Associate communications officer

OVERVIEWThe United Nations invites applications from suitably qualified Malawian professionals for the position of Associate Communications Officer, based at the United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office (RCO) in Lilongwe.The UN Resident Coordinator's Office supports Malawi in achieving its development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).The successful candidate will support strategic communications, advocacy, media engagement, digital content development, and public information activities. The role will also help communicate humanitarian needs, preparedness and response priorities while strengthening partnerships and promoting information integrity.JOB TYPE: Fixed-Term AppointmentCATEGORY AND LEVEL: National Professional Officers, NO-BJOB NETWORK: Public Information and Conference ManagementJOB FAMILY: Public InformationDate Posted: Thursday, 5th November, 2026Application Deadline: Thursday, 19th November, 2026Contract Duration: One (1) year, with no automatic expectation of renewal.Duty Station: Lilongwe, MalawiApplicant Eligibility: Malawian nationals only.POSITION: ASSOCIATE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICERJOB SUMMARYThe Associate Communications Officer will contribute to the development and implementation of communication strategies that raise awareness, encourage engagement, influence behaviour, build support, and achieve measurable results.The successful candidate will work with UN agencies, government officials, development partners, civil society organisations, media outlets, local communities, and other stakeholders to coordinate communication and advocacy activities.DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES1. Communications Strategy and Media MonitoringGather insights and analyse traditional, social, and digital media coverage.Monitor public narratives and identify potential reputational risks.Contribute to communication strategies that raise awareness, drive engagement, influence behaviour, and build public support.Monitor and evaluate communication activities to assess their effectiveness.2. Content Development and Public InformationDraft clear, timely, and evidence-based messages about the work of the United Nations.Develop communication materials, including press releases, press statements, web stories, reports, and infographics.Prepare media lines, including messages for crisis situations and sensitive issues.Create content, interviews, news, and programmes for UN and community radio channels and podcasts.3. Media Relations and PartnershipsSupport media mapping and build relationships with traditional and emerging media outlets.Coordinate strategic communication partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.Engage government officials, development partners, civil society representatives, community representatives, digital influencers, vendors, media, think tanks, and academic institutions.Support the organisation of communication events and campaigns.4. Digital Communications and CampaignsContribute to the development and implementation of communication campaigns across appropriate channels and platforms.Support the production of visual and digital communication materials.Keep up to date with emerging communication trends and technologies.Contribute to communication policies, guidance, and training materials.5. Data Analysis and ReportingCollect and analyse communication data to identify trends and patterns.Prepare graphs, charts, tables, and reports to support evidence-based planning and decision-making.Document requirements and background information used in data analysis.Prepare reports on communication activities, strategies, and performance.6. Coordination and SupportCoordinate communication and advocacy activities with relevant UN agencies and partners.Support reporting efforts and provide updates on communication activities.Contribute to training activities in communications.Support the Crisis Management Team when required.Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information in accordance with UN data privacy and security requirements.Perform other related duties as assigned.