Associate Communications Officer, Banjul, Gambia

Organizational Setting and Reporting The UN Secretary-General launched on 1 January 2019 a bold and new global reform which repositioned the UN Development System to deliver more effectively and efficiently with the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. As part of this reform, UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), under the leadership of an empowered and independent UN Resident Coordinator - the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System and Representative of the UN Secretary-General at country level - support countries in the achievement of their development priorities and the attainment of the SDG's. In its Resolution A/RES/72/279, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the transformation of the Development Operations Coordination Office (DCO) as a stand-alone coordination office within the United Nations Secretariat. DCO exercises managerial and oversight functions of the Resident Coordinator System under the oversight of the Chair of United Nations Sustainable Development Group (UNSDG). In 2026, DCO undertook a recalibration to ensure the RC system remains optimally configured to support the acceleration of the 2030 Agenda and embodies the UN 2.0 shift- anchored in data, digital, innovation, behavioral science, strategic foresight, and a mission driven organizational culture. The position is located in the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (RCO) in Cotonou, Benin, and reports to the Head of the Resident Coordinator Office. The incumbent works in close coordination with the United Nations Communication Group (UNCG) in Benin and with RCO colleagues responsible for data management and results reporting. Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible of the following duties: Contribute to gathering insights and analysis from traditional, social, and digital media monitoring, including public narratives and areas of reputational risk to inform communications strategy. Contribute to the implementation of communications strategies that raise awareness, drive engagement, build support and have measurable impact with target audiences. Contribute to drafting narratives and messaging on the work of the UN that engage target audiences across different channels and platforms. Contribute to media mapping, reaching out to and fostering relationships with traditional and new media outlets. Contribute to the development of media lines, including in crisis situations and on sensitive issues. Contribute to the planning and coordination of press conferences, briefings, and media events. Act as a spokesperson for the organisation, when required. Contribute to the creation of compelling content that is optimized to reach target audiences across a range of platforms and channels. Contribute to the drafting and production of communications products, such as press releases, press statements, web stories, reports, and infographics. Contribute to the development and implementation of communications campaigns that engage and have measurable impact with target audiences through appropriate channels and platforms. Contribute to development and coordination of strategic communications partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to reach target audiences and maximize impact. Contribute to the delivery of in-person outreach and advocacy strategies and campaigns to engage target audiences and advance UN priorities. Contribute to the creation of content, interviews, news and programming for UN and/or community radio channels and podcasts. Contribute to the creation and updating of policy, guidance and/or training related to strategic communications, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders. Assist in the preparation of reporting and inputs for strategic communications in the context of regular reporting to governmental bodies. Keep abreast of the latest trends in communications and maintain expertise in relevant and emerging techno…