About UN University (UNU)
The United Nations University (UNU) is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge, furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. UNU’s mission is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.
For the past four decades, United Nations University (UNU) has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU’s work spans the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe.
About UNU Institute in Macau (UNU Macau)
UNU Institute in Macau (UNU Macau) is one of 13 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU Macau is a research institute at the intersections of digital technology and sustainable development. The Institute conducts policy-relevant research and generates solutions, addressing pressing challenges expressed in the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through high-impact innovations and the latest technologies. Through its research, the UNU Institute in Macau encourages data-driven and evidence-based actions and policies to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
One of the Institute’s missions is to nurture the next generation of interdisciplinary computing, information and social scientists, and engineers to be leaders in the field of ICT for development. To this end, the institute seeks to build a team of experts to help deliver the institute’s mission and work plan. The Institute’s research tends to be more applied, and strives for policy impact in the UN system, at international, regional and national levels.
The UNU Institute in Macau is situated in the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China, and it is the only UN entity in the city. Macau is one of the most dynamic regions in Asia, where technological innovations have become an integral part in driving social and economic change. Macau is part of the Greater Bay Area (GBA), that hosts many private sector companies and technological giants that are just a short distance away. Its proximity to China, Hong Kong SAR and other Asian countries such as Japan, Korea, Thailand and Vietnam, provides an exciting opportunity for researchers and experts to maximize the impact of their work.
Responsibilities
The Communications and External Relations Officer will enhance the Institute’s visibility and amplify the impact of its research through outreach, media engagement, partnership building and training/education, in Chinese-speaking regions and in the rest of the world. The Officer will also help the Institute attract potential policy consumers, donors and researchers, who can eventually become our partners.
The officer leads the Communications operations of the Institute to perform the following responsibilities under the guidance and direct supervision of the Director of the Institute: 1. Develop and implement the UNU Macao’s Communications Strategy
- Develop, implement and continually update the Institute Communications Strategy in line with the Institute Strategic Plan 2021-2025, encompassing internal and external communication, using a broad range of tools and channels;
- Increase UNU Macau’s research uptake – and resulting policy impact – through innovative, targeted and tailored communications campaigns;
- Help maintain the Institute’s position as a think-tank by curating and producing articles, blogs, and newsletters;
- Draft speeches and remarks for senior managers of the Institute to speak at non-academic events; and prepare press releases in both Chinese and English;
- Produce Institute newsletters and collaterals to engage potential policy consumers, donors, collaborators, and alumni;
- Take the lead to organize Institute’s events and conferences, such as but not limited to, a series of events for academic collaboration and Institute’s publicity;
- Draft annual reports in Chinese and English to highlight the Institute’s achievements;
- Monitor communications work’s impact, report with data, and adjust communications strategies accordingly;
- Maintain the Institute’s existing social media channels in both Chinese and English. Explore new channels to help promote the Institute in Chinese-speaking regions and the rest of the world; and
- Organize conversation series, an academic lecture series in the Institute.
2. Promote UNU Macau and strengthen outreach to internal and external partners through strategic products and services
- Boost UNU Macau’s profile by securing regular media coverage. Support the drafting and placement of op-eds, conduct global media campaigns to publicize research findings;
- Strengthen UNU Macau’s strategic partnerships and stakeholder networks. Engage influencers, jointly apply for communications grants, and actively build and refine stakeholder lists;
- Develop and manage branding and marketing to multiple internal and external target audiences and on multiple platforms, including relevant social media platforms and formats;
- Create content for relevant internal and external communications outlets, such as the UNU Macau website, UNU’s global intranet, email bulletins and other platforms;
- Support the Director by creating ad-hoc communication pieces to be presented at conferences;
- Manage the final production and dissemination process of UNU Macau reports and other publications, using multiple media platforms; and
- Coordinate the inputs and activities of other members of the communications team, including design and editing consultants;
- Explore and suggest relevant conferences and events that the Institute researchers/director should attend in Chinese-speaking regions and the rest of the world to help raise the Institute’s visibility;
- Assist the Director maintain good relationships with important stakeholders of the Institute;
- Build and maintain strong partnership with local Macau medias and other Chinese-speaking media companies;
- Connect to technology industry in the Greater-Bay Area to seek collaborative opportunities;
- Reach out to governments and UN system organizations to inspire interest to work with the Institute;
- Be alert of appropriate research funding opportunities from governments, foundations, and the technology industry;
- Collaborate with governments and universities to sign MOUs to set up internship programs.
