Press Officer NATO
STAFF VACANCY: N° A 08(2012)
DIVISION: PUBLIC DIPLOMACY DIVISION, SPOKESPERSON PRESS AND MEDIA
GRADE: A.3
1. SUMMARY
NATO's Public Diplomacy Division (PDD) plays a key role in explaining the Alliance's strategic and political messages to opinion formers and to the public in general. As NATO's main public interface, PDD works to raise the Alliance's profile with audiences world-wide. PDD also works to promote security cooperation through a variety of programmes in NATO and partner countries and contributes to a continuous process of international security debate and policy creation. Last but not least, the Division also acts as coordinator for most public diplomacy activities undertaken by other divisions at NATO Headquarters (HQ), as well as by other entities belonging to the NATO structure.
The Press and Media Section is the principal point of contact for all media-related issues at NATO HQ, including engagement with the media, media policy and doctrine, and media monitoring.
The incumbent handles journalist requests for information from both NATO and Partner countries, thereby supporting the work of the NATO Spokesperson, Deputy Spokesperson/Head of Press and Media. He/she will especially support the Spokesperson’s office in drafting messages for media engagements.
2. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL
The incumbent must:
- possess a university degree from an institute of recognised standing or equivalent qualification;
- have at least four years' recent experience in a news and/or public affairs relations organisation, including Government press services;
- have a very good knowledge of NATO affairs and international relations;
- have in-depth knowledge of the press and media in at least one NATO member country;
- be able to write about complex issues in a clear, concise and comprehensible style;
- have experience using new media;
- possess the following minimum levels of NATO’s official languages (English/French): V (“Advanced”) in one and IV (“Upper-Intermediate”) in the other;
- be willing to travel and work unsocial hours.
DESIRABLE
The following would be considered an advantage:
- knowledge of additional languages;
- familiarity with other international institutions.
3. MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES
Expertise Development
Support the Spokesperson and the Deputy Spokesperson/Head of Press and Media on designated media issues, especially on drafting media messages for the Secretary General and the Spokesperson in the appropriate style, adhering to strict deadlines. Answer queries from journalists in a timely and accurate manner, providing media with correct information concerning issues relevant to NATO. Draft and edit press releases and other statements. Support the Spokesperson and Deputy Spokesperson and other NATO officials on handling and addressing media issues, as appropriate. Support the Spokesperson and the Deputy Spokesperson in the organisation of regular press briefings.
Stakeholder Management
Liaise with the appropriate stakeholders at NATO in order to draft coordinated media messages. Deal with requests from media for interviews, information and support from NATO HQ. Advise the NATO Spokesperson and Deputy Spokesperson on the management and acceptance of interview requests. Organise interviews and briefings for individual journalists as appropriate. Maintain contact with national representatives on media issues, striving to ensure a targeted and coherent message. Coordinate with the military chain of command and International Staff (IS) Divisions and Independent Offices as required. Establish and maintain contact with journalists, security experts and NGOs and organise or support information activities.
Knowledge Management
Assist in the production and synthesis of briefing material for the Spokesperson and the Secretary General. Prepare and deliver presentations to NATO bodies, as well as external audiences. Assist in ensuring that NATO media messages and audio-visual material are distributed in a way that guarantees maximum impact. Draft and edit NATO website material as required, ensuring it is updated on a regular basis and covers current events. Alert the Spokesperson and Head of Press on media coverage. Support media monitoring activities.
Representation of the Organization
Brief journalists or NATO HQ visitors on the Alliance's policies, responsibilities and initiatives. Represent the Press and Media Section in meetings as well as at NATO committees or other bodies. Represent NATO in relevant workshops, seminars and other public events.
Project Management
Assist in the planning of media activities for the Secretary General and the Spokesperson. Organise and suggest press activities related to special events, including summit and ministerial meetings, military exercises, press tours to either NATO or Partner countries, as well as to operation theatres. Contribute in a systematic and proactive way to the planning of the Press and Media Section coordinated by the Head of Press.
Policy Development
Contribute to the shaping of media policies, strategies and plans.
Perform any other related duty as assigned.
4. INTERRELATIONSHIPS
The incumbent reports overall to the Spokesperson and on a regular basis to the Deputy Spokesperson/Head of the Press and Media Section, and works as part of a busy, multinational team. The Press Officer will be required to work in close cooperation with the other Sections of PDD, including the Information Officers, as well as with the other divisions and members of the IS, the International Military Staff (IMS), NATO military commands and national delegations. He/she also coordinates with staff members of NATO Agencies, government departments and non-governmental organisations.
5. COMPETENCIES
The incumbent must demonstrate:
- Achievement;
- Analytical Thinking;
- Flexibility;
- Impact and Influence;
- Initiative;
- Organizational Awareness;
- Teamwork.
Post a Comment