The United Nations University (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.
Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Programme Manager Knowledge Management & Communications, the Programme and Communications Assistant will assist with implementing the Institute’s communications strategy, particularly on digital content development and website management. The Communications Assistant will:
Provide administrative support in the development and implementation of IIGH’s communications strategy
provide background information for the development of the Institution’s communication strategy
assist with communicating the Institute’s projects and events with the UNU Office of Communications
assist with the communications and logistics of institutional online seminars and workshops
Provide administrative support to the development of IIGH’s advocacy materials:
assist with conceptualisation and implementation of engaging campaigns on UNU-IIGH research and activities.
draft press releases, articles, key messages and other advocacy materials
liaise with suppliers and contractors for the design and production of communication materials
maintain library/ database of reference materials and photos
follow communications guidelines from UNU office of Communications
Provide support in the management of the IIGH’s social media presence and website:
gather information for the development of content for the IIGH’s website and social media channels
assist with the editing of articles and overall web content to ensure accuracy, clarity, and consistency with UNU-IIGH’s goals, strategies, policies, and brand
assist in drafting digital communication materials, including news stories, social media posts, and other communication products
contribute to a web/social media content calendar, monitoring and planning content and the achievement of those content goals
assist with managing UNU-IIGH’s social media channels including, but not limited to, building online communities and monitoring digital media activity and engagement
Assist in programme and knowledge management and sharing:
provide support in publishing the Institute’s knowledge products including securing a DOI/ISBN, uploading on UNU Collections, etc.
maintain files, databases, and systems relevant to the IIGH's knowledge management and monitoring
provide administrative and logistical support in internal trainings and workshops, and other convenings
Perform other tasks assigned by the Institute’s management and the supervisor
Qualifications:
Required qualifications and experience for the position include:
a Secondary Education with specialized certification OR Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Social Sciences, Graphic Design, Applied Languages, Digital Marketing or a related discipline
Secondary education with 4 years of work experience OR Bachelor’s degree with 2 years of work experience in the communications field, planning, writing editing, and producing communications materials, organizing events and/or providing programme support, preferably in an academic institution, research think-tank, international organisation or NGO
strong interest in the work of the United Nations University in general, and particularly in global health and related fields
demonstrated communications experience in website/digital content development, social media management and analytics, and graphic design
proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Sway) and virtual convening software Zoom and StreamYard required; Adobe Creative Cloud programs (Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro) desirable
proficiency in social media, digital campaigns, and newsletter tools, understanding of web UX/UI is a plus
background in setting up and using virtual platforms for conferences, events, meetings etc
solid understanding of world affairs, current events and development issues in particular
detail-oriented, creative and able to work efficiently under tight deadlines
fluency in English is required; knowledge of another UN official working language is an asset.
