Communications Officer

The Communications and Social Management Officer (LICA 8) will serve as the focal point for communications and social management for the projects in Sint Maarten. The purpose is to ensure the smooth implementation of the communication strategy with both internal and external audiences, as well as effective social management through ongoing interaction with communities that could potentially be affected by the construction process and the start-up of the project, and with the communities that are direct beneficiaries of the project and might become active players in a participative process.

Sint Maarten's justice system faces longstanding challenges, including outdated detention facilities that do not meet modern standards for security, rehabilitation, and human rights compliance. This project will directly contribute to strengthening national infrastructure capacity in the correctional sector, ensuring safe, humane, and rehabilitative detention conditions that support the reintegration of offenders into society.

The Communications and Social Management Officer (LICA 8) will serve as the focal point for communications and social management for the projects in Sint Maarten. The purpose of this assignment is to ensure the smooth implementation of the communication strategy with both internal and external audiences, as well as effective social management through ongoing interaction with communities that could potentially be affected by the construction process and the start-up of the project as well as the communities that are direct beneficiary of the project and might become active players in a participative process.

Under the direct supervision of the Communications Specialist (Caribbean) and in second line of supervision with the Senior Program Manager, the Communication and Social Management Officer will execute the following functions:

a.

Communication strategy

• Support the developing of a Communication Strategy for the projects currently in the portfolio of SXM Office in coordination with the partners and the supervisor.

• Build the project narrative aligned with the national context and UNOPS corporate communication style and policies.

• Identify key audiences for internal and external communications at the country level, and develop a stakeholder map and engagement plan.

• Engage with the established stakeholder network for the project (government entities, counterparts, NGOs, academia, media, international organizations, among others).

• Coordinate relations with national and regional media and journalists.

• Support the organization of project events (conferences, workshops, seminars, etc.).

• Monitor major media outlets and news related to the project, its partners, or strategic topics.

• Support the PM and the partner in managing public opinion crises related to the project, in coordination with the Communications Specialist (Caribbean).

• Identify and manage communication suppliers as needed.

• Review and edit the project's monthly reports and collaborate in the preparation of reports for counterparts.

• Develop and update content on project activities and results for the UNOPS website, social media, newsletters, and other communication needs of the regional and headquarters offices.

• Participate in the UNOPS Regional Communication Network for Latin America and the Caribbean (LCR) and the UN Communications Group in UN Trinidad and Tobago.

• Support training for office staff, project teams, and/or counterparts on key aspects of the Communication Strategy.

• Organize, maintain and share with the regional team a repository (virtual/physical) with the existing communication and outreach material.

b.

Community engagement, social risk & impact management

• Identify, map, and analyze key social actors (e.g., local communities, businesses, authorities, and civil society groups) who may be affected or directly benefitted by the project.

• Establish and support managing a grievance redress mechanism to receive, track, and resolve community concerns.

• Organize and facilitate community meetings, consultations, and information-sharing sessions.

• Coordinate with institutional stakeholders, including government agencies and social service providers.

• Conduct awareness campaigns on project activities, expected impacts, and mitigation strategies.

• Support the PM and the technical team in the implementation of project activities which are implemented through a participative approach.

• Train project personnel and contractors on social safeguards, stakeholder engagement, and conflict-sensitive approaches.

• Assess the project's social context and impacts through baseline studies and perception surveys.

• Monitor and document the social effects of construction activities, proposing mitigation measures as needed.

• Support conflict resolution through mediation.

• Collaborate with the Senior Project Manager in the development and implementation of the Social Management Plan.

• Ensure adherence to social commitments derived from environmental approvals and national regulations.

• Prepare monthly reports and ad-hoc reports detailing stakeholder engagement activities, grievances, social risks, and mitigation measures.

• Support gender and inclusion efforts within the project.

c.

Construction site activities

• Labor-Community Relations: Monitor potential tensions between local communities and the construction workforce, ensuring fair labor practices, preventing labor influx issues, and addressing worker-community conflicts.

• Impact on Livelihoods & Mobility: Assess and mitigate any disruptions to local businesses, transportation, and daily life caused by construction activities.

• Land & Property Concerns: Engage with residents, ensuring that all affected parties receive due process.

• Health & Safety Concerns: Work alongside Health & Safety Specialist to address potential public health risks.

• Engagement with Vulnerable Groups: Identify and provide additional support to vulnerable groups.

• Support the technical team in organizing participation of the communities directly benefitted by the projects in activities being implemented through participative approach.

d.

Promote actions with a Gender and HSSE approach

• Develop communication materials with a Gender and HSSE approach.

• Support the development of gender and innovation initiatives that allow increasing the incorporation of the gender perspective in the actions within the framework of the program and related to HSSE.