Press Officer - International Labour Organization Geneva, Switzerland
Introduction
The position is located in the News and Media Unit of the Department of Communication and Public Information, DCOMM. The position will be part of a team of communication and public information officers whose duties are divided into three main categories: a) delivering an integrated daily news offer on world of work issues - in text, audio and video; b) developing and implementing communication strategies highlighting ILO messages and output, and c) maintaining a highly collaborative relationship with media outlets to disseminate and promote ILO content. The position will report to the Chief of News and Media.
Description of Duties
Specific duties
- Initiate and develop ideas for news output, aiming for creativity/innovation in the way the ILO can add value to news narratives. Generate and/0r edit news stories, analysis, feature articles, Q&As, interviews and other items on world of work issues for the ILO's multi-media platform in a timely manner and maintaining professional journalistic standards of accuracy, balance and objectivity;
- Coordinate and ensure the dissemination of publications and promotional materials. Contribute to multi-media and other promotional campaigns and special events;
- Provide technical advice to senior officials and/or public information staff in the field on the most effective public information and communication methods and approaches;
- Develop a thematic 'beat' (area of expertise) and be the primary liaison for media specialising in this thematic area;
- To keep abreast of world affairs, the world news agenda and world of work issues in the news, monitor trending issues in social media networks in order to bring ideas to the daily editorial meetings and suggest stories for the ILO's news output.
These specific duties are aligned with the relevant ILO generic job description, which includes the following generic duties:
- Cover the work of a programme or group of programmes, identify public information needs and opportunities, and develop communication/public information strategies;
- Identify the need for, prepare, and produce information such as brochures, press releases, contributions to audio/visual programmes and articles for the media, NGOs and other groups to promote greater understanding and support for the organization;
- Coordinate and ensure the dissemination of publications and promotional materials. Contribute to multi-media and other promotional campaigns and special events;
- Write, edit and revise material for distribution, ensuring conformance to approved information policies and standards as well as professional journalistic style, accuracy and objectivity;
- Provide technical advice to senior officials and/or public information staff in the field on the most effective public information and communication methods and approaches;
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships and communication channels with mass media representatives, news services, editors, etc. to encourage accurate and favorable reporting of the organization's activities;
- Organize media coverage and arrange for interviews and briefings. Respond to media enquiries, organize seminars and make presentations to a variety of groups on the activities of the organization;
- Administer the computerized needs of the department, prepare materials for the internet and web-sites, and develop and maintain media and other contacts lists;
- Act as spokesperson for the programme area(s) and the department at public information meetings, conferences and press briefings. Make presentations to various groups on the activities of the organization.
Required Qualifications
Education
- Advanced university degree in communications, journalism, international relations, liberal arts or other relevant discipline, or its equivalent.
Experience
- Seven years of professional experience in public information or related fields of work of which at least three years at the international level.
Languages
- Excellent command of English and another working language of the organization.
Competencies
In addition to the ILO core competencies, this position requires:
- In depth knowledge of the Organization's mandate and its programme of activities;
- Ability to lead a team and to supervise staff;
- Excellent analytical skills;
- Demonstrated ability to develop and oversee a public information/communication programme of activities;
- Sound political judgement;
- Creativity;
- Good negotiating skills;
- Ability to conduct interviews;
- Ability to work under pressure and to meet strict deadlines;
- Excellent journalistic writing and presentation skills;
- Sound news judgement;
- Experience of writing for the Web;
- Ability to process technical and specialist information and present it in compelling news products aimed at media and a wider, well-informed public;
- Proven ability to develop working relationships with media professionals, including ability to successfully 'pitch' stories and story angles to media;
- Ability to defend stories and story angles at editorial meetings and in discussion with technical departments;
- Ability to understand the information needs of the media and to provide appropriate and targeted information;
- Ability to act as spokesperson when required;
- Good interpersonal and communication skills;
- Ability to adapt messages to culturally diverse audiences;
- Experience of working for an International Organization a plus.
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