Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
The position is located in the Department of Global Communications (DGC), Outreach Division, Knowledge Solutions and Design Section. The incumbent has a dual reporting lines to the Department of Global Communications and the key substantive entity, the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority the Public Information Officer may be responsible for the following duties:
- Takes the lead in strategy, planning, development and implementation of existing communication strategies of substantive entities (e.g. global promotion initiatives, public information programmes for a region, broad-reaching subject specific issues, etc.); where appropriate, works with departments, funds and agencies to develop ways to implement campaigns system-wide and to incorporate the campaign message and themes into all relevant events and products.
- Provides advice and expertise to managers, senior officers and other public information staff using the entity’s website, the UN Intranet platform (iSeek), and other websites/intranets as appropriate, on communication, methods, and approaches; anticipates and resolves communications/public relations issues/problems.
- Develops strategic partnerships with key constituencies and other substantive entities and public information staff to elicit support for and maximize impact of promotional objectives.
- Prepares or oversees preparation of a diverse range of information communications products in support of major campaign initiatives, sourcing and drafting stories/articles for the entity’s website and the UN intranet, and updates the relevant web/intranet pages, as required.
- Coordinates material for UN newsletters, periodicals, reports and publications and edits drafts prepared by junior officers.
- Coordinates the production of communications material such as videos, photos, motion graphics and audiovisual material.
- Organizes media coverage and arranges for media contacts, briefings, interviews; organizes seminars, lectures, conferences, and events concerning the organization.
- Builds information networks; plans and oversees maintenance of publicly accessible information materials on the United Nations; plans and develops outreach activities.
- Manages social media channels hand in hand with the substantive entity with a view to increase audience and view impact.
- May coordinate and direct a team of public information staff and/or mentor and supervise the work of junior officers on specific projects.
Competencies
- PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of different aspects of public information and communication. Ability to address a range of issues in the context of political developments, public attitudes and local conditions. Ability to conceptualize, design and implement major information campaigns. Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships. 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.
- TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation 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- and or business administration or related field. 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 seven years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, business and public administration or related area is required. At least two years of experience in reporting on complex finance, investment, and business-related topics to stakeholders, clients and the public at large is required. Experience in one or several of the following fields is desirable: communication targeting different age groups, internal communication, financial communication or marketing.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Application instructions
Please be sure to indicate you saw this position on Globaljobs.org
