Associate Programme/Communications Officer

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. 

Peace and Security Centre

The UNOPS Peace and Security Centre (PSC) is a principal service provider in the field of mine action with the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS), UNDP, UNICEF, Governments of mine-affected countries and other mine action partners. The Centre is responsible to administer, provide support and oversight of the day-to-day management of the Project Field offices, both according to the client requirements and in line with UNOPS rules and regulations. It is headed by the Centre Director who has the overall authority and accountability for the performance of the Peace and Security Centre on behalf of its clients.

Background Information – UNMAS

Established in 1997 by the General Assembly, the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) serves as the United Nations focal point for mine action and supports its vision of ‘aworld free of the threat of landmines and inexploded ordnance, where individuals and communities live in a safe environment conducive to development, and where survivors are fully integrated into their societies.’

UNMAS coordinates and collaborates with fourteen UN departments, agencies, programmes and funds to ensure an effective, proactive and coordinated response to the problems of landmines and explosive remnants of war.

UNMAS establishes, manages and provides strategic direction to mine action coordination centres in countries and territories as part of peacekeeping operations and humanitarian emergencies or crises.  In these situtions, UNMAS may plan and carry out mine action projects, support and coordinate the work of local and international mine action service providers, and set priorities for the mine clearance, mine risk education and all other aspects of mine action.

Background Information – UNMAS Syria Response

Recognizing the magnitude of the humanitarian crisis in Syria, the systemic gaps in coordination, and following the adoption of resolutions 2139, 2165 and 2191 by the United Nations Security Council, humanitarian actors operating inside Syria from Damascus and from neighboring countries launched the Whole of Syria (WOS) approach to develop a principled, predictable and coherent response to prioritized humanitarian needs.

UNMAS deployed to Gaziantep at the request of the Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator in August 2015 and subsequently activated the Mine Action Sub Cluster under the Protection Cluster to address the impact of explosive hazards within Syria. In 2017, UNMAS activated the Southern Syria Mine Action Sub Cluster from Amman, Jordan to provide a coordinated mine action response to the humanitarian crisis in Southern Syria. UNMAS is the lead agency for the Mine Action Sub Cluster for WOS, and its offices in Gaziantep and Amman work in support of the mine action response within Syria.

Under the direct supervision of UNMAS Programme Officer, the Associate Programme/Communications Officer is responsible for programme support and communication strategy implementation and following responsibilities: 

• Support the Programme Officer with producing routine and ad-hoc reports including (but not limited to), Substantive Report, Financial Agreement, Factsheets etc.
• Support the Programme Officer in preparing concept notes and project proposals for new projects.
• Support the Programme Officer in building and maintaining a network of key partners, keeping abreast of evolving trends within the region.
• In support of the Programme Officer and Programme Manager, participate in and report on relevant donor and government coordination meetings relevant to UNMAS strategy and operations.
• Assist the Programme Officer in ensuring on coverage of UNMAS activities and projects through various media channels, including news stories, fact sheets, website articles.
• Review all Programme messaging to ensure coherence, consistency and accuracy of all forms of communication.
• Work with relevant units and personnel to ensure that the programme messages and achievements are communicated to the relevant stakeholders in an effective, coherent and timely manner.
• Maintain effective and quality networking and communications policies, tools and systems across the programme. This includes the use of social media in Risk Education activities.
• Attend the Mine Action Sub Cluster, WoS and other meetings when required
• Perform other related duties as required.

Monitoring and Progress Controls

• Production of Programme routine and ad-hoc reports within the specified deadlines.
• Ensure all communications platforms with UNMAS Syria Reponse information are maintained with accurate information.
• Conduct a review of communications strategy for the programme as and when required.

• First level university degree (Bachelor's degree or equivalent) in International Relations, Communications or any other relevant subjects with two (2) years of relevant experience.
• Advance university degree (Master degree or equivalent) is an asset.

• Fluency in English (speaking, reading and writing) is required.
• Knowledge of another UN official language is desired.

• 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.