The United Nations is recruiting an Associate Communications Officer at NO-B level in Dili, Timor-Leste. The one-year fixed-term role requires communications experience, English and Tetum, and is open only to Timor-Leste nationals. Applications close September 18, 2026.
The United Nations Secretariat is recruiting an Associate Communications Officer to join the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office in Dili, Timor-Leste.
This is an NO-B National Professional Officer position within the Resident Coordinator System, focusing on communications and advocacy. The successful candidate will support communications strategies, media relations, digital content, campaigns, strategic partnerships, outreach, reporting and data-driven communications.
Applications close on September 18, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. New York time (EDT/UTC-4).
A particularly important eligibility condition is that this is a locally recruited National Professional Officer position open only to nationals of Timor-Leste. International candidates of other nationalities are therefore not eligible for this specific vacancy.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | United Nations Secretariat |
| System | Resident Coordinator System |
| Position | Associate Communications Officer |
| Grade | NO-B |
| Level | Entry Professional |
| Duty Station | Dili, Timor-Leste |
| Recruitment | Locally recruited |
| Area | Communication and Advocacy |
| Contract | Fixed-term |
| Initial Duration | One year |
| Eligible Nationality | Timor-Leste nationals only |
| Experience | Minimum 2 years |
| Education | Master’s or equivalent, with alternative pathway available |
| Required Languages | English and Tetum |
| Desirable Language | Portuguese |
| Deadline | September 18, 2026 |
| Deadline Time | 11:59 p.m. New York time |
| Application Fee | None |
| Assessment | May include written/substantive assessment and competency-based interview |
About the UN Associate Communications Officer Position
The position is located within the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office in Dili, Timor-Leste.
The successful candidate will work under the direct supervision of the:
Head of the Resident Coordinator Office.
The Resident Coordinator system plays a central role in coordinating the United Nations development system at country level and supporting countries in advancing development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The vacancy explains that the UN development system reforms launched in 2019 repositioned the system to deliver more effectively and efficiently toward the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals.
In 2026, the Development Coordination Office also undertook a recalibration intended to ensure that the Resident Coordinator system remains appropriately configured to accelerate the 2030 Agenda while reflecting the UN 2.0 shift.
The vacancy identifies several elements of that shift:
- Data
- Digital
- Innovation
- Behavioral science
- Strategic foresight
- Mission-driven organizational culture
This makes the role particularly relevant to communications professionals who can combine traditional strategic communications with digital platforms, data and emerging technologies.
What Does the Associate Communications Officer Do?
The Associate Communications Officer supports a broad portfolio of strategic communications activities.
The position involves relationships with internal UN colleagues as well as external stakeholders, including:
- UN agencies, funds and programmes
- Government officials
- Civil society representatives
- Local community representatives
- Digital and community influencers
- Vendors
- Media
- Think tanks
- Academia
The officer may coordinate activities, exchange information and good practices, develop partnerships and help organize communications campaigns and events.
1. Media Monitoring and Communications Analysis
The officer will contribute to gathering insights from:
- Traditional media
- Social media
- Digital media
This includes identifying public narratives and potential reputational risks that can inform communications strategy.
Candidates should therefore understand that the role is not limited to writing content.
It also involves monitoring and interpreting the wider information environment.
2. Communications Strategy
The successful candidate will contribute to implementing communications strategies designed to:
- Raise awareness
- Drive engagement
- Build support
- Generate measurable impact among target audiences
This requires an understanding of strategic communications rather than simply producing individual social-media posts or press releases.
3. Messaging and Storytelling
The officer will help draft narratives and messaging about the work of the United Nations.
Content should be designed to engage different target audiences across different platforms and channels.
Candidates with experience translating complex institutional or policy information into accessible communication may find this requirement particularly relevant.
4. Media Relations
The role includes:
- Media mapping
- Outreach to media
- Building relationships with traditional media
- Building relationships with new media
- Developing media lines
- Supporting communications during crisis situations and sensitive issues
The officer may also contribute to press conferences, briefings and other media events.
5. Acting as a UN Spokesperson
The vacancy states that the Associate Communications Officer may:
act as a spokesperson for the organization when required.
Strong public-speaking and media-facing skills may therefore be important.
6. Digital Content Creation
The successful candidate will help create compelling content optimized for different platforms and audiences.
