International Communications Specialist

The UN Resident Coordinator leads the UN Country Team in China, including all 27 UN entities present in China. The purpose of the Resident Coordinator System is to bring together the different UN agencies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operational activities at the country level, helping the UN to be a more relevant and reliable partner for governments, notably by establishing and strengthening these partnerships for the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) supports the roles and functions of the UN Resident Coordinator and UN Country Team (UNCT). The RCO provides inter-agency coordination support to the UNCT and its various inter-agency working mechanisms, including theme groups. Critical functions of the RCO include strategic analysis, planning and positioning of the Country Team; support to joint UN programming and operations management; policy guidance; joint advocacy and communications efforts in order to enhance UN coherence and improve the overall program impact of the UN System in China.

As we operationalize the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for the People’s Republic of China (2021-2025), RCO is looking for an experienced candidate to join the communications team on a full-time basis. The candidate will contribute to its crucial mandate of enhancing the coherence of the UN System in China. They will bring an international perspective to our focus on overall UN communication and advocacy efforts, including on global priorities such as Decade of Action, climate action, and gender equality.

The position will provide the successful candidate with the unique opportunity to discover how the UN system operates at the country level. Among others, the candidate will: actively engage in the joint UN communication initiatives; learn about the functions and roles of a wide range of UN agencies; gain insight into the country programming process of the UN; and become familiar with how the UN interacts with different partners and stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Communications, the International Communications Specialist will be responsible for providing support to RCO Communications Team in its mandate to achieve its objectives for communications and advocacy and will assume the following responsibilities:

Responsibilities:

Facilitate the implementation and promotion of overall UN China communications priorities and participate in the strategic planning and design of related efforts.
Copywrite and proofread key outgoing communications materials to a professional standard for English language audiences, including speeches, op-eds, and press releases.
Work in the preparation of required briefing and presentation materials, background information and talking points for high-level events, interviews, meetings, and missions.
Coordinate within the UN China Communications Group, in a Secretariat function, following up with UN entities on the rollout of joint communications initiatives.
Support campaigns and provide updates on UN China’s international and domestic social media platforms, including developing content, monitoring analytics and feedback, while interacting with relevant stakeholders on these platforms.
Provide and update inputs as well as technical support to the UN China website.
Communicate UN China initiatives and outcomes effectively with HQ/UN Sustainable Development Group/Development Coordination Office, on an ongoing basis.
Aid crucial partnership efforts of UN China, including with valued collaborators and stakeholders, to achieve expected deliverables and strengthen relationships.
Plan and provide logistical support for in-person or virtual events hosted by UN China.
Monitor effectiveness of communications efforts and external press coverage, and other domestic or international developments that may be of relevance to UN China.
Assist where needed on major UN China publications, including annual reports, project report/publications, newsletters and other outreach materials.
Complete other ad-hoc tasks as required by the office and supervisor.

Competencies

Interpersonal Competencies:

Demonstrates strong analytical and organizational skills.
Builds strong relationships with stakeholders, focuses on impact and result for individuals and responds positively to feedback.
Consistently approaches work with initiative, sound judgement and a positive, constructive attitude.
Provide an international perspective along with best practices on the work of UN China.
Excellent teamwork skills but able to function independently.
Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills in an intercultural workplace.

Functional and Operational Effectiveness:

Ability to draft and edit in the English language to a professional standard.
Sound ability and utilization of computer and ICT skills (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, Adobe CC).
Ability to apply organizational policies and procedures.

Innovative Capabilities

Generates new ideas and proposes new, more effective ways of doing things.
Documents and analyses innovative strategies/best practices/new approaches.

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Bachelors or higher degree in communications, journalism, marketing, translation, international relations, development studies or other related fields.

Experience:

A minimum of two years of full-time work experience in communications, advocacy, or partnership development in the context of development cooperation, international relations, or related areas is preferred.
Understanding of the UN system, its agencies, bodies, and mandates is beneficial.
Familiarity with the UN’s communication and advocacy efforts is an asset.
Knowledge of web, graphic design, and/or video editing tools is an advantage.

Language: English as a native language.