject to organizational requirements, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.’ The selected candidate will be working on a retainer basis. For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link: https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspxAdditional Information

•  Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
•  Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
•  Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
•  UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
•  Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
•  We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions

•  For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
•  For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.
•  All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
•  It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

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