Communications Senior Officer

UNOPS supports partners to build a better future by providing services that increase the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of peace building, humanitarian and development projects.  Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations.

Global Portfolios Office (GPO), New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) supports the United Nations Secretariat, as well as other New York-based United Nations organizations, bilateral and multilateral partners in the delivery of UNOPS mandate in project management, infrastructure management, and procurement management.

The Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC) supports diverse partners with their peacebuilding, humanitarian and development operations. It was formed by combining the following portfolios: Grants Management Services (GMS), UN Technology Support Services (UNTSS), Development and Special Initiatives Portfolio (DSIP) It provides Services to partners' programmes that are designed, structured, and managed with a global perspective and primarily serving partners that are headquartered in New York.  The SDC has a footprint of approximately 125 countries.

UNOPS has signed an agreement with the United Nations to implement defined activities in support of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is on the forefront of addressing complex emergencies and spearheading vital reforms to create a more resilient and adaptive humanitarian ecosystem. Our work is grounded in an unyielding commitment to systematically identify and analyze emerging risks, understanding their profound implications, and formulating transformative strategies within, across, and beyond the organization. The aim is to navigate ever-accelerating global change and ensure that the humanitarian sector remains fit for purpose and ahead of the curve.

Purpose and Scope of Assignment 

UNOPS is seeking a dynamic and insightful Communications Senior Officer to collaborate closely with the OCHA  Policy Branch team to implement the Flagship Initiative, document lessons and practice, support the Global Humanitarian Policy Forum, as well as other tasks, as required. The incumbent will contribute to research and document practice and lessons, drafting of reports, memos, notes, speeches and talking points, as well as the organization of policy events, relevant to the Global Humanitarian Policy Forum and the rollout of the Flagship Initiative. 

The incumbent will work closely with the Policy team to identify and define the specific requirements as the project progresses. The assignment involves researching and preparing reports and background papers for the Flagship Initiative’s Global Learning Forums, the Global Humanitarian Policy Forum (GHPF), and related events. Key tasks include drafting documents, supporting the 2023-2026 OCHA Strategic Plan implementation, organizing events, coordinating with OCHA offices and partners to share expertise, and preparing statements, key messages, and presentations. 

The incumbent of this position will be personnel of UNOPS under its full responsibility.

Under the close collaboration with OCHA Policy Branch and direct supervision of UNOPS Project Manager,  the incumbent will be responsible for the following: 

• Conduct research and prepare reports, studies and background papers for the Flagship Initiative Global Learning Forums, Global Humanitarian Policy Forum (GHFP) and related events.
• Draft high-level background documents and analytical reports to inform decision-making.
• Facilitate and monitor the implementation of the 2023-2026 OCHA Strategic Plan, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
• Organize the Flagship Global Learning Forum and GHPF and related events.
• Reach out to OCHA Offices, agencies and partners to document lessons, practice and facilitate exchanges of expertise and views on specific humanitarian issues.
• Prepare statements, key messages, correspondence, presentations, summaries and other required materials for the Flagship Global Learning Forums, GHPF and related events.
• Provide inputs for the Global Humanitarian Policy Forum including additional related reports relating to the Flagship Initiative.
• Follow-up on report of the Global Humanitarian Policy Forum.
• Provide Inputs to and follow-up the implementation of the 2023-2026 OCHA Strategic Plan.

*FEMALE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY*

a. Education:

• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) preferably in international law, international affairs, political science or in a related field to the post description with two (2) years of relevant experience is required; OR. 
• A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) preferably in international law, international affairs, political science or in a related field to the post description with four (4) years of relevant experience is desirable.

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in research and analysis.
• Prior experience in desk research issues related to humanitarian action is required.

Desirable (The following experience and skills are optional, candidates who do not have them are welcome to apply)

• Prior experience working within the UN system or similar organization is desirable. 
• Prior experience in organizing events and workshops is desirable.

c. Language:

• Fluency in English (read, write, speak) is required. 
• Knowledge of another official United Nations language (such as Spanish and French) is desirable.

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• 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 

• 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.