Development Communications Specialist

United Nations University; Helsinki; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER) in Helsinki, Finland, invites applications for a Communications Assistant within the Knowledge Mobilization Unit’s Communications and Events Team.

This full-time role supports development-oriented communications, online content management, graphics, and media relations under a one-year contract with potential extension.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Communications, Development Studies, International Relations, or equivalent discipline, with a minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience.
• Outstanding command of English language writing and editing for academic and non-academic target audiences. Knowledge of other official UN languages would be an asset.
• Understands key development issues and economics, and demonstrable skills in translating these for a variety of audiences.
• Experience in using Drupal (or other CMS), CIVICRM (or other CRM) and database tools is an asset.
• Knowledge and previous experience of working in international development organizations would be an asset.
• Demonstrable skills in graphic design are necessary, experience with Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign and Photoshop) desirable.
• Good command of MS Office, especially Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Draft and design of the Institute’s standard research translation and dissemination products, project and event reports and blurbs, invitations, expert profiles, web articles, news pieces, bulk mailings, briefs etc.
• Research, compile and verify background material for promotional material; draft promotional copy for use in different dissemination channels, including website, social media, and email.
• Extracting data from various sources; support the implementation of the website content management system; Proofread copy written by other staff to achieve fluency, accuracy and consistency of language.
• Support inclusion of new material in the website; converting documents into HTML; edit documents into format and style consistent with style of the website; prepare and incorporate graphics as needed using Photoshop, InDesign or other graphic design software.
• Conceptualize and create graphic material for varied print and electronic media projects such as brochures, catalogues, flyers, posters, and online newsletters. Prepare cost estimates for technical collaboration projects and drafting specifications.
• Disseminate of information and publications; assist communications at public events such as roundtable discussions, press conferences, briefing sessions, interviews.
• Provide office support to the team; respond to complex information requests and inquiries; process, draft and finalize correspondence and other communications; set up and maintain files/records, organize meetings, monitor deadlines, etc.
• Assist in the production, editing, and dissemination of video projects; track all production material, producing scripts, scheduling, venues etc. for production; give feedback on outputs and ensure their implementation on project websites, social media and other relevant outreach channels.
• Maintain a media list, information databases, photo library, Institutional calendar, product information lists, and other team data; maintain and support the institutional publications repository and customer relationship management system; research and retrieve of data from internal and external sources.
• Monitor, review and record media coverage of UNU-WIDER and its research monthly, and circulate to relevant authorities.
• Improve the Institutes online presence in Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, and LinkedIn as part of the social media team.
• Identify, document and draft of best practices and lessons learned.
• Other duties as requested by the supervisor.

Skills

English writing

Content creation

Graphic design

CMS (Drupal)

Adobe Creative Suite

MS Office

Communication in development context

Teamwork

Multi-cultural sensitivity

Education

Master’s Degree in Communications or related field

Tools

Drupal

CIVICRM

Adobe InDesign

Adobe Photoshop

Job description

The United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER) in Helsinki, Finland, invites applications for a Communications Assistant within the Knowledge Mobilization Unit’s Communications and Events Team.

This full-time role supports development-oriented communications, online content management, graphics, and media relations under a one-year contract with potential extension.