Digital Communications Specialist

About the job

Background

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is an autonomous institution within the United Nations that conducts independent research on disarmament and related problems, particularly international security issues. UNIDIR’s vision is a stable and more secure world in which States and people are protected from threats of arms-related violence. UNIDIR’s role is to support Member States, the United Nations and policy and research communities in advancing ideas and actions that contribute to a more sustainable and peaceful world. The Institute is based in the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.

UNIDIR’s Strategic Communications team is seeking a Digital Communications Specialist to advance the implementation of the Institute’s communications strategy, with a particular focus on strengthening digital presence and multimedia storytelling. Under the supervision of the Head of Communications, the Digital Communications Specialist will lead the development of UNIDIR’s social media strategy and produce high‑quality video and multimedia content that effectively communicates the Institute’s research, events and initiatives.

The Digital Communications Specialist will work closely with programme teams to advise on digital outreach opportunities, support colleagues in promoting their work and proactively propose innovative, audience‑cantered approaches to enhance visibility and engagement across all digital platforms.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Head of Communications, the Digital Communications Specialist will be responsible for the following duties:

1. Social media strategy and digital planning

• Develop a comprehensive, data‑driven social media strategy aligned with UNIDIR’s institutional objectives and thematic priorities.
• Oversee UNIDIR’s social media content calendar to ensure timely planning, coordination and sequencing of posts, campaigns and multimedia outputs across platforms.
• Conduct regular analysis of platform performance, audience trends and competitive benchmarks to inform content planning and strategic adjustments.
• Translate research, events and initiatives into clear digital narratives and content approaches for priority platforms.
• Provide guidance to colleagues on digital opportunities, audience targeting and best practices for amplifying programme outputs.

2. Multimedia and video production

• Lead end-to-end video production, including concept development, scripting, storyboarding, filming, editing and post-production.
• Manage a detailed video production calendar that sequences all stages of production to ensure timely release of multimedia products year-round.
• Produce high‑quality short-form and long‑form videos optimized for social media and digital dissemination.
• Ensure all video products meet UNIDIR’s branding and accessibility standards (subtitles, captions, formats).
• Manage and maintain video assets, metadata and raw footage for institutional archiving.

3. Content creation and design oversight

• Produce visually compelling multimedia content tailored for digital audiences, including graphics, short clips and social‑first visual materials.
• Review and provide quality assurance on graphic design deliverables produced internally or by external designers to ensure consistency with UNIDIR’s visual identity.
• Advise programme teams on design needs, templates and visual communication approaches.

4. Digital monitoring, analytics and reporting

• Oversee dashboards and reporting frameworks for social media performance, using approved analytics tools.
• Ensure the accuracy and quality of regular digital insights reports and provide recommendations to improve UNIDIR’s digital outreach and content performance.

5. Other duties

• Support institutional communications initiatives and campaigns as required.
• Perform any other related responsibilities as needed.

Competencies

The Digital Communications Specialist is to demonstrate the core values of the United Nations: Professionalism, Integrity and Respect for Diversity. In addition, the following competences are essential:

• Communication: Identifies the information needs of target audiences and tailors communication accordingly, drafts clearly and concisely, good written and oral language skills, demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• Creativity: Actively seeks to improve activities or services, offers new and different options to solve problems, takes an interest in new ideas and ways of doing things, is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
• Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills, ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from different national and cultural backgrounds to achieve organizational goals.
• Planning and organizing: Uses time efficiently, foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning, monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary to ensure tasks are completed.
• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be ‘clients’ and seeks to understand and reflect the clients’ points of view in their work.

Qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in communications, digital media, multimedia production, graphic design or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in creating, managing and disseminating multimedia content for online audiences is required.
• Proven expertise in developing social media strategies is required, including experience designing campaigns for global audiences, tailoring content to major platforms (e.g. LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Instagram, YouTube) and advising on channel growth and engagement approaches.
• Demonstrated professional video production skills are required, including scripting, filming and advanced video editing using tools such as Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects (or equivalent applications). Experience producing short‑form and long‑form videos optimized for digital and social media platforms is required.
• Demonstrated experience using advanced tools for social media management is required, including scheduling, coordination and performance tracking via platforms such as Hootsuite, Sprout Social or equivalent systems.
• Experience in reporting on quantitative and qualitative web and social media analytics is required, including the use of social media measurement, monitoring and listening tools.
• Solid understanding of visual identity and design principles is required, including experience reviewing, adapting or managing graphic design deliverables. Working knowledge of design tools such as Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop (or equivalent applications) is highly desirable.
• Experience producing content for UN entities, research institutes, think tanks or policy-oriented organizations is highly desirable.
• Previous experience working in international security, disarmament or arms control is considered an asset.

Languages

• For the position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.
• Knowledge of French and other official UN languages is desirable.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise, which may be followed by an interview.

How to apply

To apply

To apply for the Digital Communications Specialist role, candidates should submit:

• Cover letter
• PDF of a UN Administrative Profile created via Inspira (guide)
• Three relevant work samples
• Name and contact details of three references

Applications should be sent as a single PDF file attachment (titled SURNAME_Name_PHP), with the subject line “Application: Digital Communications Specialist” to E-Mail schreiben. Please include your earliest start date. No applications will be accepted by post. Deadline for submission of applications is 16 February 2026. Closing date is midnight Geneva time.

Please note

Please note that due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.