Public Information Officers Needed in The United Nations

The United Nations (UN) is an intergovernmental organization to promote international co-operation. A replacement for the ineffective League of Nations, the organization was established on 24 October 1945 after World War II in order to prevent another such conflict. At its founding, the UN had 51 member states; there are now 193.

Job Title: Public Information Officer (TJO)
Job Code Title:    PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
Department/Office:    OFFICE FOR THE COORDINATION OF HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS
Duty Station:    ABUJA
Job Opening Number:    61166
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity.

Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Abuja, Nigeria. The incumbent reports to the Deputy Head of Office. OCHA is the part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies. OCHA also ensures there is a framework within which each actor can contribute to the overall response effort.

Responsibilities
Within delegated authority and depending on location, the Public Information Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

Conducts reporting and analysis, by establishing and maintaining reporting system within the country; drafting and distribute regular reports on the humanitarian situation; ensuring flow of information and analysis of developments in the country/region, including tracking trends and sharing reports with HQ, and key partners.

Ensures implementation of information programmes 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 analyzing the outcome.

Monitors and analyzes current events, public opinion and press, identifies issues and trends, and advises management on appropriate action/responses.

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 programmes, 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.

Undertakes activities to promote media coverage (e.g. press conferences, press releases, 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 analyzing and reporting on the impact of coverage. Contributes content to and maintains appropriate and timely web and social media outreach.

Prepares, on the basis of official UN documentation and other sources, initial drafts of articles or chapters for inclusion in UN 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, etc.

Provides guidance to, and may supervise, more junior staff.

Performs other duties as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

MIN REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

5 year(s)

MIN QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor’s Degree/HND

DESIRED COURSES:

• Communications• Journalism • International Relations • Public Administration

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Education
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area is required. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area is required. Humanitarian experience in the field (actual setting where a mission and/or project is being implemented) in emergency situations (complex emergency or natural disaster) is required. Experience with crisis communications is desirable. Experience working within the UN common System is desirable.

Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

Click here to apply: http://bit.ly/1KrKqaO