Outreach and Communication Specialist

UNOPS helps people live better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS supports the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to serve people in need by expanding the ability of the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, infrastructure and procurement in a sustainable and efficient manner.

Working in some of the world’s most challenging environments, our vision is to advance sustainable implementation practices, always satisfying or surpassing our partners’ expectations.
With over 7,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, wherever they need it.

A flexible structure and global reach means that we can quickly respond to our partners' needs, while offering the benefits of economies of scale.

As the organization increases its ambition level, it needs to increase its visibility and build its brand. Increasing the quality, ambition level and volume of UNOPS communications will place higher demands on the regions's capacity to produce and disseminate information, engage media and increase its outreach to and engagement with partners.

UNOPS focus on action makes UNOPS unique a valuable partner for Governments committed to development, transparency and high-quality services for their people. UNOPS helps to face challenges in every country where it works, using limited resources effectively, preventing corruption and ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most.

To build the sustaibnmable and resilient infrastructure needed to ensure a better future for people by 2030, UNOPS is strengthening collaboration, bringing the private sector, aid agencies and Governments together. Moreover, UNOPS assists Governments in developing efficient implementation of procurement projects, by promoting the modernization of public management and ensurethat every budget is spent in accordance with needs. Eradicating corruption from bidding processes produces an economic transformation that also helps tackle inequalities and ensure that public money is spent for the people it aims to serve.

Under the leadership of the Coordinator of Regional Activities, the Outreach and Communications Specialist will oversee LCR's communications and outreach activities in order to position UNOPS uniqueness in Latin America and Caribbean.

S/he will maintain a strategic perspective on the communications and outreach needs of the region, and identify opportunities for visibility and outreach related, including media events, speaking opportunities, conferences and strategic meetings with excisting and potential partners.

S/he will promote, advocate and raise awareness around UNOPS activities, results, flagship initiatives through a variety of communication vehicles in LCR.

S/he will establish mutual benefit relationship with distinguished Universities, Epistemic Communities, Technical  Experts networks, Professional Organizations, in the region.

S/he will identify, connect and cultivate relevant influencers on UNOPS mandate area, and nurture long-lasting relationship with target audience.

S/he will oversee the production of communication materials and be responsible for media relations.
She will coordinate communications and outreach network to ensure it supports and is aligned with UNOPS strategy for Latin American & Caribbean region.

S/he will ensure that all regional messaging and communications is in harmony with global messages and goals.

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) is required, preferably in International Relations, Political/Social Science or related field.
• University Degree (bachelor’s degree / first level) with a combination of 7 additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the Advanced univiersity degree.

Work Experience

• 5 years (or more depending on academic credentials) of relevant experience at the national or international level in the field of development cooperation or public administration, at government, non-governmental organizations or private sector

• Experience in leading institutional/external relations or advocacy activities

• Experience in working with Partnership Development, Outreach, Marketing and/or Communication programmes/activities;

• Experience on international politics, diplomacy, partnership development, institutional and government relations, public relations/public affairs, and/or resource mobilization is required;

• Good knowledge about the Latin America and Caribbean region and experience in an organization that has been engaging with one or several governments in the region in the context of humanitarian or development work is desirable;     

• Fluent Spanish and English

• Intermediate reading skills in French

• Knowledge of Portuguese will be considered an asset.

• Capacity to calculate reputational risk, by evaluating data and context.
• Proven capacity to build and maintain strong external relationships
• General appreciation of UNOPS overall operational environment and management results framework 
• Appreciation of UNOPS self-financing business model, its role within the UN family, and/or of political  and organizational parameters for strategic planning, budgeting and results management in an international organization or public sector environment.

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns.
Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.