Communications Officer

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

The Communications Officer, Public Affairs is responsible for the core communications team’s projects, ongoing activities, and communities with a specific focus on the Foundation’s work in support of the UN tackling the climate and nature crises. Reporting into the Chief Communications Officer, s/he is an essential link between international climate policy developments, key moments and initiatives, and the outputs and outcomes generated by the Foundation’s award-winning communications, partnerships, and engagement team.

S/he has a specific responsibility for researching and developing analysis, reports, and content related to essential UN and UNF projects, as well as leading community building, targeted influencer outreach, planning special events and digital communications content gathering and production on climate and nature issues.

Essential Functions

Act as a visible community manager for the Young Climate Advocates (YCA) network, stewarding all activities, communications, and partnership opportunities.
Coordinate campaigns and engagement initiatives (e.g. Say It With Science (SIWS)), including liaising closely with the UN Foundation’s own climate team, the UN with special focus on the IPCC and COPs, as well as relevant external partners and networks.
Coordinate and help create all content associated with YCA and SIWS, and other climate activities.
As a core member of the communications team, research, commission, write and edit blog posts, fact sheets, op-eds, statements, press releases, social media language, talking points, reports, and speeches on any issue connected with the UN Foundation’s climate work.
Assist with the development and execution of comprehensive communications plans, including digital, editorial, and media components, and clearly articulating and pursuing goals and metrics.
Build and grow productive relationships with partner organizations, and activate networks around key climate moments and issues as needed;
Support with funding and other partnerships proposals and opportunities, in collaboration with other colleagues and teams across the Foundation.
Other duties as assigned.

Selection Criteria

Bachelor’s degree in climate science, international affairs, public policy, political science, journalism, or communications, plus at least 2 years of experience in climate and/or sustainability communications.
Knowledge of digital tools and platforms is essential, including social media best practice, especially Facebook Groups, Adobe Creative Suite/Canva, Airtable, WordPress; HTML proficiency preferred
Professional demeanor, able to quickly earn confidence of senior leaders, and represent the Foundation externally at all levels, including to the UN.
Excellent writing, editing, digital and interpersonal communications skills required.
Highly organized, with attention to detail, adherence to deadlines, and ability to work under pressure with multiple, shifting priorities.
Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
This role is based in Washington D.C.
Ability to work under pressure and handle stress.
Ability to meet regular attendance/tardiness policy.

Benefits & Compensation

For full-time, benefit eligible employees, UNF offers an excellent range of benefits, including:

a choice between two health plans through UnitedHealthcare (PPO or HDHP with HSA)
dental insurance
vision insurance
flexible spending accounts
403b retirement savings plan with a generous matching contribution
group term and supplemental life insurance
short-term disability
long-term disability
health club discounts
commuter subsidy
back-up care
employee assistance program

Additionally, all benefit eligible employees have 12 paid holidays, 20 vacation days, 10 sick days, 3 personal days, and 8 weeks of family leave care.

The United Nations Foundation is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative-action employer. The United Nations Foundation provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.