UNODC began its presence in Central Asia in 1993 with the establishment of the Regional Office for Central Asia in Tashkent. Till 2024 the office has supported the five countries in Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) to reduce abuse and trade of illicit drugs, counter transnational organized crime and corruption, and prevent terrorism. Earlier this year, the office was transformed into the Regional Officer for Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan.

The UNODC Programme for Central Asia (2022-2025) was officially launched on 24 November 2021. The programme represents the overarching strategic framework, under which UNODC provides technical assistance within the Central Asian states. The programme is coordinated via ROCA and technical assistance is delivered via the UNODC Programme Offices in Astana, Almaty, Bishkek, Dushanbe and Ashgabat. The Programme for Central Asia aims to enhance both national level capabilities and develop increasing sub-regional cooperation between the Central Asian states. The programme has 5 sub-programmes:

• Sub-Programme 1 – Preventing and Countering Transnational Organised Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking
• Sub-Programme 2 – Preventing Crime, Increasing Access to Justice and Strengthening the Rule of Law
• Sub-Programme 3 – Addressing Drug Use, Increasing Treatment of Drug Use Disorders and Preventing HIV/AIDS
• Sub-Programme 4 – Preventing and Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism
• Sub-Programme 5 – Supporting Research, Trend Analysis, Policy, Advocacy and Forensics

Full programme document is available at:

https://www.unodc.org/roca/uploads/documents/UNODC_Programme-2022-2025/Signed_UNODC_Programme_EN_02.12.21.pdf

Job Purpose and Organizational Context

UNODC applies a strategic communications approach in its programmes and projects. The office ensures that information flows seamlessly within the UN system via its network of field offices and this presence. One of the main principles of ROCA’s work is communicate and to advocate for policy change where needed to ensure that the rights of the most vulnerable are duly addressed.

ROCA aims to maximize audience reach and greater impact through communicating with various target audiences, utilizing the most appropriate tools. These include an enhanced social media presence in line with the Secretary General’s “Digital First” approach, a revitalised website of ROCA, appropriate outreach in the print and audio-visual media as well as organizing events and campaigns.

UNODC uses its social media pages actively to inform the stakeholders about the implementation, progress and other achievements. These pages are also used to engage with stakeholders, youth, women and other partners to get their feedback, comments, and inputs to different information.

Under the overall guidance of the UNODC Regional Representative for Afghanistan, Central Asia, Iran and Pakistan, and the direct supervision of Associate Programme Management Officer, the Communication and External Relations Officer supports the implementation of the communications and advocacy strategies of the office to increase the visibility and awareness of UNODC programmes, activities and strategies with partners, the media and the public. The Communication and External Relations Officer promotes a client-oriented approach at UNODC.
Duties and Responsibilities

The Communication and External Relations Officer will perform the following tasks:

Contribute to strategy development and implementation on communication, advocacy, and external relations:

• Provide support for the development and execution of the communications and advocacy strategy for the UNODC ROCA.
• Actively promote external relations to enhance the visibility and engagement of the program.

Communication planning and design:

• Advise on day-to-day planning, implementation, and reporting of the communication activities under the UNODC programmes.
• Design and implement comprehensive activities for communications, advocacy, and outreach initiatives.
• Promote the visibility of UNODC’s work in the region, with a focus on key global initiatives such as SDGs.

Information tracking and assessment:

• Monitor and gather information on assigned topics/issues from diverse sources, assessing news value and potential impact.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of information campaigns.
• Contribute to different reports through information tracking and providing narrative on communication and advocacy work of UNODC in the region.

Content creation and dissemination:

• Prepare initial drafts of articles or chapters for inclusion in UN newsletters, periodicals, reports, and books, drawing from official UN documentation and other sources.
• Draft and compile various types of communication products for target audiences, such as press releases, media packets, reports, brochures, briefings, video spots, newsletters, and website content.
• Coordinate and adhere to the clearance, production, and distribution procedures of information materials.
• Contribute to maintenance and update the UNODC ROCA website and social media pages (Facebook, X/Twitter, YouTube).

Media relations:

• Cultivate and sustain relationships with media outlets, spanning print, electronic, and social media, to showcase the impact of UNODC’s work across the region.
• Identify key contacts, constituencies, and opportunities for strategic partnerships to enhance communication efforts.
• Organize media interviews for UNODC Senior management on various topics.
• Work closely with United Nations Communications Groups at national levels.
• Foster and maintain working relationships with these entities.

Media assets management:

• Manage a repository of high-quality photo and video materials throughout the region accessible to all programmes.
• Commission videos and short clips to document impact and profile the diverse work under different programs.

Event and campaigns organization:

• Organize or participate in conferences, seminars, press briefings, interviews, and other events by UNODC and/or partners.
• Plan activities, and organize events, devoted to International Days, such as the International Day Against Illicit Drug Trafficking and Drug Abuse, World AIDS Day, International Anti-Corruption Day, World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Nelson Mandela Day, TOC Day, 16 Days of Activism etc.
• Prepare briefing materials for senior officials participating in these events.

Information requests and correspondence:

• Respond to various inquiries and information requests both internally and externally, i.e. media requests.
• Prepare related correspondence with precision and timeliness.

Fundraising for awareness campaigns:

• Actively contribute to generation of funds to support awareness-raising campaigns, enhancing the overall visibility and impact of the UNODC office.

Other work-related duties as required. 

Competencies

Core Values:

Professionalism: Shows pride in work and in achievements. Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter. Is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.

Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibit interest in having two-way communication. Tailor language, tone, style and format to match the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Places team agenda before personal agenda.  Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning and Organizing: Develop clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identify the priority activities and assignments; adjust priorities as required; allocate appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foreseen risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjust plans and actions as necessary; use time effectively.

Required Skills and Experience

BBachelor’s degree in communication, media relations, journalism, public relations, philology, linguistics or social sciences. Advanced training in journalism/communications/public relations is an asset.

Experience:

At least three years of relevant work experience at the national or international level in public relations, communications or journalism. Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization is desirable.
Language Requirements:

• Fluency in oral and written English and Russian. Knowledge of Uzbek language is an advantage. Knowledge of the other languages spoken in Central Asia is an asset.

Computer skills

• Proficiency in office software applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based management systems.

Others:

Experience in United Nations technical assistance is desirable.