Public Information Officer (UN) - Employment, career opportunity in USA

Job Title: Public Information Officer – P4
Organization: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Country: United States of America
Location: New York
Deadline: 11th Sept 2013
Date :   6th Sept 2013

Department/Office/Division/ Service/Section: Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs /
Communications Services Branch
Job Network and Job Family: Political Peace and Security Humanitarian Affairs


Estimated Start Date: 01/10/2013
Duration of need: 3 months with possibility of extension

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Within delegated authority and depending on location, the Public Information Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Takes the lead in strategy, planning, development and implementation of large, complex social media communications campaigns (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 social media campaigns system-wide and to incorporate the campaign message and themes into all relevant events and products, coordinates with other
branches and field offices to use social media to raise awareness of humanitarian emergencies and high profile events.

• Provides advice and expertise to managers, senior officers and other public information staff on a range of public affairs issues, methods, and approaches; anticipates and resolves communications/public relations issues/problems, develops and implements social media training for field offices.

• Develops strategic partnerships with key constituencies to elicit support for and maximize impact of promotional objectives; serves as a spokesperson/principal liaison to media organizations, governmental bodies, national groups, private sector organizations, educational organizations, international organizations, etc

• Prepares or oversees preparation of a diverse range of information communications products in support of major campaign initiatives.

• Drafts complex material for UN newsletters, periodicals, reports and books and edits drafts prepared by junior officers.

• Evaluates results and impact of social media communications activities; reports on developments, trends and attitudes regarding the UN, uses this information to inform OCHA’s operational activities and assess needs.

• Represents the institution in meetings and conferences; fulfills speaking engagements and makes presentations to groups on OCHAactivities and advocate issues of concern in the humanitarian field; organizes media coverage and arranges for media contacts, briefings, interviews; organizes seminars, lectures, conferences, public events on major issues 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. . Takes the lead in enhancing and growing OCHA’s presence on global social networks. Undertakes activities to promote social media coverage of priority issues and major event, including through initiating proactive social media outreach efforts and reporting on the impact of th coverage

• Manages publications programme; produces materials for print/electronic/voice/visual media.

• Oversees daily management of OCHA’s social media activities across various platforms and social communities. Assists in the day-to-day operation of the unit to include 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.

• Coordinates and directs a team of public information staff and and supervises the work of junior officers on specific social media 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.

• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area. Experience working with social media for professional humanitarian purposes and representing senior officials is required. Experience working in a humanitarian crisis setting is required. Previous experience with a multilateral or international organization is desirable.

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 qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Languages: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

How to apply:

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:

    Cover Letter
    Personal History Profile (visit https://inspira.un.org to generate a PHP)
    Last two completed Performance Appraisal or two Reference Letters for external applicants

ALL SUBMISSIONS TO BE SENT TO:

Contact Name: Elizabeth Wanic (Email Address: wanic@un.org)