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Press and Public Information Officer (P-4)

Organizational Unit: Media and Outreach Section
Division of Public Information
Department of Management
Duty Station: Vienna, Austria
Issue Date: 2 December 2010 (re-opened on 29 March 2012)
Application Deadline: 25 April 2012
Type/Duration of Appointment: Fixed term, 3 years (subject to a probationary period of 1 year)

Organizational Setting

The Division of Public Information has two Sections. The aim of the Media and Outreach Section is to generate news stories that positively highlight IAEA activities and at the same time increase knowledge and understanding of nuclear issues, including the various applications.

The operating environment is dynamic, participative and interactive, dealing with longer-term promotion campaigns, as well as crisis communications on issues of global importance. The environment often demands a willingness to work long or unusual hours.

Main purpose

The Press and Public Information Officer actively supports the spokesperson and senior IAEA staff in generating news stories highlighting IAEA activities and increasing knowledge and understanding of nuclear issues.

Role

As a key team member reporting to the Section Head, the Press and Public Information Officer is a media expert: working closely with journalists and establishing an authoritative link on behalf of the IAEA, and developing responses to enable journalists to better understand the IAEA's function; handling information requests relating to non-proliferation issues and the safety and security of nuclear facilities, as well as on the range of benefits of nuclear applications; and increasing public awareness of lower profile IAEA activities.

Partnerships

The Press and Public Information Officer consults with IAEA staff at all levels to obtain clear guidance and check facts and matters of policy, and obtains assistance from specialists to answer questions from journalists and the public or to assist them in meeting their information objectives. She or he forms partnerships with journalists to promote awareness and provide information about lesser known IAEA activities.

Functions / Key Results Expected

  • Contribute to accurate, balanced and objective reporting about IAEA activities by organizing interviews and press briefings for journalists and working closely with senior staff in crafting talking points and messages.
  • Improve understanding and increase awareness of IAEA activities by writing press releases and media advisories, and by providing regular briefings to the media.
  • Help drive strategic internal communications policy by devising and managing proactive press campaigns as well as promoting key events and issues in the media.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Familiarity with the IAEA's mandate, its main activities, its history and current role in global politics.
  • Working knowledge of nuclear technology and safety issues as they relate to the peaceful uses of nuclear sciences and applications a strong asset.
  • Awareness of the background and sensitivity of international non-proliferation issues in which the IAEA is engaged.
  • Extensive working knowledge of the news media and how best to meet its needs in order to most effectively deliver the IAEA's message.
  • Communication skills:
    • Ability to formulate, develop and deliver proposals for media outreach to highlight IAEA activities;
    • Excellent writing ability in journalistic style.
  • Analytical skills:
    • Ability to articulate knowledge about the disparate and complex tasks that the IAEA is required to manage in terms that are accessible and comprehensible to the media and the public;
    • Proven writing skills, including on complex technical issues.
  • Interpersonal skills:
    • Ability to win the confidence of senior staff;
    • Ability to mentor junior public information officers and interns.

Education, Experience and Language Skills

  • University (or equivalent) degree in journalism, international relations, non-proliferation studies or a related area.
  • At least seven years of practical work experience in a journalism or international organization press office environment.
  • Experience of working on international issues.
  • Experience of studying, researching or writing in the field of nuclear non-proliferation or arms control an asset.
  • Sound knowledge and practical work experience in the use of personal computers.
  • Fluency in English. Working knowledge of other IAEA official languages (Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian or Spanish) or German an advantage.

Remuneration

The IAEA offers an attractive remuneration package including a tax-free annual net base salary starting at US $67 483 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance), a variable post adjustment which currently amounts to US $38 938*, dependency benefits, rental subsidy, education grant, relocation and repatriation expenses; 6 weeks' annual vacation, home leave, pension plan and health insurance.

How to apply to the IAEA

Complete an Online Application

* Subject to change without notice


Applications from qualified women and candidates from developing countries are encouraged

Applicants should be aware that IAEA staff members are international civil servants and may not accept instructions from any other authority. Staff members may be assigned to any location. The IAEA retains the discretion not to make any appointment to this vacancy, to make an appointment at a lower grade or with a different contract type, or to make an appointment with a modified job description or for shorter duration than indicated above. Testing may be part of the recruitment process.