Communications Officer (Graphic Design & Social Media)

UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services; United States; Remote; USD 33,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

UNOPS seeks a Communications Officer (Graphic Design & Social Media) for the UN Youth Office. This role focuses on developing visual identity and managing digital content to advance strategic campaigns and youth participation.

You will create high-quality digital and print materials, coordinate content calendars, and mentor interns while aligning messaging with the Office’s priorities. The position is home-based with global impact.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in information technology, communications, fine arts, social sciences, or related field; 2 years of relevant experience OR Master’s with 0 years.
• Demonstrated proficiency in design software to create digital cards, gifs, icons, logos, charts and publications.
• Experience developing content for major social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, TikTok).
• Familiarity with Drupal or web management platforms is preferred.
• Experience with international organizations is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support development of graphic design and visual identity across digital and print platforms.
• Plan and coordinate social media content, maintaining calendars and publishing workflows.
• Produce engaging, platform-appropriate social media content and visual storytelling.
• Guide interns and contributors on content development and editorial standards.
• Contribute to storytelling and digital outreach to strengthen visibility and youth participation.

Skills

Branding

Communication

Content Strategy

Copywriting

Graphic Design

Social Media

Education

Bachelor’s degree (information technology, communications, fine arts, social sciences, or related field)

Master’s degree (related field)

Tools

Adobe Suite

Canva

Figma

Drupal

Trello

Submittable

Job description

Communications Officer (Graphic Design & Social Media)

Job Category

Duty Station(s)

Home based

Seniority Level

Associate

ICS 08

Contract Type

ICA - LICA - Specialist - Regular

LICA 8

Posting Start Date

06-Nov-2026

Posting End Date

22-Nov-2026

Duration

6 months (extensions subject to budget availability, project needs, and satisfactory performance)

Job Highlight

Manage the UN Youth Office’s Social Media channels and provide graphic design support for the UN Youth Office’s work.

About the Region

The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) brings together diverse expertise to help partners deliver impact worldwide. With hubs in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, and expert teams operating globally, GPO leads multi-regional initiatives that advance sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding - including in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

By leveraging our collective expertise and global networks, GPO supports UNOPS’ strategic priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals across more than 130 countries. We work closely with major global partners - including governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies - to deliver a wide range of services, such as project management, fund management, hosting services, and HR support.

Our thematic focus spans climate action and energy, health, peace and security, sustainable development, and humanitarian action, supporting high-impact initiatives across critical global priorities.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

UNOPS Development and Special Initiatives team works with UN partners and Member States. This portfolio offers support for various initiatives and priorities of the UN Secretary-General in pursuit of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, it helps the UN Secretariat in implementing global programs in areas such as political affairs, climate, counterterrorism and peacebuilding, among others.

Job Specific Context

UNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations to implement the activities for the United Nations Youth Office.

The United Nations Youth Office was established by General Assembly resolution 76/306 as a dedicated entity for youth affairs within the United Nations Secretariat. The Office leads system-wide coordination on youth, advances advocacy and policy coherence on youth issues, and promotes the meaningful engagement of young people in United Nations processes and decision-making.

Within the Office, the Partnerships, Communications and Advocacy Section leads strategic communications, public advocacy and external engagement to strengthen awareness of theOffice's mandate, amplify youth voices, support the implementation of key initiatives and partnerships, and promote youth participation across the United Nations system. The Section manages the Office's global communications portfolio, including strategic campaigns, digital communications, social media, multimedia storytelling, executive communications, editorial products, newsletters, events communications and media engagement.

Role Purpose

As part of the Partnerships, Advocacy and Communications Section, the Communications Officer will support the development of graphic design and social media management for the United Nations Youth Office. The role will support the development and implementation of the Office’s visual identity and digital communications, producing high-quality, engaging and accessible graphic design materials and social media content that advance its strategic priorities and flagship initiatives. The position will oversee the planning, creation and publication of content across the Office’s digital platforms and printed products, ensuring consistency in messaging, branding and visual presentation. Through creative direction, audience-focused storytelling and effective digital engagement, the Communications Officer will strengthen the visibility of the Office’s work, amplify youth voices and support the Office’s efforts to advance meaningful youth participation and engagement with the United Nations. The Communications Officer will monitor Social Media performance, align tactics and engage in strategic communications discussions.

