Background
Special Notice
Please follow the link below to submit your application. All applications must be submitted using the link below.
The link is as follows:
The United Nation Secretariat maintains rosters of qualified and available candidates to fill anticipated job openings in peacekeeping operations, special political missions, and other field operations. The purpose of this job opening is to generate a list of qualified candidates for inclusion in the Public Information Officer P-3 roster. The entire assessment process takes an average of six months; all applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application (whether successful or unsuccessful) within 14 days of the conclusion of the process. Successful candidates will be placed on the roster and subsequently will be invited to apply for field mission vacancies open only to roster members. Roster membership does not guarantee selection.
Org. Setting and Reporting
These positions are located in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations and Special Political missions. Public Information Officers typically report to the Principal Public Information Officer in the Mission.
Duties and Responsibilities
Within delegated authority and depending on location, the Public Information Officer may be responsible for the following duties: (These duties are generic, and may not be performed by all Public Information Officers.)
- Contributes to development and implementation of the mission’s integrated communications strategy, under the supervision of the Head of Public Information Service, including its evaluation and regular updating;
- Coordinates efforts, measuring results and impact of communications activities and reporting on developments, trends and attitudes regarding the UN;
- Coordinates the implementation of the Digital Information Strategy;
- Drafts press releases and contributes to reports, statements and talking points for senior mission officials;
- Monitors and analyzes current events, public opinion and press, identifies issues and trends, and advises management on appropriate action/responses;
- Assists in media relations activities, including coordinating press conferences and press seminars, background briefings, facilitating interviews with senior mission officials and other special promotional activities of priority issues and/or major events;
- Develops and maintains lists of media, civil society and other appropriate partners and establishes professional relationships with these partners and other key constituencies;
- Ensures that the mission ‘messages and activities are covered by its social media platforms;
- Produces or oversees public information outputs to ensure that they meet high-quality standards, in accordance with UN policy objectives and rules and regulations, and are evaluated for their effectiveness;
- Maintains regular interaction and consults, as appropriate, with public information personnel at UNHQ;
- Provides guidance to, and may supervise, more junior staff.
Competencies
Professionalism:
- Knowledge of the full range of communications approaches, tools, and methodologies essential to planning and executing effective campaign strategies and programmes, e.g. campaign management, media operations, marketing and promotion, audience outreach, message targeting; Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources;
- Ability to identify public affairs issues, opportunities and risks in an international environment;
- Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships;
- Knowledge of relevant internal policies and business activities/issues;
- Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style;
- Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences;
- 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;
- 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.
Planning& Organizing:
- Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies;
- Identifies priority activities and assignments;
- Adjusts priorities as required;
- Aallocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work;
- Foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning;
- Monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary;
- Uses time efficiently.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field;
- A first-level university degree with in combination two additional years of 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.
Languages:
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat;
- For the position(s) advertised, fluency in oral and written French or English, with a good working knowledge of the other, is required;
- Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage.
Assessment Method:
Evaluation of qualified candidates is likely to include a written assessment exercise followed by competency-based interview.
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.
Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
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 applicant's bank accounts.
How to apply:
Use the link below:
"Arabic- and French-speakers, as well as qualified women, are particularly encouraged to apply".
"All applicants are kindly requested to make reference to "outreachforpeace" in their cover letter, to ensure appropriate follow-up".