Communications Officer

Host entity: UNRCO/ UN Multi-Country Office Micronesia

Volunteer type: International

Areas of expertise: Communication, advocacy, public information

Application deadline: 03/11/2026

Mission and objectives

The UN Secretary-General launched on 1 January 2019 a bold and new global reform which repositioned the UN Development System to delivery more effectively and efficiently with the achievement of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As part of this reform, UN Resident Coordinator Offices (UN RCO), under the leadership of an independent UN Resident Coordinator – the Representative of the UN Secretary-General and the highest-ranking official of the UN Development System at the country level – support countries in the achievement of their development priorities and the attainment of the SDGs. The RC promotes the normative values of the UN: gender equality and human rights, environmental sustainability and leaving no-one behind. In case of a humanitarian emergency, the Resident Coordinator takes on the additional reasonability of being appointed the Humanitarian Coordinator. In addition, the RC supports and promotes the UN's responsibilities to prevent and respond to violations of human rights and humanitarian law, including the responsibilities of UN entities and staff in this regard.

The newly established UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO)/Multi-Country Office (MCO) is based in Kolonia, FSM and comprises a team of national and international staff focusing on strategic planning, joint analyses, supports joint UN operations, communications as well as partnerships and development finance. The MCO Micronesia oversees five Pacific Small Island Developing States (Pacific SIDS or PSIDS), namely Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI), Nauru and Kiribati.

Assignment context

The UN Resident Coordinator's Office supports the Resident Coordinator to full his function as leader of the UN Country Team (UNCT) to strengthen coordination of UN operational activities and UN assistance with national priorities. Its mission is to maximize the impact of the work of the United Nations to ensure that the UN system provides collective, coherent and integrated support to national development priorities, plans and strategies, within the framework of the 2030 Agenda and its associated Sustainable Development Goals as well as other international commitments. The RCO ensures that all UN entities engaged in a country, regardless of their physical presence, are included in UN strategic plans and analyses.

The newly established UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO)/Multi-Country Office (MCO) is based in Kolonia, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and comprises a team of national and international staff focusing on strategic planning, joint analyses, supports joint UN operations, communications as well as partnerships and development finance. The MCO Micronesia oversees five Pacific Small Island Developing States (Pacific SIDS or PSIDS), namely Palau, FSM, Marshall Islands, Nauru and Kiribati. The MCO Micronesia supports the realization of regional priorities as defined in the UN Pacific Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2023-2027) (CF) which outlines the UN’s programme in the region and is actioned at the country level through the Country Implementation Plans (CIPs). The MCO Micronesia is represented in all these countries in the form of an United Nations Country Coordination Specialist.

Task description

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of the Head of the Resident Coordinator’s Office or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Communications Officer will:

Summary of Functions:
1. Plans and facilitates strategic advocacy and programme communications in support of the UNCF
• Provides substantive support to the Resident Coordinator (RC) and UN Country Team (UNCT) in designing, implementing and monitoring the UN joint advocacy and communication strategy, promoting the UNCF as the primary instrument for the planning and implementation of UN development activities in the country, in support of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development;
• Researches, analyzes and presents inputs to the RC and UNCT on strategic advocacy and programme communications for the 2030 Agenda and to boost impact of programmatic objectives under the UNCF;
• Plans and facilitates the promotion of advocacy and communications as a tool for a participatory approach to UNCF implementation and monitoring, reflecting the views and priorities of people, including those left farthest behind;
• Monitors and analyzes the media in the areas related to the UN’s mandates and programmes in the country, as well as other issues relevant to the UN brand and positioning;
• Provides substantive support to the RC and UNCT on public messaging and media outreach, and assists in managing reputational risks or crises around sensitive issues;
• Identifies and assesses potential issues, concerns and risks related to communications and advocacy, and suggests corrective actions to the RC and UNCT, UNPS Coordination Group and Results Groups;
• Plans and facilitates the work of the UN Communications Group throughout the stages of the UNCF cycle;
• In collaboration with the UN Communications Group and the UNPS Coordination Group, and in coordination with the RCO colleagues responsible for data management and results reporting, prepares the annual communication plan to publicize and communicate results with a focus on the UN’s development impact;
• Assists the RC and UNCT in projecting the UN’s image effectively and accurately as well as promoting transparency and accountability;
• Provides substantive support to ensure that communication performance indicators are identified, incorporated, monitored and reported on throughout the UNCF cycle.

