Background
Given the high profile humanitarian situation in The Philippines, the Public Information Unit (PIU) in OCHA gives substantial support to the Humanitarian Coordinator in advocacy and coordination of humanitarian messaging amongst UN Agencies. The private sector is a growing and important stakeholder in humanitarian response and preparedness. One quarter of the incumbent’s time will be dedicated to maintaining and strengthening relationship with key Philippine private sector networks.
Duties and Responsibilities
Media relations and public information- Under the direct supervision of the head of Public Information, develop and maintain media relations with local media, including promoting and explaining the role of OCHA, address inaccurate reporting, and assist in all aspects of media relations with international media;
- Support PIU in implementing activities and organizing events, including those related to the Humanitarian Communications Group comprising humanitarian UN agencies and NGOs, and travel outside Manila as required to conduct media-related activities and provide public information support to field offices.
- Under supervision of the unit, maintain Twitter and Facebook accounts;
- Shoot photographs, write captions and upload output to photo-sharing platforms;
- Support with ad-hoc translation of OCHA short/urgent documents/correspondence, act as interpreter during meetings/press briefings with Philippine media and proofread OCHA information products;
- Assist in training field staff on public information/media-related issues and reporting;
- Assist in disseminating OCHA Philippines information products/humanitarian news to the various stakeholders/audiences through the local media and other communication channels, including by helping to maintain media lists.
- Support the public information unit in drafting and implementing media strategy and plans for OCHA Philippines and the Humanitarian Communications Group or other communications group as required;
- At the request of the head of unit, provide timely analysis of humanitarian developments, including follow up to local and international media stories;
- Draft concise humanitarian updates and briefings for the Head of Office and heads of sub-offices, as required.
- Develop and maintain OCHA database/survey on media and media personalities, and assist with outreach to non-media stakeholders and community leaders;
- Support PIU, in liaison with field offices and partners, to produce regular situation reports on key humanitarian developments to keep senior OCHA management abreast of humanitarian developments in The Philippine;
- Analyze trends and advise the PIU on appropriate means of outreach to Filipino audiences;
- Support the public information unit in conducting other tasks, as required.
- Maintain and strengthen relationship with private sector networks to facilitate information exchange and opportunities for partnerships;
- Act as a focal point for private sector queries and requests for support. Ensure that situation reports and OCHA information management materials are shared with private sector networks for dissemination. Liaise with cluster co-leads to identify needs in humanitarian response plans and help bring them to the attention of the local and international private sector;
- Make recommendations as to how the humanitarian community can work more effectively with the business community in future emergencies;
- Ensure that the private sector be included systematically in future preparedness, contingency planning and response coordination systems;
- Agreement is put in place with the Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation (PDRF) to ensure that when the next natural disaster occurs either PDRF deploys a staff member to sit with OCHA or vice versa to facilitate coordination.
Competencies
Corporate Competencies:- Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
- Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNOCHA;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
- Treats all people fairly without favoritism.
- Proven journalistic-style drafting and editing skills;
- Builds strong relationships with media and partners, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
- Ability to manage complex problems proactively and effectively;
- Ability to work independently, with efficiency, competency and integrity with people of different national backgrounds.
- Knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines pertaining to humanitarian assistance;
- Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
- Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills.
Required Skills and Experience
- A Masters’ degree is required.
Experience:
- At least 3 years of relevant professional experience;
- Experience in journalism and humanitarian relief issues is highly desirable. Experience working in a complex emergency and inter-agency context a plus. Corporate experience also desirable. Experience working with the private sector is an asset;
- Computer proficiency, including working knowledge of e-mail and MS Office products (word, Excel, Power Point) and social media.
Language:
- Fluency in English and Tagalog is required;
- Fluency in Waray or other languages is a plus.