Functions / Key Results Expected

1. Graphic Design and Visual Identity Development

• Support the development, refinement and consistent application of visual identities for the UN Youth Office and its flagship initiatives, campaigns and advocacy efforts.
• Develop and expand branding systems through the creation of visual concepts, illustrations, campaign branding, graphic design templates and merchandise designs.
• Produce high-quality, youth-friendly communication materials for digital and print platforms, including social media assets, presentations, publications, event signage and other communications products.
• Ensure visual communications are cohesive, engaging and aligned with the UN Youth Office’s communications strategy, established visual identities and target audiences.

2. Social Media Management and Content Production

• Contribute to the planning and coordination of the UN Youth Office’s social media presence across platforms, maintaining oversight of content calendars, editorial priorities and publishing workflows.
• Provide support in content development and the timely preparation, review and publication of social media outputs, ensuring consistency in messaging, tone, visual identity and editorial standards.
• Develop and produce engaging, platform-appropriate social media content, combining graphic design, visual storytelling and written copy to communicate the Office’s priorities, initiatives and impact.
• Coordinate with and provide guidance to interns and other contributors on content development, copywriting, editorial standards and the preparation of social media materials, ensuring quality and consistency across channels.
• Support audience engagement and amplification efforts to strengthen the visibility of the UN Youth Office’s work and amplify youth voices, initiatives and perspectives.

3. Campaign, Event and Advocacy Communications

• Facilitate coordination in visual and digital communications for the UN Youth Office’s flagship initiatives, global campaigns, major events and advocacy activities, ensuring alignment with communications objectives and campaign messaging.
• Support development of communications materials and social media content for key advocacy moments, including flagships on Youth Mental Health and Well-being, UN Youth Compass, Young Leaders for the SDGs, and others.
• Support communications planning and on-the-ground content production and coordination for major events, missions and engagements involving the Assistant Secretary-General for Youth Affairs, including capture and dissemination of content.
• Contribute to storytelling and digital outreach around the Office’s activities, highlighting youth leadership, meaningful youth participation, partnerships and results across relevant platforms.
• Support content production and publication to ensure timely and consistent coverage before, during and after major events and advocacy moments.

4. Digital Communications Strategy and Audience Engagement

• Support the continuous refinement and implementation of the UN Youth Office’s digital communications approach, ensuring that content remains youth-friendly, relevant and tailored to the intended audiences and platforms.
• Monitor social media trends, audience engagement patterns, emerging content formats and changes in platform features and algorithms to identify opportunities to strengthen the Office’s digital presence.
• Monitor performance, support in establishing key performance metrics and analyze traffic across channels.
• Provide input and implement improvements to social media content formats, publishing approaches and amplification strategies, particularly in support of major campaigns, events and advocacy priorities.
• Contribute to the development and application of effective digital storytelling and visual communications approaches that strengthen the visibility and reach of the UN Youth Office’s work among young people globally.

Skills

Branding, Communication, Content Strategy, Copywriting, Graphic Design, Social Media

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational 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.

Education Requirements

Required

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in information technology, communications, fine arts, social sciences, or any related field is required, with 2 years of relevant experience OR
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any of the above related fields with 0 years of relevant experience.
• A globally or nationally recognized professional certificate in graphic design is desired.

Experience Requirements

Required

• Relevant experience is considered work in communications, graphic design or related fields.
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of design software and programmes (eg. Adobe Suite, Canva, Figma, etc.) to create digital cards, gifs, icons, logos, charts, publications, etc.
• Previous experience developing content for major social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter, LinkedIn and/or TikTok.
• Familiarity developing content for web management platforms, particularly Drupal.
• Demonstrated familiarity with media platforms and digital communications tools, such as Adobe Spark, Trello and Submittable.
• Previous experience in creating, implementing and supporting youth-focused advocacy campaigns or communications programmes.
• Previous experience with international organizations will be considered as an asset.

Language Requirements

Additional Information

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
• UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.
  

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
• UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.
  

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. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here .
• For more details about the contract types, please click 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.