Communications, International Relations.

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) was established in 1963 as a training arm of the United Nations system and is now headquartered in Geneva. In 2021, UNITAR reached over 370,000 learners globally. We provide innovative learning solutions to individuals, organizations and institutions to enhance global decision-making and support country-level action towards a better future. Our alumni include diplomats and other government officials, non-governmental representatives, private-sector actors and local authorities.

The Division for Prosperity is one of UNITAR’s nine divisions and consists of the Hiroshima Office and the Geneva-based Public Finance and Trade Programme Unit. To “leave no one behind”, we seek to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth. We strive to reach society’s most vulnerable in the least developed countries, small island developing states and conflict and post-conflict countries.

The Division report to the public and our partners on our work through a variety of communication channels. These including the UNITAR website, social media, printed materials, newsletters, and events. We also seek opportunities for earned media. The Division’s communications team produces communications materials in close coordination with the Communication and IT Support Unit at UNITAR headquarters.

The incumbent will improve the visibility of UNITAR Division for Prosperity through enhanced communication.

• Implement the UNITAR Division for Prosperity communications strategy (2021-2023). This includes ensuring that multilingual, multimedia communication materials are created and disseminated through the UNITAR website, social media, and quarterly newsletters (for the Hiroshima Office and Division for Prosperity) in a timely manner.
• Lead the management of our social media, including enhancing followers/likes and opportunities to be shared by other entities.
• Support coordination of UN Online Volunteers for quality and timely submissions of public-relations materials.
• Support partnership building and resource mobilization. This includes planning and running awareness campaigns for the Division’s projects and online/on-site events with the UNITAR Goodwill Ambassador.
• Support the planning and running of public events to improve the visibility and brand of UNITAR Division for Prosperity. The events include those jointly organized with the UNITAR Association.
• Support operational work related to the Prosperity communications team, including financial management and administrative management.
• Undertake other tasks as requested by the Director of the Division for Prosperity.

• Communications Strategy implemented and adjusted as needed
• Communications materials (website, social media, print, newsletters, and in-person initiatives), including storytelling materials that describe our training impact, developed and disseminated
• Effective and timely communications within the communications team and with project teams, as well as UN Online Volunteers
• Logistical support provided to the communications team and project teams in a timely manner
• Improved media relations and enhanced global outreach, including coordination for a global press-release distribution

• Timely delivery and high quality of deliverables
• Smooth communications within the Division and relevant teams at the headquarters
• Knowledge and expertise in public relations
• Positive feedback from key stakeholders including donors and beneficiaries

Professionalism: Experience in supporting instructional design and facilitation in the areas of Youth Empowerment, Entrepreneurship and Leadership; experience in supporting vulnerable countries; strong ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in resolution of problems; ability to think innovatively and taking initiatives. Pride in work and achievements; strong interpersonal skills and is efficient, reliable and conscientious; can observe deadlines and achieve results; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems and challenges; remains calm in stressful situations; has demonstrated ability to multi-task; and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

Planning and organizing: Effective time management, ability to plan own work to meet designated deadlines, supervise colleagues and adjust priorities as required. High level of judgement and discretion in accomplishing the job; ability to foresee risks, monitor and adjust plans and actions as necessary.

Communications: Strong communication (spoken and written) skills in English including the ability to draft/edit a variety of written documents including project completion report and communication materials; listens to others and demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed; is willing to learn from others and shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Technology Awareness: Proficiency in using advanced functions on standard computer applications, notably spread sheets dealing with finance, word processing and other software applications including distance learning tools.

Teamwork: Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.

The incumbent will report to Director, Division for Prosperity.

Education: A first-level university degree in communication, journalism, international relations, or related area.

Experience: A minimum of 2 years of experience in communications, public relations, with media, or related field is required. Experience with social media and digital platforms is required.

Languages: Working knowledge of English is required. Working knowledge in Japanese is desirable. Knowledge of other UN languages is an asset.