COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER, Digital Communications

UN Secretariat; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) in New York seeks a Communications Officer, specializing in Digital Communications, to develop and implement digital strategies that raise the visibility of the UNDSS Division of Field Operations.

You will manage online presence, craft engaging narratives, and create platform-optimized content for websites and social media, while monitoring performance to support data-driven decisions.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in communication, journalism, IR, or related field.
• Minimum five years in communications, journalism or public information.
• Experience producing and editing video content and visual communication products.
• Desirable: infographics, visual storytelling, strategic materials.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement digital communication strategies for UNDSS Field Operations.
• Create platform-optimized content for websites and social media, including live content.
• Draft narratives and messaging about UN work for diverse audiences.
• Provide editorial guidance for website content ensuring consistency and accuracy.
• Monitor, analyze, and report on communication activities and performance.
• Contribute to stakeholder presentations to enhance understanding of UN mandates.

Skills

Digital communications strategy

Campaign management

Media operations

Audience outreach

Message targeting

Information analysis

Sensitive information handling

Relationship cultivation

Project management

Web content development

Planning & organizing

Creative problem solving

Education

Master's degree in communications / related field

Bachelor's degree + 2 years qualifying experience

Tools

Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Creative Cloud

Job description

Organizational context:

The Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) globally leads and supports the UN security management system, enabling safe and effective UN program delivery in challenging environments. This role, within the Office of the Director of Field Operations in New York, contributes to the mission of enabling UN system activities through trusted security leadership and solutions, offering valuable experience and a chance to impact peace, human rights, and SDGs.

Job purpose:

The Communications Officer, specializing in Digital Communications, is responsible for developing and implementing digital strategies to enhance the visibility and understanding of the UNDSS Division of Field Operations' work. This involves managing online presence, creating engaging content, and analyzing metrics to optimize communication effectiveness. The role aims to strengthen the UNDSS's digital footprint and foster global engagement with its initiatives. Key duties include drafting compelling narratives, creating optimized content for various platforms, managing social media and websites, and ensuring information accuracy and sensitivity. The officer will also monitor, analyze, and report on communication performance to support data-driven decision-making and stakeholder presentations.

Responsibilities:

Develop and implement comprehensive digital communication strategies, including social media and website plans, to raise awareness and engagement. Create and manage compelling, platform-optimized content for websites and social media channels, including live content. Draft engaging narratives and messaging about UN work for diverse audiences. Provide editorial guidance for website content, ensuring consistency, sensitivity, and accuracy. Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information according to UN standards. Monitor, analyze, and report on communication activities and strategies to assess performance and effectiveness. Collect and analyze data to identify trends and provide insights for data-driven planning and decision-making. Contribute to presentations for stakeholders to enhance understanding of UN mandates and activities.

Education:

An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, digital communications, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted.

Work experience:

A minimum of five years of experience in communications, journalism, or public information is required. Three years of experience with professional video-editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro) and visual design/presentation software (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud) is also required. Experience producing and editing professional video content and designing visual communication products is necessary. Desirable experience includes producing video content, infographics, visual storytelling, strategic communications materials, and supporting project coordination.

Skills:

Professionalism in communications strategy and execution, campaign management, media operations, audience outreach, and message targeting. Ability to analyze information, handle sensitive situations, and cultivate relationships. Project management monitoring and reporting skills. Proficiency in developing complex websites. Planning and organizing abilities, including goal setting, prioritization, and risk management. Creativity in problem-solving and generating new ideas.

Required languages:

English, French

Desired languages: