Part-time Consultant: Communications Associate

About UN University (UNU)

The United Nations University (UNU) is a global think tank and postgraduate teaching organization within the United Nations System. UNU engages in policy-relevant research, capacity development, and knowledge dissemination in furtherance of the purposes and principles of the United Nations. The work of UNU contributes to solving pressing global problems that are the concern of the United Nations and its Member States.

For the past five decades, UNU has been a source of impartial research on sustainability, human security, and economic development. With hundreds of researchers working at institutes in 12 countries, UNU's expertise spans the full breadth of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, generating policy-relevant knowledge to effect positive global change. UNU collaborates closely with other UN entities and leading research institutions across the globe. For more information, please visit

United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR) 

United Nations University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR) is one of 13 research and training Institutes that comprise the think tanks in the UNU system. UNU-CPR headquarters are in New York with an office in Geneva, Switzerland.

UNU-CPR’s core mission is to produce policy-focused research and thought leadership on issues of strategic importance to the United Nations and its Member States. The Centre prioritizes urgent policy needs requiring innovative, practical solutions for immediate implementation. The Centre’s work also contributes to the long-term resilience of the multilateral system through dialogue, research, strategic convenings, and policy coordination.

More information about its work is available here:

Position Overview

UNU-CPR is seeking a part-time (60%) Communications Associate to strengthen the visibility, reach and impact of the Centre’s work in Geneva. Working closely with colleagues in Geneva and the UNU-CPR Communications team in New York, the Consultant will support publications, digital communications, media engagement and multimedia production, while helping position UNU-CPR and its research within the Geneva policy ecosystem.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong editorial judgement, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple communications activities simultaneously. They should be comfortable working independently while collaborating closely with researchers and communications colleagues throughout the UNU and UN system.

The role requires an ability to understand complex policy research, identify its relevance to different audiences and translate it into compelling communications products and opportunities. Strong interpersonal skills, sound judgement and an ability to build relationships across the Geneva international community, including with senior UN and diplomatic communities, will be particularly important. They should be excited about building up and maintaining a strong public presence for a relatively young think tank.

Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Head of the UNU-CPR Geneva Office, the Communications Associate will have the following responsibilities:

Publications and editorial support

• Edit and oversee the layout and design of UNU-CPR Geneva reports, policy briefs, research papers and other publications, ensuring that outputs are clear, accessible and consistent with UN/UNU editorial standards.

• Support the Geneva research team in translating research findings into accessible communications products tailored to policy and practitioner audiences.

• Provide editorial and publication support to the UNU-CPR New York office as required, particularly during periods of high publication activity.

Media engagement and positioning

• Develop and maintain relationships with Geneva-based journalists and relevant international media covering the United Nations, multilateral affairs and UNU-CPR's areas of research.

• Identify opportunities to position UNU-CPR researchers and research in relevant media outlets, including through interviews, commentary, briefings and other forms of engagement.

• Identify opportunities for UNU-CPR to engage with events, multilateral processes, and relevant Geneva-based institutions as part of UNU-CPR’s overall outreach strategy.

• Manage and oversee UNU-CPR Geneva’s public-facing online presence, ensuring that information about the office, its research and activities remain current and engaging.

• Support the development of audio-visual content showcasing UNU-CPR Geneva research and activities, including short videos, interviews, podcasts and event-related content.

Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Competencies

Values:

• Inclusion — take action to create an environment of dignity and respect for all, regardless of age, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, geography, grade, language, nationality, racial identity, religion, sex, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, social origin or any other aspect of identity

• Integrity — act ethically, demonstrating the standards of conduct of the United Nations and taking prompt action in case of witnessing unprofessional or unethical behaviour, or any other breach of UN standards

• Humility — demonstrate self-awareness and willingness to learn from others

• Humanity — act according to the purposes of the United Nations: peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet

Behaviours:

• Connect and collaborate — build positive relationships with others to advance the work of the United Nations and work coherently as One UN

• Analyse and plan — seek out and use data from a wide range of sources to understand problems, inform decision-making, propose evidence-based solutions and plan action

• Deliver results with positive impact — hold oneself and others accountable for delivering results and making a positive difference to the people and causes that the United Nations serves

• Learn and develop — pursue own learning and development and contribute to the learning and development of others

• Adapt and innovate — demonstrate flexibility, agility and the ability to think and act in novel ways

1) Education and certification

• Master’s degree in communications, journalism, international relations, political science, public policy or a related field. A bachelor’s degree combined with additional relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

2) Required skills and experience

• At least 3 years of relevant professional experience in communications, journalism, public affairs, publishing or a related field, preferably within an international organization, think tank, research institution or policy environment.

• Demonstrated experience communicating research or complex policy issues and translating them into clear, accessible and engaging content for policy, media and wider audiences.

• Strong knowledge of the International Geneva ecosystem, including the UN system, international organizations, Member State missions, research institutions and media. Existing Geneva-based professional networks would be an advantage.

• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Microsoft Word and advanced document formatting;

• Other technical skills: Experience working with content management systems to create, edit and maintain website content; experience producing and editing audio-visual content using tools such as Adobe Premiere Pro and Descript, or equivalent; experience with Canva or similar rapid-content design tools; and familiarity with social media publishing and analytics tools, particularly LinkedIn and other platforms relevant to institutional communications.

3) Language Requirements

• Fluency in English and French is required.

Reporting and working arrangements

The Communications Associate will be part of the UNU-CPR Communications Team, which is managed by the Head of Communications in New York. On a day-to-day basis, the Communications Associate will be managed by the Head of the Geneva Office. The position is based in Geneva at 60% employment.

Duration

The successful candidate will be retained under a Consultant Contract (CTC) for an initial twelve (12) month period.

Consultants engaged by UNU may not provide services for more than twenty-four (24) months in a thirty-six (36) month period.

UNU is not liable for any taxes that may be levied on the remuneration you receive under this contract. Payment of any such taxes remains the sole responsibility of CTC holders.

Remuneration

The successful candidate will receive a monthly fee of CHF 3,240 to CHF 3,750, commensurate with qualifications, skills, and experience.

Travel considerations

Should “mission travel” be required, UNU will pay for travel. However, this will be subject to the following prerequisites: Medical Clearance, Security Clearance through the Travel Request Information Process (TRIP) system, completion of the BSAFE online course, travel Visa, and liability waiver.

Travel cost will be calculated based on economy class travel, regardless of the length of travel. Costs for accommodation, meals and incidentals must not exceed applicable daily subsistence allowance (DSA) rates, as promulgated by the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC at ).

Expected start date

By 1 March 2027.

How to Apply

To apply to UNU, you will not need an account. Instead, we ask that you:

• Apply via the apply link;

• Upload a copy of your CV where it says upload your P11 form;

• provide a one-page cover letter, including a motivation statement; and

• answer a few questions that are tailored to the position.

You may wish to refer to the UN Values and Behaviours Framework for more information.

Application Deadline

Monday, 30 November 2026

Submissions must be received by 6pm Geneva time on the deadline; late entries will not be accepted.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a desk review and/or a competency-based or other interview, background checks and references.

Special notice

Consultants do not hold international civil servant status, nor are they considered a “staff member” as defined in the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. UNU is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities to apply. Applications from developing countries, and from women are strongly encouraged. UNU has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNU, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. If you have supervisory function, you need to have awareness on gender related issues.

Information about UNU rosters

UNU reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNU.

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