3. Support UNU Macau Researcher to produce high-quality reports and summaries
- Provide communications support to researchers along research project cycle(s) by designing different activities at different stages;
- Assist UNU Macau researchers in the fine-tuning of concise, readable, and compelling executive summaries, infographics, videos, and report presentations;
- Help translate scientific research outcomes into infographics, articles, blogs, podcasts, and videos for the general public’s understanding and engagement.
4. Manage the Institute’s communications operations
- Lead and direct the communications operations, plan and allocate work assignments, mentor and evaluate internship students, participate in the recruitment and selection of new personnel and in the development of training programmes related to communication skills; and
- Manage the day-to-day operations of the communications unit, including personnel planning and implementation of administrative policies, monitoring and evaluation of the unit’s work.
5. Coordinate the Institute’s training and educational initiatives
- Coordinate Institute’s training activities related to digital technologies and SDGs;
- Help the Institute’s educational initiatives such as establishing a joint-degree program with universities for the global south.
6. Perform other tasks as assigned by the Director.
Key performance indicators
- Timely and quality delivery of Institute communications strategy in accordance with the Institute Strategic Plan
- Timely and quality delivery of communications products
- Quality and level of engagement with media, governments, universities, and technology industry (to cultivate trusted partnership)
- UNU Macau is seen as a reliable and trustworthy partner by research partners, governments, donors, and civil society
- Timely and quality delivery of High impact events and conferences locally and internationally
- Performance of personnel Timely and quality delivery of curated fundraising opportunities
Competencies
Values:
- Inclusion — take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity
- Integrity — act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards
- Humility — demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others
- Humanity — act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet
Behaviours:
- Connect and collaborate — build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
- Analyze and plan — seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
- Deliver results with positive impact — hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
- Learn and develop — pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
- Adapt and innovate — demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways
Qualifications
Education and certifications:
Master’s degree in communications, journalism, media studies, marketing, public relations, innovation or related field is required.
Experience and other requirements:
Required
- At least 8 years of full-time working experience in relevant fields with at least 3 years at managerial level, with progressive experience managing communications teams
- Strong communications and presentation skills, along with excellent writing skills in both English and Chinese
- A demonstrated track record in creatively using communications and/or marketing tools to advance issues or campaigns, preferably related to social good or in a social mission context. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with senior management and cross-functional team members
- A demonstrated track record in event management
- Excellent organization and project management skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office package required, especially PowerPoint, Word and Excel
- Creativity, adaptability and familiarity with current marketing trends
- High professional standard and great sense of responsibility
- Reside full-time in Macau for the duration of the contract
Desired
- Work experience or deep insights related to digital technologies. Experience in devising and implementing social media strategy is an asset.
- Understandings of academic research.
- Experience working with diverse stakeholders including public, private, non-profit, NGOs and intergovernmental organizations. International experience is an asset.
- Experience working in or with the United Nations system.
- Passion for the mission of the United Nations and enthusiasm for digital technology for SDGs.
- Being proactive, resilient, creative and mature.
Capabilities
- Strong ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
- Professionalism, flexibility and ability to work under realistic deadlines.
- Creative and out-of-the-box thinking.
- Results driven, foreseeing risks and allowing for contingencies when planning.
Language requirement:
- Excellent command of English and native fluency of Mandarin Chinese.
- Knowledge of Cantonese is an asset.
- Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.
Remuneration
The successful candidate will be employed under an international PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including locally tax-exempted salary (net annual salary from USD$46,472) commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Benefits include 30 days annual leave and a health insurance scheme.
UNU will cover the cost of travel of the international appointees (non-Macanese residents) to the duty station, as well as their return to their home upon final completion of their services. Travel costs are covered only in the event that the function will be undertaken physically in the duty station and excludes working from home arrangements.
The international appointees can apply for rent-free housing (excluding utilities) at the Institute’s staff apartments in Macau. Housing benefits are subject to availability and it could not be commutative if not taken.
UNU is not liable for any taxes that may be levied on the remuneration you receive under this contract. Payment of any such taxes remains the sole responsibility of PSA holders.
Duration of contract
The duration of the initial contract is 1 year. This is Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The combined duration on a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years.
Expected start date: as soon as possible
How to Apply:
To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:
- Apply via the apply link;
- provide a curriculum vitae (including publications and grant-funding); please upload it in the screening questions section.
- fill out the UNU P11 form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
- provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and
- answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.
You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.
Application Deadline: 25 June 2023 (11:59pm, Macau time zone GMT +8)
** Application page no more operational beyond application deadline.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks and references.
Special notice
PSA holders do no hold international civil servant status nor are they considered a “staff member” as defined in the UN Staff Rules and Regulations.
UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply and become part of the organization. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. Eligible internal applicants are also encouraged to apply.
UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.
Information about UNU rosters
UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU.
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