Job categories Communications
Vacancy code VA/2025/B5132/30619
Department/office ECR, AUMCO, Austria MCO
Duty station Multiple
Contract type Local ICA Support
Contract level LICA-5
Duration Up to 50 working days in four months
Application period 20-Aug-2025 to 27-Aug-2025
Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement.
Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
Background Information – Job-specific
UNOPS background
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Mandated as a central resource of the United Nations, UNOPS provides sustainable project management, procurement and infrastructure services to a wide range of governments, donors and United Nations organizations. With over 6,000 personnel spread across 80 countries, UNOPS offers its partners the logistical, technical and management knowledge they need, where they need it. By implementing around 1,000 projects for our partners at any given time, UNOPS makes significant contributions to results on the ground, often in the most challenging environments.
Background
Since opening its Vienna office in 2019, UNOPS Austria Multi-Country Office (AUMCO) has served as a central management hub, effectively executing UNOPS mission across 12 countries in Austria, Albania, Kosovo, Türkiye, the South Caucasus and Central Asia. UNOPS has focused on promoting sustainable development, improving infrastructure, and fostering partnerships that empower communities throughout these regions. AUMCO is also hosting UNOPS’ global portfolio on Water, Environment, and Climate projects.
AUMCO, with its Vienna-based core resources, field-based and project-specific teams, acts as a management center to efficiently deliver the UNOPS mandate across the region.
Background of the project
In response to urgent environmental challenges affecting the Black Sea region, the Blueing the Black Sea Project (BBSEA) was officially launched on June 12, 2025. This GEF-funded initiative (budget: USD 6.39 million), implemented by UNOPS AUMCO in partnership with the World Bank and GEF, aims to strengthen national capacities to reduce marine pollution and promote sustainable regional collaboration.
As part of its outreach and communications efforts, BBSEA project will implement multi-country awareness and promotional campaigns in Georgia, Moldova, Türkiye, and Ukraine.
The Blueing the Black Sea (BBSEA) project is focused on innovation, implementation, and alignment with international standards to reduce marine pollution in the Black Sea. More details available here: Blueing the Black Sea Program (BBSEA)
* This is a Homebased position, meaning that the incumbent will not work from a UNOPS office Therefore, the incumbent will need to use his/her own laptop and software.
** As this is a Local Position, in order to be eligible, the incumbent should be a national of Georgia, Moldova, Türkiye and Ukraine.
*** Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.***
Context and overall objective of the role
As part of its communication and outreach strategy, the BBSEA project will implement national and regional campaigns to raise awareness, foster engagement, and showcase progress on pollution reduction and sustainability in the Black Sea. UNOPS seeks to engage Communications Senior Assistants (national media professionals) on a retainer basis to support local media engagement and content production.
Functional Responsibilities
A. Media Content Development
- Produce compelling, locally relevant content including news articles, op-eds, feature stories, interviews, and media briefs related to BBSEA national and regional objectives.
- Translate or adapt BBSEA communication materials for national audiences.
B. Media Placement and Outreach
- Identify appropriate national and regional media outlets for content dissemination.
- Pitch and secure media placements.
- Support media interviews, press conferences, and campaign visibility efforts.
C. Strategic Media Advisory
- Provide insights on national media landscapes and propose media engagement strategies.
- Ensure messaging aligns with international development and environmental communication standards.
D. Monitoring and Reporting
- Maintain records of published content and media engagement.
- Submit media monitoring reports and campaign clippings.
Reporting
The retainer will report to the Communications Specialist at UNOPS Austria Multi-Country Office (Vienna).
Deliverables
- Locally tailored media content as agreed in work plans
- Records of media placements and engagement
- Media monitoring summaries and clippings
Impact of results
- Enhanced visibility and awareness of BBSEA project activities at national and regional levels.
- Increased stakeholder engagement and public support for marine pollution reduction.
- Strengthened relationships with national media outlets and journalists.
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.
Education/Experience/Language requirements
Education:
- Completion of secondary school (or high school equivalent) is required
- First-level university degree (undergraduate, bachelor, or equivalent), preferably in Journalism, Mass communication or in a related field is desirable but not required.
Experience:
- Minimum 3 years of experience in journalism, media relations, or content production is required.
- Proven track record of published work in national mainstream media is desirable.
- Prior experience with development, environmental, or regional cooperation topics is an asset.
- Experience working with international organizations or development projects is desirable.
Language Requirements:
- Fluency in the national language (Georgian, Romanian, Turkish, or Ukrainian) is required.
- Working knowledge of English is required.
Application Requirements
Applicants should submit the following:
- Current CV highlighting relevant experience
- At least three samples of published articles, interviews, or reports
Contract type, level and duration
Contract type-ICA Retainer
Contract level-Local CA 5/ICS 5
Contract duration-Up to 50 working days between September and December
For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx
- Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
- Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
- Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
- UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce.
- UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.
- We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
Terms and Conditions
- For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
- For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
- All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
- It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.
How to apply
Please apply here: the link.