United Nations University (UNU)

UNU is an international community of scholars engaged in policy-oriented research, capacity development and dissemination of knowledge in furthering the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The mission of UNU is to contribute, through research and capacity building, to efforts to resolve the pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

For the past four decades, UNU has been a go-to think tank for impartial research on human survival, conflict prevention, sustainable development, and welfare. With more than 400 researchers in 12 countries, UNU’s work spans the 17 Sustainable Development Goals’ full breadth, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU maintains more than 200 collaborations with UN agencies and leading universities and research institutions across the globe.

UNU-EGOV

The United Nations University Operating Unit on Policy-Driven Electronic Governance (UNU-EGOV), based in the city of Guimarães, north of Portugal, is one of 14 research and training Institutes and Units that comprise the UNU system. The mission of UNU-EGOV is to support the Member States of the United Nations in transforming the mechanisms of governance and building effective governance capabilities through strategic applications of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to contribute to sustainable development, social inclusion and active citizenship. As a think tank and research unit, UNU-GOV combines both classical research and consultancy projects.

In fulfilment of its purpose UNU-EGOV:

• carries out policy-relevant research.

• translates research findings into relevant policy instruments;

• builds capacity in localizing and applying such instruments within and among governments clients and partners within the UN system, academic and other relevant organizations;

• builds and maintains research and policy networks to share the lessons learnt, foster mutual learning, and bridge research and policy worlds; and

• monitors, evaluates, and disseminates the latest developments in the area.

For more information, please visit http://egov.unu.edu.

Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Director of the UNU-EGOV, the Communications Assistant is accountable for supporting overall communication activities at UNU-EGOV and liaising with internal and external stakeholders regarding projects, publications and events.

The incumbent works closely with the UNU Office of Communications and implements the communications strategy, particularly on digital content development and website management.

1. Support the general communications activities:

• Develop and disseminate web and social media content that increases the visibility of UNU-EGOV’s projects, publications, events and activities.
• Edit and maintain webpages and related communication products to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency with UNU’s goals, strategies, policies, and brand.
• Proactively gather information for articles, news, events, newsletters, e-campaigns, etc.
• Maintain files, databases, and systems relevant to communications.
• Brief personnel, particularly newcomers, on the communication policies, guidelines and processes at UNU-EGOV.

2. Assist in the communications and relationship management in events:

• Provide logistical support to events organized by UNU-EGOV (conferences, seminars, workshops, etc.) and capacity-building programmes.
• Perform the role of Communications Chair at the ICEGOV conference and support the publication of the conference proceedings.
• Provide communicational and programmatic support to the different committees and participants in events organized by UNU-EGOV.
• Provide logistical support to events hosted by UNU-EGOV.

3. Provide assistance in programmatic and academic activities:

• Edit, proofread and assist in the drafting of knowledge products (briefings, reports, academic papers and other documents).
• Increase the impact of UNU-EGOV research by building and growing networks and involving key target audiences by producing high-quality, customised, and readily accessible knowledge products and services.
• Provide support in publishing knowledge products including securing a DOI/ISBN and uploading on UNU Collections.
• Pro-actively contribute to day-to-day projects communication.

4. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or the Director.

Key Performance Indicators

• Timely and quality delivery of publications and communications materials.
• Timely maintenance of webpages and social media postings.
• Timely and quality delivery on ICEGOV conference programme support.
• Quality of service provided and level of engagement with UNU-EGOV external and internal stakeholders.
• UNU is seen as a reliable and trustworthy partner by research partners, governments, donors, and civil society.

Competencies

Values:

• Inclusion – Take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity.
• Integrity – Act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards.
• Humility – Demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others.
• Humanity – Act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet.

Behaviours:

• Connect and Collaborate – Build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN
• Analyse and Plan – Seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action
• Deliver Results with Positive Impact – Hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves
• Learn and Develop – Pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others
• Adapt and Innovate – Demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways

1) Education and certification

• Completed Secondary Education with specialised certification OR bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism, Graphic Design, Applied Languages, Digital Marketing, International Relations, Sociology or a related discipline.

2) Required skills and experience

Required
• Secondary Education with 3 years OR Bachelor’s degree with 1 year of work experience in the communications field, producing communications materials, organizing events and/or providing programme support, preferably in an academic institution, research think-tank, international organisation or NGO.

• Proven experience managing corporate websites and social media.
Desirable
• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills. Demonstrated ability to convey messages through clear and concise writing.

• High level of competency with MS Office Software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Good knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator & InDesign).

• WordPress experience would be an advantage.

• Photography and/or video production skills would be an advantage.

• Ability to organize conferences and capacity-building programmes within the international context.

• Excellent client orientation and capacity to take ownership, prioritise, and deliver results in a fast-paced work environment.

• Experience in working with a large range of stakeholders including researchers, academics, donors and partners in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment.

• Other desirable skills include strong attention to detail, strong conceptual abilities, sound judgment, resilience, and an interest in development work.

3) Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of Portuguese or another UN official working language is an asset.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under a PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package, including an annual net salary of EUR 16704 to EUR 20040, commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications. Benefits include 30 days annual leave and a health insurance scheme.

UNU is not liable for any taxes that may be levied on the remuneration you receive under this contract. Payment of any such taxes remains the sole responsibility of PSA holders.

Duration of contract

The duration of the initial contract is 1 year. This is Personnel Service Agreement (PSA) contract with UNU, with the possibility for renewal subject to requirements and satisfactory work performance. The combined duration on a PSA contract with UNU may not exceed six (6) years. The mandatory age of retirement for PSA holders is 65 years.

Starting date

As soon as possible.

How to Apply

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:

• Apply via the apply link;
• fill out the UNU P11 Form (please avoid using similar forms provided by other United Nations organisations);
• provide a motivation statement (in the P11 form); and
• answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.

  You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.

Application Deadline

2 January 2025

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview, background checks, and references.

Special Notice

Staff members of the United Nations University are international civil servants subject to the Rector’s authority. They may be assigned to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations University. The Rector reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a level below that advertised. UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply and become part of the organisation. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. Eligible internal applicants are also encouraged to apply. UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination.

If you have supervisory function you need to have awareness on gender related issues.

Information about UNU rosters

UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam Warning

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