Duties and Responsibilities
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 SDGs. South Sudan is undergoing a period of risks and opportunity, marked by escalating humanitarian needs, significant economic challenges, and political and security uncertainty, compounded by shrinking financial resources and the spillover from the crisis in Sudan. Amidst this complexity, the UN Country Team (UNCT) and Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) convened a Joint Retreat in June 2025 to make strategic decisions on where, how, and with whom to work in order to deliver more coherent and impactful results. The retreat outcome underscored the need for a paradigm shift in leadership behavior, joint delivery models, accountability, and operational prioritization to drive coherent action across the peace, development, and humanitarian pillars in support of agreed priorities. This call for change comes at a moment when the global UN system is under increasing pressure to rethink how it leads, operates, and delivers—amid shrinking resources, the IASC ‘reset’, and preparations for UN80. The development and humanitarian community, including the UN, is seeking renewal and relevance by becoming more effective and responsive to complex and rapidly evolving contexts. In South Sudan, this shift entails breaking down institutional silos in favor of bold, context-driven leadership, shared responsibility, and decisive, collective action. The Communication officer will provide targeted support to the RC to facilitate the implementation of the UNCT and HCT joint retreat together with the Senior Nexus coordinator. Under the direct supervision of the Head of Integrated Office and in close collaboration with the RCO and relevant UN agencies, NGOs and government counterparts (including state-level authorities) the Communications Officer will drive and support the operationalization of 12 months plan and ensure the delivery of the four outputs of the retreat in terms of communication: • Food Security: Scale up local food production and climate-resilient agriculture, leveraging the “Year of Agriculture” and supporting women- and youth-led cooperatives in targeted states. • Essential Services: Ensure sustained access to health, education, and nutrition through pooled supply pipelines and mobile outreach, particularly in high-burden counties. • Durable Solutions: Support safe, voluntary return and local integration of displaced populations, aligned with the Government’s Durable Solutions Strategy. • Rapid Response and Protection: Strengthen early warning systems, pre-position life-saving supplies, and mobilize community-based protection and peacebuilding efforts. • Governance, Peace and justice: support peace and justice efforts
Qualifications/special skills
An advanced university degree (master’s or higher) in Communications, Journalism, Public Information, International Relations, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with 2 additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public information, or advocacy, preferably in humanitarian or development contexts is required. Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills is required. Proficiency in digital communication tools and platforms is required. Proven ability to produce high-quality written and visual content is required. Familiarity with the UN system and coordination mechanisms is desirable. Strong interpersonal and coordination abilities is desirable. Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines is desirable.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
