United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNOV/UNODC) of Vienna, Austria is open for the position of Communication Officers (Speechwriters). The incumbent reports to the Speechwriter and Spokesperson as the first reporting officer and to the Chief and ODG/OED as the second reporting officer.

Responsibilities

Communication Officers (Speechwritings) will provide support, within the assigned programme area, to the Speechwriter and Spokesperson in developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating assigned programme/projects as well as in writing and preparing written material for delivery by the Director-General/Executive Director, and managing communications.

Communication Officers will be responsible for the following specific duties:

• Participate in the development and implementation of assigned projects in the area of communication activities.
• Identify problems and issues to be addressed and propose corrective actions.
• Research, analyze and present information gathered from diverse sources
• Review relevant project documents, reports, briefing materials and policy papers
• Assist with and participate in the Director-General/Executive Director (DG/ED)’s meetings and missions, by following up on relevant logistics, preparing minutes, and coordinating media and social media.
• Contribute to the substantive preparation and follow-up of meetings, attend meetings and liaise with relevant parties to support internal communications as well as identify and track follow-up actions.
• Identify and arrange suitable encounters between the Director-General/Executive Director and the media and assist him/her in these encounters.
• Work closely with project support counterparts, the Advocacy Section (AS) of UNODC and the United Nations Information Service (UNIS) on public information and advocacy activities.
• In addition, write articles and opinion pieces on behalf of the Director-General/Executive Director for high-profile media
• Monitor and analyze daily media for stories and opportunities related to UNOV/UNODC activities and mandates and the media profile of the DG/ED.
• Assist in policy support as well as ensure implementation of the UNODC publication policy.
• Fulfil speaking engagements and make presentations to a variety of audiences on UNODC/UNOV activities.
• Write press releases, web content and generate content for social media. Write prefaces and forewords for UNODC publications. Prepare and review correspondence as required.
• In addition, Perform other work-related duties as required.

Competencies

• Has knowledge and understanding of the functions of UNOV and mandates of UNODC.
• Acquires conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis.
• Possess the ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations.
• efficient in meeting commitments and multitasking, observing deadlines as well as achieving results in coordination with others
• Speaks and writes clearly and effectively
• Also, exhibits interest in having two-way communication
• can tailor language, tone, style and format to match the audience
• In addition, identifies priority activities and assignments as well as adjusts priorities as required
• fluency in English and in either French or Arabic

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, social sciences, political science, journalism, communications or other related field is required.

Also, A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience is accepted as one of the advanced university degrees.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience at the international level in programme management, policy support, journalism, communication, public information or related fields

Also has experience in writing speeches for senior or high-level officials within strict deadlines.

Desirable Experience Fields

•  development and implementation of communication projects and plans.
• communicating with the media
• a relevant field in the United Nations system or a similar international organization
• social media and monitoring impact

Additional Notes 

• Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.
•  The initial appointment will be for a period of one year. Any extension of the appointment will be subject to the availability of funding.
• Furthewmore, UN porvides reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.