Overview
The Crisis Communications Officer will strengthen crisis communication preparedness and provide surge communications support before, during and after emergencies and other high-profile events requiring coordinated UN messaging.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain the UNCT/DMT Crisis Communications Strategy and related Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Support the establishment and functioning of a UN Crisis Communications Cell within the UN Communications Group.
- Maintain crisis communications tools, templates and protocols.
- Develop and periodically update crisis communications contingency plans for major hazards and operational risks in PNG.
- Facilitate crisis communications simulations, tabletop exercises and preparedness training for UN communications focal points and senior managers.
- Strengthen communications readiness across UN agencies through capacity-building and knowledge sharing.
- Provide surge communications support during humanitarian emergencies, natural disasters, disease outbreaks, security incidents and other crises affecting UN operations.
- Advise the RC, UNCT and DMT on communications strategy, reputational risk management and stakeholder engagement.
- Draft and coordinate press releases, media statements, speeches, public messages, Op-eds, social media content, and talking points for senior UN leadership.
- Ensure consistent UN-wide messaging across agencies and partners during crises.
- Coordinate communication responses related to humanitarian appeals, response plans and emergency operation.
- Maintain constructive working relationships with national and international media.
- Organize press briefings, media interviews and press conferences during emergencies.
- Develop media kits and communication products for crisis situations.
- Support proactive engagement with media to promote accurate reporting on UN-supported response efforts.
- Facilitate media access to field missions where appropriate and consistent with security requirements.
- Monitor traditional, online and social media to identify emerging narratives, misinformation, disinformation and reputational risks.
- Provide regular media monitoring and sentiment analysis reports to the RC, UNCT and DMT.
- Develop rapid-response communication products to address misinformation and information gaps.
- Advise UN leadership on issues that may affect the reputation, credibility and acceptance of the United Nations.
- Support after-action reviews and lessons learned exercises following major crises.
- Manage crisis-related content on UN digital platforms and social media channels.
- Produce and coordinate multimedia content, including human-interest stories, photographs, videos, infographics, and web features.
- Ensure communications products are accessible, timely and audience focused.
- Promote visibility of UN humanitarian and recovery efforts through coordinated storytelling.
- Support digital engagement strategies to expand the reach of trusted information during emergencies.
- Serve as communications focal point for the DMT and support communication coordination mechanisms during emergencies.
- Coordinate closely with communications focal points from UN agencies, funds and programmes.
- Liaise with government communication counterparts, development partners, humanitarian partners, civil society organizations, and regional communications networks.
- Ensure alignment between agency-specific and UN-wide communications approaches.
- Maintain close collaboration with regional and global communications support structures within the UN system.
- Support the UNCT in communication initiatives related to electoral preparedness, civic engagement, peacebuilding and social cohesion, consistent with UN principles of neutrality and impartiality.
- Develop communications approaches that support peaceful dialogue and informed public discourse.
- Monitor communication risks associated with elections, social tensions and security developments.
Required Experience
- At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public information, journalism, advocacy, media relations or strategic communications.
- Demonstrated experience in crisis communications, emergency communications, humanitarian communications or reputation management.
- Experience supporting communications during humanitarian emergencies, natural disasters, public health emergencies, conflict situations or security incidents is highly desirable.
- Experience preparing and implementing communications strategies and campaigns.
- Experience drafting press releases, statements, speeches and human-interest stories in crisis contexts is highly desirable.
- Experience working with the United Nations, international organizations, NGOs or development partners is desirable.
- Experience in the Pacific region is an asset.
Qualifications
Master's degree in communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Relations, Media Studies, Development Communications, Political Science, Disaster Management or a related field. A bachelor's degree combined with additional years of relevant experience may be considered.
