Communications Assistant (Communications consultant)

The United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) and the UN Information Centre in Rio (UNIC Rio) are seeking a creative digital communications professional to support implementation of its communications strategy. 

This person will help improve the overall reputation and positioning of the UN system in Brazil and support its advocacy for national and international development objectives, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals. 

Providing support to the 26 agencies, funds and programmes (AFPs) that compose the UN system in Brazil, this person will assist with the updating of the UN in Brazil website and social media channels, helping to promote what the UN does in the country.

Led by UNIC Rio, this hiring process is facilitated by UNOPS, which has an agreement with AFPs in Brazil to receive financial resources and enable hiring of human resources. 

Under the guidance of the Director of the UN Information Centre (UNIC), and direct supervision of the UNIC Rio National Information Officer, the Communications Assistant (Communications Consultant) will be responsible for the following duties: 

A. Development and implementation of communications plans 

• Identify and produce life stories, journalistic pieces and other relevant information on the UN's actions in Brazil to be communicated externally through the institutional channels of UN Brazil.

• Carry out the activities planned in the UNIC communication plan, providing guidance and support according to the established calendar.

• Support the organization of events and their respective dissemination strategies.

• Produce graphic and audiovisual materials (photography, video, infographics) for the UN Brazil social networks and website.

• Assist in the adaptation of statistical data to user-friendly graphic formats that can be easily shared with UN Brazil's target audiences.

• Develop and organize an archive of photographs, infographics, and other types of graphic materials, suitable for use on social channels, according to the guidelines and use of logos of UN agencies in Brazil.

• Perform other related functions as required and relevant to your assignment.

B. Support the implementation of ONU Brasil communications strategy 

• Manage institutional tools: website and external and internal newsletter platforms.

• Support in event preparation and planning

• Support in the development of press releases.

• Support in monitoring main communication KPIs

• Perform other functions related and relevant to the role

• Support engagement with the media at the national and local level.

This position is based in Rio de Janeiro, at the United Nations Information Centre in Brazil (UNIC Rio).

a. Education:

• “Ensino médio” completed is required (equivalent to High School diploma)

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree, preferably in Communications, Journalism, Advertising, Marketing, Social Sciences and/or Public Relations, will be considered a plus and may substitute a few years of relevant experience.

• Courses in graphic design, audiovisual design or communication and photography are desirable.

b. Work experience:

• A minimum of 4 years of relevant experience is required (or less depending on academic credentials) in communication for development and/or social or political communication and/or advocacy

• Experience in implementing and monitoring digital communication plans is required, including experience using video and photo editing tools.

• Experience in organizations of the United Nations System or international organizations is desirable.

• The presentation of communication products designed and implemented (strategies, communication plans, communication products such as videos, publications, among others) will be valued.

c. Languages

• Native Portuguese is required

• Advanced English is required

• Contract type: Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA)
• Contract level:  Local ICA (LICA) 4
• Type of contract: Retained services contract - Retainer*
• Contract duration: 12 months. Renewal will be conditioned to performance evaluation and availability of funds.

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. 8 p.m. Brazil time

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions 

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 

• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.

• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.