Public Information Adviser, Media and Communications Branch, Information and External Relations Division

VACANCY NO.: UNFPA Job ID 1946

POST TYPE: Non-Rotational

DURATION: One year (renewable) *

ORGANIZATIONAL UNIT: Media and Communications Branch (MCB), Information and External Relations Division (IERD)

Major Activities/Expected Results:

Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Media and Communications Branch, and the overall supervision of the Director, Information and External Relations Division, the incumbent performs the following functions:

• Plan and coordinate media and communications strategies. Analyse issues for their information potential and the methods for handling the media and communications activities and related budget proposals. Proactively create and seize opportunities for spreading more public information about UNFPA and its work through popular and well-regarded traditional and digital media and other means.

• Set quality and production standards for the Fund's media and communications programmes including the supervision of public information specialists and other support staff engaged in writing, producing, revising and distributing information through the press, radio, television and digital media in the form, press releases, videos, radio programmes, photographs, blogs, Op-eds and information sheets.

• Advise managers and departmental heads on the information activities and projects in which media relations can play an important role.

• Establish and maintain lines of communication within the Fund and with senior representatives of the media, government officials, national and international institutions, NGOs, and civil society groups, in order to identify and coordinate action on opportunities to encourage support for Fund's work and mandate.

• Monitor information and services provided to media representatives to obtain their cooperation in promoting an accurate image of the Fund and its programmes; assess the effectiveness of the Fund's relationship with the media in terms of the public response to the programme and activities, and propose changes in the information techniques used.

• Provide briefing materials, such as background papers and messaging for use by the Executive Director and senior staff. Lead in framing UNFPA’s messages in the light of public discourse. Arrange and direct press conferences to announce special progmmmes or events of interest to the general public; and arrange press interviews

• Plan and coordinate the promotion of special events, envision the publicity and promotional needs and devise ways of meeting them through coordinating traditional and digital media coverage. Represent the Fund and act as spokesperson in relevant meetings and conferences to enlist assistance and support.

• Plan and oversee editorial production, review manuscripts for the Organization's public information adherence to objectives and standards.

• Lead, create strategies for and coordinate the Fund’s reputation management work.

• Coordinate and advise on UNFPA’s work with famous persons or other high-profile champions of the Fund and its mandate.

• Organize and supervise the work of the Media and Communications staff involved in the development and administration of IERD programmes concerned with public information activities.

Carry out any other duties as may be required by the Branch Chief.

Core Competencies:

• Values/Guiding Principles; • Performance Management; • Developing People/Coaching and Mentoring & Fostering Innovation and Empowerment; Working in Teams; • Self-Management/Emotional Intelligence; • Communication; • Appropriate and Transparent Decision Making; • Analytical and Strategic Thinking and Results Orientation/Commitment to Excellence; • Knowledge Sharing/Continuous Learning

Functional Competencies:

• Creating visibility for UNFPA/supporting UNFPA’s capacity to advocate; • Global leadership and advocacy for ICPD goals; • Resource mobilization; • Promoting organizational learning and knowledge sharing; • Organizational awareness; • Job knowledge/technical expertise

Job Requirements:

• Advanced university degree in journalism, mass communications, public relations, international affairs , or a related field; • 10 years of relevant professional experience, including managerial and coordination, of which 7 years should be at international level and 3 years at national level; substantial prior experience in a newsroom or in direct public relations work essential; • A demonstrated ability to develop world-wide media relations and publicity techniques; • A demonstrated grasp of international affairs related to development and United Nations operations; • Prior experience in the development field; • Strong inter-personal skills, strong public speaking skills; excellent speech writing and report writing skills;  Fluency in English, working knowledge of another UN language an asset

UNFPA provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender quality, teamwork, respect for diversity, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply.

We offer an attractive remuneration package commensurate with the level of the position. The package includes a competitive salary plus housing allowance, home leave, health insurance and other benefits.

How to apply:

UNFPA has established an electronic application management system. This allows applicants to create a candidate profile, which can be updated regularly and submitted for more than one vacancy.

Download the Step by Step Guide to Applying in the E-Recruit System of UNFPA at http://www.unfpa.org/employment/application_guide.doc. Please print out the Guide for your reference during the registration and application process. Notice: There is no application, processing or other fee at any stage of the application process. UNFPA does not solicit or screen for information in respect of HIV or AIDS and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status.

In accordance with the rules of the United Nations, persons applying to posts in the international Professional category, who hold permanent resident status in a country other than their country of nationality, are required to renounce such status upon their appointment. Exceptions to this rule are very limited and can be made only for: (a) stateless persons; (b) newly appointed staff members who have applied for citizenship by naturalization, when such citizenship will be granted imminently; (c) acting staff members in the General Service and related categories with permanent residency status, on promotion to the Professional category; (d) staff members appointed under a temporary appointment. Please understand that UNFPA is not in a position to provide advice on or assistance in applying for any citizenship.

• No expectancy of renewal in accordance with UN Staff Regulations 4.5.