Communications Associate (PSA)

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.

About United Nations University World Institute for Development
Economics Research (UNU-WIDER)

UNU-WIDER is
one of 14 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the
UNU system.

UNU-WIDER
is a leading international development economics think tank. The Institute
provides economic analysis and policy advice with the aim of promoting
sustainable and equitable development for all. The Institute began operations
in 1985 in Helsinki, Finland, as the first research centre of the
United Nations University. Today, it is a unique blend of think tank, research
institute, and UN agency — providing a range of services from policy advice to
governments, as well as freely available original research. More information on
UNU-WIDER and its current work programme are available at www.wider.unu.edu.

Responsibilities

1. Assume strategic, tactical, and coordination responsibilities on assigned research and knowledge mobilization projects, in line with the Institute’s knowledge mobilization goals and strategy

• Develop and implement project-specific communication plans, including related effective dissemination techniques, and work with other team members to achieve agreed objectives.
• As part of the research project team spear head the analyzes the needs of stakeholders and target audiences needs to design and execute effective communication and knowledge mobilization activities with the right tools and channels.
• Coordinate communications effectively with identified internal and external stakeholders (colleagues, vendors, partners, external consultants and other UNU-WIDER network members) in development and implementation of knowledge mobilization plans.
• Plan contracting and procurement needs, prepare needed documents for planned goods and services, serve as coordinator for contractors and vendors.

2. Knowledge translation

• Provide writing and editorial support to the Institute’s research staff; edit texts of specialized or technical nature to promote impact with the intended audience.
• Coordinate the production of policy and research briefs, reports, interviews, and other material.
• Draft, edit, design, and proofread the Institute’s research translation and dissemination products in line with UNU-WIDER, UNU, and UN style guidelines and strategic frameworks.
• Participate or lead in the planning and organization of events, including conferences, seminars, roundtable discussions, WIDER Annual Lectures, press briefings, interviews etc., and produce associated communications components.
• Spearhead and manage news media and social media engagement in assigned research projects.
• Conceptualize and lead the creation of material for varied print and electronic media projects such as brochures, flyers, posters, and online newsletters.

3. Knowledge management

• Draft and coordinate the development of communications work plans with particular attention to knowledge mobilization goals, timelines, budget and procurement plans in consultation with project team members and head of unit.
• Work closely with research project teams and other internal and external stakeholders to ensure knowledge mobilization and outreach of project research.
• Monitor the effectiveness and uptake of communications products in assigned projects and evaluate cost-effectiveness of efforts.
• Draft lessons learned and best practices relevant to knowledge mobilization, uptake and impact.
• Support knowledge sharing within the unit and Institute through input to calendars, circulars, newsletters, the WIDER Forum and other knowledge sharing mechanisms.

4. Institutional communications and brand building

• Contribute substantially or lead on assigned institutional tasks and projects in knowledge mobilization unit.
• Implement the institutional brand conceptually through all communications plans and outputs, as well as visual designs.
• Support substantially and coordinate innovation and conceptualization of new knowledge mobilization efforts.
• Take part in institutional working groups and task forces when required.

5. Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor

Key Performance Indicators

• Timely and quality knowledge management planning, implementation, outputs and events.
• Timely and quality knowledge translation.
• Timely and quality knowledge management.
• Ensures quality of institutional and organizational brand throughout plans and outputs.
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  Maintains positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

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

• Completion of Secondary Education is required.
  OR
  Bachelor’s Degree in in communications, international relations, economics or equivalent field.

2) Required skills and Experience:

• A minimum of six (6) years (with secondary education) or four (4) years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant work experience.
• 'Demonstrated ability to repackage and communicate economics and/or development research in an international multi-platform environment to target audiences around the world.
• Demonstrable skills in graphic design and/or data visualisation, especially experience with Adobe Creative Suite (especially InDesign and Photoshop) is an advantage.
• Experience in using Drupal (or other CMS), CiviCRM (or other CRM) and database tools is an asset.
• Knowledge of the UN system is an advantage; previous experience of working in international development organizations would be an asset.
• Strong ability to establish priorities, multi-task and work within tight timelines.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision and with a high level of resilience.
• Excellent team player with strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as an ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

3) Language Requirements:

• Outstanding command of English language writing and editing for academic and non-academic target audiences.
• Knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will be employed under PSA contract. UNU offers an attractive compensation package including an annual net salary of EUR 46,424.22, commensurate with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. 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

10 November 2024

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

The position is limited to persons who have (1) the Finnish nationality, or (2) the necessary residence/work permits for full-time work in Finland, or (3) the right of residence in Finland as an EU/FTA citizen. UNU does not sponsor a working visa for this position.

PSA holders do no hold international civil servant status nor are they considered a “staff member” as defined in the UN Staff Rules and Regulations.

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 organization. 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.

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