2. Contributes to partnership building and media relations
• Plans and facilitates the engagement of key traditional and non-traditional partners, including government, civil society, private sector, development partners and others new as well as traditional actors on the collective 2030 Agenda and the related role and impact of the UN’s work in country;
• Provides substantive support to the RC and UNCT in significantly expanding public outreach on the 2030 Agenda and the UN’s role and impact in country;
• Plans and facilitates public engagement on the UN’s role and work in country, including through programme visits showcasing the UN’s development impact;
• Undertakes regular liaison with other partners for content development, information exchange, collaborative communication efforts, and innovative communication and advocacy tools, as assigned;
• Compiles and analyzes communication experiences and shares findings with country, regional and HQ communication colleagues so that best practices benefit the UN’s communication work;
• Develops and maintains close working relationships with the media, including editors and journalists in key national and international news outlets; develops, maintains and updates media relations contact list/database;
• Prepares official briefing materials, talking points, speeches, statements, op-eds and presentations as necessary.

3. Plans and facilitates digital communications
• Develops and maintains external and internal digital communications platforms such as the UN country team website, official UN country team social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, etc.), Intranet and on-line collaboration platforms, etc.;
• Plans and facilitates the development and implementation of a digital content strategy and contributes to the development of key communications and advocacy products (e.g. human-interest stories, multilingual and multimedia content, etc.).
• Conducts exercises exploring the applicability of new and emerging tools and techniques to digital communications and advocacy activities to reach a wider, younger audience.

4. Provides substantive support for publications and branding management
• Provides substantive support to the RC and UNCT on joint UN publications ensuring high quality standards and the correct application of the UN branding guidelines and the UN publishing standards.
• Prepares inputs for the RC and UNCT on the use of the UN joint brand at country level across UN content and products, both offline and online.
• Plans and organizes launch events for joint UN publications, coordinating with author entities in the UN country team and relevant local partners, including host country authorities, media representatives, members of academia, etc. to ensure high visibility and impact.

5. Plans and facilitates the local promotion of United Nations global communications and advocacy priorities on the work of the United Nations in other key thematic areas
• Provides substantive support to the United Nations Department of Global Communications in adapting and localizing global communications and advocacy priorities promoting the work of the United Nations in key thematic areas.
• Advises the Resident Coordinator on possible sources of funding and in-kind support and partnerships that could be leveraged for promoting localized global campaigns, galvanizing local, regional and global support as relevant.
• Conducts educational outreach activities, including the organization of Model United Nations conferences and public-speaking engagements at local educational institutions with support from and/or the participation of the Resident Coordinator and/or the UN country team.
• Evaluates results and impact of communications and advocacy initiatives promoting the work of the United Nations in key thematic areas other than development, reporting the outcome to the Resident Coordinator, the UN country team and the United Nations Department of Global Communications.

Skills and experience

• At least 3 years of professional work experience at the national and/or international level in communications or advocacy, or other relevant programmes; experience with international organizations is an asset, as is experience working in the UN or other international development organizations;
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, and reporting skills;
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines.

Competencies and values

• Planning and Organizing
• Teamwork
• Accountability

Living conditions

The FSM was formerly a part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (TTPI), a United Nations Trust Territory under U.S. administration, but it formed its own constitutional government on May 10, 1979, becoming a sovereign state after independence on November 3, 1986, under a Compact of Free Association with the United States. The FSM has a seat in the United Nations and has been a member of the Pacific Community since 1983.

FSM is a hardship duty station level C, thus it is important to be flexible and open-minded as the conditions are relatively basic. There are several health care centres and a main hospital, where basic health care is provided. No specialist health care is available

English is spoken widely across the country although the most common languages of communication are the state local languages, i.e. Pohnpei an in Pohnpeian. There is a functioning international postal service and there are two main supermarkets on island, and two electronics stores. There is a small number of diners and several hotels and resorts available for on island tourism. All other types of goods need to be purchased via mail order. Amazon delivers to FSM. Accommodation ranges from one-bedroom apartments to small houses, both furnished and unfurnished. These are modest but all amenities are provided, but flexibility is required. Public transport in the form of taxis is cheap and reliable, depending on how directly you need to get to your destination as most taxis are group taxis.

FSM enjoys year-round daily tropical temperatures of between 25-29 degrees with generally high humidity, and monsoon type rainfall on a near daily basis. There is a moderate risk of tropical storms and severe weather events. Pohnpei, and FSM more generally, is a natural paradise covered in rainforest and surrounded by lagoons and the Pacific Ocean.

Most recreational activities are centred on outdoor activities and sports. Diving, snorkelling, fishing and sailing, as well as hiking are amongst the most popular leisure pursuits. In Kolonia there are several tennis courts and a public swimming pool. With some excellent tennis instructors being available, tennis is a also a very popular leisure activity amongst all. There are also two gyms and several running tracks/ location, and fitness classes are available.

Full eligibility requirements, conditions of service and application instructions are available on the official UNV platform.