Job description
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT @ UNITED NATIONS (UN)
LOCATION: Lilongwe
POSITION: ASSOCIATE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
JOB OPENING ID: 287546
OVERVIEW
The 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 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 Appointment
CATEGORY AND LEVEL: National Professional Officers, NO-B
JOB NETWORK: Public Information and Conference Management
JOB FAMILY: Public Information
Date Posted: 5th November, 2026
Application Deadline:20th November, 2026
Contract Duration: One (1) year, with no automatic expectation of renewal.
Duty Station: Lilongwe, Malawi
Applicant Eligibility: Malawian nationals only.
POSITION: ASSOCIATE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
JOB SUMMARY
The Associate Communications Officer will contribute to the development and implementation of communication strategies that raise awareness, encourage engagement, 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 RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Communications Strategy and Media Monitoring
Gather 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 Information
Draft 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 Partnerships
Support 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 Campaigns
Contribute 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 Reporting
Collect 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 Support
Coordinate 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.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
Academic Qualifications
Applicants must possess:
A Master's degree in Communications, Journalism, International Relations, Digital Communications, or a related field.
Alternative Qualification:
A first-level university degree combined with two (2) additional years of qualifying professional experience may be accepted in place of an advanced university degree.
Successful completion of degree or non-degree programmes in Data Analytics, Business Analytics, or Data Science will be an advantage.
Professional Experience
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
At least two (2) years of progressively responsible experience demonstrating the ability to develop and implement communication strategies.
Demonstrated knowledge of media monitoring tools.
Skills in graphic design and production of visual communication materials, including infographics, social media graphics, and publication layouts, using relevant design tools.
ADDED ADVANTAGES
Knowledge of risks to information integrity, including misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, and threats in complex and crisis environments.
Ability to communicate complex and technical matters to diverse audiences.
Ability to identify trends and provide insights.
Knowledge of multimedia production, including photography, video filming and editing, and short-form digital content development.
At least one (1) year of experience in data analytics or a related area.
LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
English is required, with a minimum of UN Level II proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
CORE COMPETENCIES
The successful candidate should demonstrate:
Professionalism: Critical thinking, creative content development, digital design knowledge, analytical ability, and professional competence.
Communication: Clear and effective written and verbal communication, active listening, and the ability to adapt messages to different audiences.
Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively, value the contributions of others, share information, and take joint responsibility for results.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested and suitably qualified Malawian nationals should submit their applications through the official United Nations Careers Portal.
APPLICATION LINK: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/287546...
Applicants are encouraged to:
Complete all sections of the online application accurately.
Provide full details of their academic qualifications and employment history.
Ensure that their professional experience and contact information are complete and up to date.
Submit their applications as early as possible before the deadline.
Closing Date:20th November, 2026
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This is a one-year fixed-term appointment and does not carry an automatic expectation of renewal.
The position is open to Malawian nationals only.
The recruitment process may include a written assessment followed by a competency-based interview.
Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Candidates under serious consideration will undergo reference and background checks.
Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities during the recruitment process.
IMPORTANT NOTICE – RECRUITMENT FEES
The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of its recruitment process, including application, interview, processing, or training. Applicants should not pay anyone to secure this opportunity.