ASSOCIATE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

Overview

Manage production of content for Radio Okapi and strengthen local partnerships.

You have:

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, management or related field is required.
• A minimum of two (02) years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area is required.
• Fluency in French, both oral and written, is required.
• Knowledge of English is an advantage.
• Knowledge of one or more local languages is an advantage.

Contract

This is a NO-B contract. This kind of contract is known as National Professional Officers. It is normally only for nationals. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 2 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be more than 5,330 USD.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

Org. Setting and Reporting

This is position is located in Radio Okapi within the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), with duty station, Kinshasa. The incumbent reports to the Head of Radio Okapi.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Associate Public Information Officer may be responsible for the following duties:

1. Manage and ensure the production of Okapi Radio content taking into account the radio's editorial guidelines and decisions, in line with MONUSCO’s mandate. a. Ensure the production and dissemination of information intended for the general public is delivered timely and in accordance to the editorial guidelines of the radio management, support awareness-raising activities and help with interactions in local language(s); b. Monitor and analyze current events, public opinion, and the press; identify issues and trends in the country and help prepare management notes on appropriate actions/responses, including radio products. c. Prepare and coordinate the daily production of news segments in close collaboration with the Radio Editor-in-Chief, while ensuring the harmonization of the roles of reporters and producers. d. Ensure the coordination of news productions from the East of the DRC with strict respect for ethical standards and the security sensitivity of the Eastern region.

2. Strengthen communication capacities with national partners and consolidate partnerships with community radios and Radio Okapi listeners' clubs. a. Strengthen capacities and serve as a focal point in strengthening local capacities, in particular by supporting local partners and media through regular contact, and by organizing specialized training to reduce knowledge gaps, awareness and skills. b. Develop partnerships with community radio stations by proactively sharing the plan and content of the work, so that the work of the Mission and the Okapi Radio becomes more visible and more understandable. c. Develop strategic partnerships with key stakeholders such as radio listeners' clubs to increase audiences and maximize the effect of public information objectives;

3. Prepare content and communication products in local language(s) a. Prepare a range of radio products in local languages to support radio priorities and work closely with other MONUSCO departments, UN system agencies in the DRC and partners to develop means of implementing system-wide campaigns and integrating campaign messaging and themes with relevant productions; b. Write human interest stories for local and international audiences and prepare digital content for the radio social media platforms; c. Keep abreast of changes, trends and evolving political developments in the country; provide communications support to leaders, senior civil servants, and other staff of the Information Unit on a range of public affairs approaches, methods, and issues. d. Contribute to reporting to radio leadership on attitudes, trends, developments, and communication activities; and coordinate and share guidance and information activities;

4. Provide support for internal communications a. Write reports, newsletters, and other materials of interest; b. Ensure that the radio’s internal communications are accurate and up to date; c. Coordinate the production of the radio programs and oversee the development of content; d. Assist in the design of programs schedules and its execution;

5. Perform other related tasks as may be assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism: 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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Planning and 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.

Education

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

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of two (02) years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area is required.

Experience in producing interactive radio broadcasts is desirable.

Extensive knowledge of the dynamics of the Great Lakes region is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of English is an advantage. Knowledge one or more local languages is an advantage.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. Applicants for positions in the General Service and related categories must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment.

Candidates for the National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process.

By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions.

Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

Potential interview questions