Communications products may include:
- Press releases
- Press statements
- Web stories
- Reports
- Infographics
The position therefore combines writing, digital communications and visual storytelling.
7. Communications Campaigns
The officer will contribute to developing and implementing communications campaigns.
These campaigns should engage target audiences and achieve measurable impact through appropriate platforms and channels.
Candidates with campaign planning, implementation and evaluation experience should highlight it clearly in their applications.
8. Strategic Communications Partnerships
The position includes developing and coordinating communications partnerships with both internal and external stakeholders.
The purpose is to expand audience reach and maximize communications impact.
Partnership-building is therefore an important component of the role.
9. Outreach and Advocacy
The officer will contribute to in-person outreach and advocacy strategies and campaigns designed to:
- Engage target audiences
- Advance United Nations priorities
This adds an offline and community-facing dimension to the communications responsibilities.
10. Radio and Podcast Content
The position may involve creating:
- Interviews
- News content
- Programming
for United Nations and/or community:
- Radio channels
- Podcasts
Candidates with audio, broadcast or interview experience may therefore have relevant skills for the position.
11. Communications Policy and Training
The successful candidate may contribute to creating or updating:
- Communications policy
- Guidance
- Training materials
This work will be carried out in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
12. Communications Reporting
The officer will assist in preparing communications-related reporting and inputs, including regular reporting to governmental bodies.
The ability to present communications results clearly and accurately is therefore important.
13. Emerging Communications Technologies
The vacancy specifically requires the employee to remain informed about:
the latest trends in communications
and maintain expertise in:
relevant and emerging technologies.
Candidates should therefore demonstrate awareness of changing digital platforms and communications technologies where relevant.
14. Data Analytics and Visualization
One notable feature of this communications vacancy is its emphasis on data.
The officer will contribute to:
- Data collection
- Data analysis
- Identifying trends and patterns
- Drafting insights
- Graphs
- Charts
- Tables
- Reports
- Data visualization
The purpose is to support data-driven planning, decision-making, presentations and reporting.
This makes the vacancy potentially attractive to communications professionals who also have analytical skills.
Education Requirements
Candidates normally need an:
Advanced university degree, such as a Master’s degree or equivalent
in:
- Communication
- Journalism
- International relations
- Digital communications
- A related field
There is, however, an alternative route.
A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted instead of the advanced university degree.
This means applicants should not interpret the Master’s requirement as the only possible educational pathway.
Data Analytics Qualifications Are an Advantage
The vacancy states that successful completion of degree or non-degree programs in the following areas is advantageous:
- Data analytics
- Business analytics
- Data science
These are advantages rather than mandatory qualifications.
The inclusion of analytics reflects the role’s responsibility for interpreting communications data and presenting insights through visualizations and reports.
Work Experience Requirements
Candidates need at least:
two years of progressively responsible experience
demonstrating the ability to:
develop and implement communications strategies.
The vacancy also requires demonstrated knowledge of:
strategic communications principles and practices.
Desirable Experience
Several additional skills and areas of experience are described as desirable.
These include:
Message development — ability to draft and tailor clear messages for different audiences.
Creative content — demonstrated skills in developing creative communications materials.
Digital media — knowledge of current and emerging digital media platforms, technologies and principles.
Research — ability to conduct systematic data collection and analyze information from different sources.
Data analytics — one year or more of experience in data analytics or a related area is desirable.
The last point makes this communications role somewhat distinctive because analytical capabilities are explicitly valued alongside traditional communications experience.
Language Requirements
Candidates must meet the language requirements for:
English and Tetum.
Both are required at:
UN Level II
across:
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
Portuguese
Portuguese is:
desirable
at:
UN Level I
across reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Portuguese is therefore advantageous but not listed as a mandatory language.
Competencies
The vacancy highlights three major UN competencies.
Professionalism
The position requires capabilities including:
- Critical thinking
- Public speaking
- Digital design knowledge
- Presentation skills
- Data analysis and interpretation
- Sustainable development knowledge
- Independent research and analysis
Professionalism also involves meeting commitments, observing deadlines, producing results and remaining composed when facing challenges.
The officer is expected to incorporate gender perspectives and support equal participation of women and men.
Communication
Candidates should be able to:
- Speak clearly
- Write effectively
- Listen carefully
- Interpret messages correctly
- Ask appropriate questions
- Maintain two-way communication
- Adapt language and tone to different audiences
- Share information appropriately
For a communications position, this competency will naturally be central to the selection process.
Planning and Organizing
The role requires candidates who can:
- Establish clear goals
- Identify priorities
- Adjust priorities when necessary
- Allocate time and resources
- Anticipate risks
- Plan for contingencies
- Monitor progress
- Use time efficiently
Who Can Apply?
This is one of the most important eligibility conditions.
The vacancy is classified as:
National Professional Officer, NO-B.
It explicitly states:
THIS POSITION IS OPEN TO NATIONALS OF TIMOR-LESTE ONLY.
Candidates for National Professional Officer positions must be nationals of the country where the position is located.
Therefore, nationals of other countries are not eligible for this particular vacancy.
Can International Applicants Apply?
No, unless they are nationals of Timor-Leste.
The position is locally recruited and has a national context requiring knowledge of the country’s language, culture, institutions and systems.
Timor-Leste nationals currently living elsewhere may potentially be considered if no suitable local candidate is identified.
However, the vacancy states that such candidates would be responsible for costs associated with:
- Travel to Timor-Leste
- Relocation to Timor-Leste
if offered the position.
Is Relocation Paid?
The supplied vacancy does not establish employer-paid relocation for eligible nationals living abroad.
In fact, it specifically states that Timor-Leste nationals residing elsewhere who are considered would be responsible for costs related to traveling and relocating to Timor-Leste if they receive an employment offer.
Contract Duration
This is a:
Fixed-Term position.
The appointment is available for:
one year.
The vacancy explicitly states that the appointment does not create an expectation or legal entitlement to renewal.
Any continuation is subject to factors including:
- Availability of the post
- Availability of funds
- Budgetary approval
- Extension of the mandate
The recruitment itself is also subject to budgetary, classification and intergovernmental approvals.
Is This a Permanent UN Job?
No.
Although this is a staff position, the vacancy specifies a one-year fixed-term appointment.
Candidates should therefore distinguish between being a UN staff member and holding a permanent or indefinite contract.
What Is the Application Deadline?
Applications close on:
September 18, 2026
at:
11:59 p.m. New York time (EDT/UTC-4).
Applicants should submit well before the deadline.
The vacancy notes that UN Careers job openings are removed from the portal at 11:59 p.m. New York time on the stated closing date.
Selection Process
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a:
substantive assessment
such as a:
written test.
Candidates who progress may then participate in a:
competency-based interview
conducted by:
- Phone
- Teleconference
Applicants should therefore prepare for both written communications assessment and competency-based questioning.
How to Prepare for the Written Assessment
Although the vacancy does not provide the exact test questions, candidates can prepare around the responsibilities explicitly identified in the job description.
Relevant preparation areas include:
- Strategic communications
- Drafting public messaging
- Media relations
- Communications campaigns
- Digital communications
- Data interpretation
- Data visualization
- Sustainable development
- Crisis communications
- Audience-focused writing
Applicants should not assume the assessment format beyond what the vacancy states.
How to Prepare for the Competency-Based Interview
The vacancy specifically identifies:
- Professionalism
- Communication
- Planning and Organizing
Candidates should prepare examples from their professional experience that demonstrate these competencies.
Examples should clearly explain:
- The situation
- Your responsibility
- What you did
- Why you chose that approach
- The result
Candidates should ensure that their examples genuinely reflect their own experience.
How to Strengthen Your Application
Demonstrate Communications Strategy Experience
The minimum experience requirement specifically refers to developing and implementing communications strategies.
Make this easy for recruiters to identify.
Highlight Audience-Focused Writing
Show examples of producing communications for different audiences and platforms.
Include Digital Communications Skills
Experience with digital and emerging platforms is desirable.
Highlight Media Relations
If you have experience with journalists, press briefings, media monitoring or crisis communications, clearly explain it.
Demonstrate Analytical Skills
This vacancy places unusual emphasis on data-driven communications.
Experience with:
- Analytics
- Reporting
- Data visualization
- Research
- Audience metrics
could strengthen an application.
Mention Relevant Analytics Training
Degree or non-degree education in data analytics, business analytics or data science is explicitly identified as advantageous.
Show Language Competency Accurately
English and Tetum are mandatory.
Portuguese is desirable.
Application Mistakes to Avoid
Applying Without Timor-Leste Nationality
This vacancy is explicitly limited to nationals of Timor-Leste.
Ignoring Tetum Requirements
Tetum is required at UN Level II alongside English.
Assuming a Master’s Is the Only Route
A first-level degree plus two additional years of qualifying experience may substitute for the advanced degree.
Submitting an Incomplete UN Profile
The vacancy specifically advises internal applicants to ensure that all professional experience and contact information are complete and current.
More generally, applicants should follow all instructions in the UN online recruitment platform carefully.
Waiting Until the Deadline
The United Nations strongly encourages applicants to apply as early as possible.
Providing Inaccurate Information
Applications are evaluated using the information submitted, and candidates under serious consideration may undergo reference checks.
Does the United Nations Charge an Application Fee?
No.
The vacancy explicitly states that the United Nations:
does not charge a fee at any stage of recruitment.
This includes:
- Application
- Interview
- Processing
- Training
The UN also states that it does not concern itself with information about applicants’ bank accounts.
Applicants should treat requests for recruitment payments as a warning sign.
Equal Opportunity and Diversity
The United Nations Secretariat states that it is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Employment decisions are based on:
- Qualifications
- Organizational needs
- Efficiency
- Competence
- Integrity
The UN also states that it recruits regardless of:
- Gender identity
- Sexual orientation
- Race
- Religious background
- Cultural background
- Ethnic background
- Disability
Reasonable accommodations may be available for applicants with disabilities during recruitment when requested.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN Associate Communications Officer Job 2026?
It is an NO-B National Professional Officer communications position within the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office in Dili, Timor-Leste.
Where is the position located?
Dili, Timor-Leste.
What is the grade?
NO-B.
Is this an entry-level UN position?
The listing categorizes it as Entry Professional, although candidates still need the specified education and professional experience.
How much experience is required?
At least two years of progressively responsible experience demonstrating an ability to develop and implement communications strategies.
Is a Master’s degree required?
An advanced degree in communications, journalism, international relations, digital communications or a related field is the standard requirement. A first-level degree plus two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted instead.
Are data analytics skills useful?
Yes. Analytics education is listed as an advantage, while one year or more of data analytics or related experience is desirable.
What languages are required?
English and Tetum, both at UN Level II.
Is Portuguese required?
No. Portuguese at UN Level I is desirable.
Can foreigners apply?
The vacancy is open only to nationals of Timor-Leste.
Can Timor-Leste nationals living abroad apply?
They may potentially be considered if no suitable local candidate is identified, but the vacancy states they would be responsible for travel and relocation costs if offered the position.
What is the contract duration?
The fixed-term appointment is available for one year.
Is renewal guaranteed?
No. The vacancy explicitly states there is no expectancy or legal entitlement to renewal.
What is the deadline?
September 18, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. New York time.
Is there an application fee?
No. The United Nations does not charge recruitment fees.
Will there be an interview?
Qualified candidates may first undergo a substantive assessment such as a written test, followed by a competency-based interview.
What are the main competencies?
Professionalism, Communication, and Planning and Organizing.
Why This UN Job Is Worth Considering
The Associate Communications Officer position provides an opportunity for an eligible Timor-Leste communications professional to work within the United Nations Resident Coordinator system and contribute to communications supporting sustainable development priorities.
The responsibilities are particularly broad.
They cover:
- Strategic communications
- Media monitoring
- Media relations
- Public messaging
- Content creation
- Digital communications
- Campaigns
- Advocacy
- Partnerships
- Radio and podcasts
- Crisis communications
- Reporting
- Data analytics and visualization
The inclusion of analytics and emerging technologies also makes the position relevant to communications professionals building skills at the intersection of communications, digital technology and data.
Final Thoughts
The UN Associate Communications Officer Job 2026 is an NO-B National Professional Officer position based in Dili, Timor-Leste, within the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office.
Candidates need at least two years of progressively responsible communications experience, including demonstrated ability to develop and implement communications strategies.
The standard education requirement is a Master’s degree or equivalent in communication, journalism, international relations, digital communications or a related field, although a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted.
English and Tetum are required at UN Level II, while Portuguese at UN Level I is desirable.
The appointment is fixed-term for one year, with no guarantee of renewal.
Most importantly, this vacancy is open only to nationals of Timor-Leste.
Applications close on September 18, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. New York time, and qualified candidates may face a written assessment followed by a competency-based interview.
The United Nations does not charge applicants a fee at any stage of its recruitment process.
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