UNOCHA Public Information Officer (P-3)

ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING AND REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS This position is located in the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) Côte d'Ivoire, based in Abidjan. The incumbent reports directly to the Head of Office.

Within delegated authority the Public Information Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Ensures implementation of information programs to publicize priority issues and/or major events, to include drafting information strategies, coordinating efforts, monitoring and reporting on progress, taking appropriate follow-up action, and analysing the outcome;

• Monitors and analyses current events, public opinion and press, identifies issues and trends, and advises management on appropriate action/responses;

• Undertakes activities to promote media coverage (e.g. press conferences, interviews, press seminars and other special activities) of priority issues and/or major events, to include development of a media strategy and action plan, initiating pro-active media outreach efforts, proposing and arranging press conferences/media coverage, disseminating materials and consulting with press on approach/story angle and other information requests, undertaking appropriate follow-up action and analysing and reporting on the impact of coverage;

• Produces or oversees production of a specific type or types (e.g. print, broadcast, etc.) of information communications products (e.g. press kits, press releases, feature articles, speeches, booklets, brochures, backgrounders, audio-visual materials, radio spot program, etc.), to include proposing topics, undertaking research, determining appropriate medium and target audience, preparing production plans, writing drafts, obtaining clearances and finalizing texts, editing copy, and coordinating design approval, printing procedures and distribution;

• Prepares, on the basis of official United Nations documentation and other sources, initial drafts of articles or chapters for inclusion in United Nations newsletters, periodicals, reports and books;

• Initiates and sustains professional relationships with key constituencies;

• Acts as focal point on specific issues, monitoring and reporting on developments, responding to inquiries, et cetera;

• Participates in selecting the information transmitted to key constituencies;

• 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 analyse 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 the 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; allocates 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience (at least seven years) may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience: A minimum of five (5) 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 this post, fluency in English (written and verbal skills) is required. Knowledge of the other language is an advantage. Knowledge of other official United Nations languages is an advantage.

How to apply:

This temporary vacancy announcement is intended to fill functions of short-term duration. Please note that applications received after the deadline will not be accepted. All posts are subject to availability of funds.

Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. This vacancy announcement may be used to fill similar positions at the same level in other field duty stations.

Upon selection, candidates will be subject to satisfactory reference checks to be completed by the recruiting department/office which shall include verification of the highest required academic qualification(s) and record with the last employer.

Please state your full name and the temporary vacancy notice number OCHA/G/18/2013 as the subject in your e-mail application and send one email application for every vacancy announcement. Documents should be saved as pdf file, with the title formatted as follows: FAMILY NAME_given name.pdf. For example: PHP_GREY_Joe.pdf.

All applicants are requested to submit a completed personal history profile (PHP) to douniab@un.org with a copy to kollies@un.org and ochavacancies@un.org Note that applications to United Nations Secretariat positions can be generated in the new inspira recruitment system. We encourage you to create an electronic personal history profile and to apply to these and other positions for which you are interested and qualified athttp://inspira.un.org

Note that an applicants’ eligibility cannot be fully assessed if the personal history profile is not properly completed.

"The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing, training or any other fees). Also, the United Nations does not concern itself with information on bank accounts."