The UNU Centre for Policy Research is an independent think tank within the United Nations system. We combine research excellence with deep knowledge of the multilateral system to generate innovative solutions to current and future global public policy challenges. Established in 2014 in Tokyo, in July 2018 UNU-CPR will merge with the UNU Office at the United Nations (UNU-ONY) in New York, and operate from New York.
The position
Communications Manager who is deeply interested in communicating to global policymakers. You are strongly committed to working closely with researchers to communicate results. You are a well-rounded communications specialist with experience in a variety of communications tactics and strategies.
Key roles and responsibilities
- Build UNU-CPR’s capacity to substantially impact and influence policy across the multilateral system (especially UN Member States, UN entities, donor agencies, and private sector and other partners), and influence researchers (in academia and partner entities) in co-operation with in-house policy and research personnel
- Coordinate, oversee, and produce communications products and services for UNU-CPR’s target audiences, focusing on getting the right research knowledge, in the right format, at the right time, to the right people, while tying all communications efforts back to the original research that UNU-CPR produces
- Innovate to deliver timely research communications in various mediums (audio, video, text) and via multiple channels (website, social, media, direct mail, events, etc.), in co-operation with the Director and the UNU Office of Communications in Tokyo, relevant internal and external researchers, and the policy and research personnel
- Lead the development and execution of communications “campaigns” for research programmes and publications, and manage the production of associated communications components, in co-operation with the Director, Operations & Events Manager, UNU-CPR researchers, external academics and partners, and the UNU Office of Communications in Tokyo
provide advice and support to the Director, Chief Operations Officer, Events Manager, policy and research personnel, and project personnel on ways to promote public events externally, to communicate around their outcomes, and to produce associated communications components
act as focal point for all public relations matters for UNU-CPR, making sure that the its brand reflects the values of UNU and the UN system, and continues to be recognised for its academic freedom, global policy relevance, neutrality, credibility, scientific integrity, global perspective, and high quality - Serve as the office focal point for communications, press, and social media, including by working to strengthen day-to-day collaboration with communications personnel from across UNU, UN entities, and other partners
- Manage the overall and project-based communications budget plans in collaboration with policy and research and project personnel, and under the supervision of the Director, with an eye to overall impact with UNU-CPR’s target audiences, and the cost-effectiveness of each type of communication activity and product
Experience and skills
- An advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in communications, journalism, international relations, public administration, business administration, or related field; an undergraduate degree in combination with qualifying experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced university degree
- A minimum of five (5) years of progressively relevant professional work experience, including the management of communications, research or training programmes
- Demonstrated ability to carry out and communicate research activities in an international environment
- A proven track record of academic and policy communications
- Good knowledge of the international research and policy agenda in areas related to the UNU-CPR’s research programme
- Excellent communications and drafting skills, with fluency in both oral and written English
- Fluency in other official UN languages would be an asset
- Demonstrated sensitivity to gender issues
- Excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity