Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Communications and Public Information Unit and the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), duty station Abyei. The incumbent will report directly to the Spokesperson.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Public Information Officer is responsible for the following duties:

• Prepares or coordinates the development of communications products and content across multiple platforms ensuring the accurate and consistent messaging, branding, and alignment with the communications strategy.

•Prepares or coordinates the preparation of a diverse range of communication products in support of unit priorities and works closely with departments, funds and agencies to develop ways to implement campaigned system-wide and to incorporate the campaign message and themes into all relevant events and products.
•Drafts and edits material for press releases, key messages, Q&As, talking points, UN newsletters, report and books.
•Writes human interest stories and produces digital content for the mission’s social media platforms.

• Implements communications strategies and activities

•Responsible for participating in the development and implementation of a strategy for media relations, publications, web and digital media including social media, community outreach and/or radio products with the objective of promoting awareness, understanding, support and respect for the Mission’s work and support for UN Peacekeeping or Special Political mandate and priorities.
•Prepares reports to mission leadership, UNHQ on communications activities, developments, trends and attitudes regarding the UN; and coordinates and shares public information activities and guidance with other sections of the Communications and Public Information Unit and leadership when appropriate.
•Provides communication support to managers, senior officers and other public information staff on a range of public affairs issues, methods and approaches;
•Analysis of media monitoring statistics, social media and web usage and adapts editorial and outreach priorities accordingly.

• Engages with media and strengthens partnerships.

•Prepares material for press briefings and interviews; drafts press statements and press releases as necessary; establishes and maintains a cooperative relationship with local and international journalists.
•Sets up regular system of media guidance and monitoring and develops contact list of journalists and media outlets covering all media – print, TV, radio, social media, web, photo, etc. – and a successful process of communicating and maintaining regular contact and close collaboration with the media.
•Arranges interviews and/or background briefings with senior mission officials and facilitates the daily work of journalists covering the mission.
•Assists in responding in a timely fashion to disinformation that could impact negatively on the public perception of the Mission and/or the mission’s leadership, etc.
•Keeps abreast of changing developments, trends, and technologies with strong understanding of social media.

• Builds communication capacity and team management

•Manages the day-to-day operation of the unit including participating in coordination of substantive and administrative activities of the unit, interpreting and disseminating policy, providing procedural advice, improving reporting systems, handling operational and administrative queries, preparing budget submissions, establishing and/or coordinating training programmes and monitoring and evaluating results,
•Provides clear directions that are translated from organizational strategy. Encourages others to pursue development opportunities and creates genuine learning opportunities for them.
•In close coordination with the Chief, manages and supervises public information and consultants to achieve the outputs and quality assurance of all activities; establishing work plans, required resources, priorities, timelines and performance benchmarks. Monitors progress and takes timely action and/or decisions to ensure objectives are met.

• Provides support to internal communications.

•Produces reports, newsletters, and other materials of interest to internal audiences.
•Ensures Mission internal communication is up to date and accurate.
•Other related duties that may be assigned.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of policies, processes and procedures related to communication, production and dissemination of public information. Ability to research information from a variety of sources. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Works effectively in collaboration with various contracted and other specialists throughout the Organization. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.

COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately; asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication; tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with additional two years of experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area.
Experience in social media and multimedia content creation is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position fluency in English is required. Knowledge of Somali is desirable.

Assessment

Previously rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and as such, will not be invited for such an assessment.

Special Notice

This "Recruit from Roster" job opening is only open to roster applicants who are already placed on pre-approved rosters, following a review by a United Nations Central Review Body. Only roster applicants who were placed on rosters with similar functions at the same level are considered to be eligible candidates. Eligible applicants receive an email inviting them to apply. Rostered applicants are encouraged to apply only if they are interested and available to take up the position at the duty station/s specified in the Job Opening. Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.