Job Title: Public Information Officer, P3
Department/ Office: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INFORMATION
Duty Station: NEW YORK
Posting Period: 21 July 2011-19 September 2011
Job Opening number: 11-PUB-DEPT OF PUBLIC INFORMATION-20158-R-NEW YORK
The incumbent reports to the Chief of the Peace and Security Section in the Communications Campaign Service of the Strategic Communications Division. The Peace and Security Section promotes UN work on priority peace and security-related issues.
Responsibilities
Ensures implementation of information programmes to publicize priority peace and security issues and/or major events, to include conceptualizing, designing and implementing global multi-media information strategies, coordinating efforts, monitoring and reporting on progress, taking appropriate follow-up action, and analyzing the outcome.
Monitors and analyzes current events, public opinion and media coverage; identifies issues and trends and advises management on appropriate action/responses;
Undertakes activities to promote international media and web coverage (e.g. press conferences, interviews and other special activities) of priority issues and/or major events, to include deveopment of a media strategy and action plan, initiating pro-active media outreach efforts, disseminating materals and consulting with stakeholders on approaches, and other information requests; undertaking appropriate follow-up action and analyzing and reporting on the impact of coverage, including web usage statistics and trends;
Conducts outreach to international media, key audiences and stakeholders on key priorities and campaigns;
Produces or oversees production of specific types of information products, specifically websites, social networking and other digital platforms, press kits, press releases, feature articles, speeches and talking points, brochures, backgrounders and video, photo and radio material, (duties) to include proposing topics and graphic design, determining target audiences; writing drafts, obtaining clearances, finalizing text, editing copy and coordinating design approval, web applications, printing procedures and distribution;
Prepares on the basis of UN documentation and other sources, initial drafts of articles or chapters for inclusion in UN publications or websites;
Initiates and sustains professional relationships with key constituencies;
Acts as focal point on specific peace and security issues, monitoring and reporting on developments, responding to inquiries, etc.
Provides guidance to and may supervise, more junior staff;
Oversees web content management and social networking campaigns;
Handles sensitive and confidential information.
Competencies
Professionalism: State-of-the-art knowledge in the field of communications and public information and ability to address a range of issues related to the UN’s work in peace and security; ability to plan and implement public information projects and campaigns; substantial experience in communications and public information; knowledge of political trends, public attitudes, local conditions and developments in peace and security, and ability to assess effectively the climate for successfully achieving agreed objectives; in-depth understanding of the UN system, organization and interrelationships; strong communications research and analytical skills; ability to develop communications products and campaigns for global and/or specific targeted audiences; advanced web skills; familiarity with usage of new media and social networking to advance organizational priorities.
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 the audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Creativity: actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks "outside the box"; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communications, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying 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 with international governmental or non-governmental organizations, peacekeeping operations is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English (oral and written) is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of other UN official languages is an advantage.
Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified applicants may include a substantive assessment, which may be
followed by a competency-based interview.
Special Notice
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
United Nations Considerations
The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
Moreinfo: Click here
