Communications Specialist

Job Highlight

Lead strategic communications to amplify organizational impact, shape public perception, and foster key partnerships.

About The Group

Based in Panama City, Panama, the UNOPS Office of the Regional Director (ORD) for Latin America and the Caribbean provides strategic leadership and coordination across the region, enabling effective delivery of UNOPS’ mandate. Through portfolio oversight, integrated risk management, and the mobilization of expertise and resources, the ORD ensures regional coherence and operational excellence. The office supports country teams in aligning activities with organizational goals, strengthening the impact and efficiency of development efforts. It also leads regional positioning and representation in high-level forums, advancing visibility and engagement with key stakeholders. In close collaboration with other regional offices and headquarters, the ODR fosters cross-regional learning, promotes innovation, and drives strategic initiatives that contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Role Purpose

The Communications Specialist leads the design and implementation of internal and external communication strategies to enhance the visibility, positioning and impact of organizational (i.e. UNOPS/Partner/project/portfolio) initiatives. The incumbent is responsible for managing communication plans, digital engagement, content creation, knowledge management, and event coordination, ensuring consistent and compelling messaging across platforms. The role also supports partnership development and external outreach, helping to foster strong relationships with key stakeholders to advance organizational objectives. Working closely with project leadership, team members and partners, the Communications Specialist ensures communications are strategic, integrated and aligned with organizational goals.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Strategic Communications and Positioning

• Develop, implement and monitor communication strategies and work plans aligned with organizational priorities.
• Support reputational positioning by preparing briefs, talking points and communication materials for senior leadership.
• Align messaging with corporate communication standards and cross-organizational guidance.
• Identify target audiences and stakeholders, tailoring outreach strategies accordingly.
  
  

External Communications and Media Engagement

• Develop and manage communication materials, campaigns, publications and events to strengthen visibility.
• Manage digital presence, including websites, social media platforms, and content calendars.
• Produce high-quality content such as web stories, blogs, op-eds, videos and social media assets.
• Cultivate relationships with media outlets, coordinate responses, and support media outreach.
• Manage external contractors for communication products, ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness.
  
  

Internal Communication and Knowledge Management

• Coordinate internal communications, updates and content on organizational platforms
• Facilitate knowledge sharing, document lessons learned, and support the dissemination of best practices.
• Ensure availability and organization of communication assets, branding guidelines and templates.
• Build internal communication capacity, including training and guidance on tools and standards.
  
  

Partnerships, Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement

• Support senior management and teams with partnership communication, background research, and outreach materials.
• Coordinate communication and visibility efforts for fundraising and donor engagement.
• Engage partners and stakeholders through events, consultations, and outreach activities.
• Develop visibility guidelines and provide guidance to partners to ensure consistent branding.
  
  

Knowledge Building and Sharing

• Support the organization, facilitation and delivery of training and learning sessions on internal and external communications topics.
• Participate in knowledge-sharing initiatives and Communities of Practice (CoPs), contributing insights and lessons learned from the implementation of communications projects/initiatives.
• Conduct research on communications-related topics and contribute to the drafting of reports, summaries and briefing notes.
  
  

Education Requirements

Required

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with 7 years of relevant experience OR
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 5 years of relevant experience is required.
  
  

Desired

• A globally or nationally recognized professional certificate in communications, journalism, or digital and social media communications is desired.
  
  

Required

Experience Requirements

• Relevant experience is work in communications, public relations, media, journalism or related fields.
• Experience in the use of collaboration and productivity tools (e.g. MS Office, G-Suite, etc) and web-based management systems is required.
  
  

Desired

• Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.
• Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is desired.
• Experience in developing and monitoring content for grassroots-level audiences is desired.
• Experience in use of graphic design, video production, and content creation tools is desired.