Communications Officer (Spokesperson)

Contract

This is a UNV International Expert contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Expert contracts.

Host Institute: Deployed in March 2014, the Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) has a comprehensive mandate to monitor and report on the human rights situation throughout Ukraine, and to make recommendations to the Government and other actors to address human rights concerns as documented by the Mission. Recommendations outline concrete follow-up actions to address these concerns, prevent violations and mitigate emerging risks. HRMMU monitors, reports and advocates on the human rights situation through its presence in multiple locations both in Government-controlled area and in Donetsk in area controlled by Russian affiliated armed-groups. HRMMU will adapt to the changing situation in terms of the locations of presences. In accordance with General Assembly resolution 68/262, HRMMU also monitors remotely, reports and advocates on the human rights situation in Crimea and the city of Sevastopol.

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of deputy Head of the Mission or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer Communications Officer (Spokesperson) will:

• Serve as the Communications Officer/Spokesperson for HRMMU • Provide technical and policy advice on public information and communications issues; advise the Head of Mission on public relations and dealing with the media • Develop and disseminate messages, press lines and press releases on specific occasions, events, crises and other opportunities identified by Mission leadership to express its views and share its opinions • Organize press briefings, interviews, etc.; prepare briefing materials for senior officials prior to their participation in such events; facilitate and anchor press conferences • Make official statements on behalf of the Mission and provide information on the Mission to entities inside and outside of the UN as required • Maintain relations with local and international media and facilitate the work of journalists covering the mission • Draft/compile information communication products for target audiences, including press releases, feature articles, media packets and reports, brochures, briefings, video clips, newsletters, websites, etc. • Monitor and analyze current events, public opinion, and press, identify issues and trends; gather information from diverse sources and assess news value and other potential impact, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of information campaigns. • Propose information opportunities, activities, and approaches, taking into account the situation/topic and target audience. • Perform any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Results/expected outputs

• As an active OHCHR team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to OHCHR and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: o Mission’s key communication priorities effectively disseminated to media o Media events, press briefings and interviews effectively held o Target and situation specific media communication products produced o Colleagues, and external and internal concerned parties effectively engaged with • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for peace and development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to OHCHR; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to OHCHR procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented; • Integrity: demonstrate the values and ethical standards of the UN and OHCHR in daily activities and behaviours while acting without consideration of personal gains; resist undue political pressure in decision-making; stand by decisions that are in the organization’s interest even if they are unpopular; take prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour; does not abuse power or authority; • Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues; • Commitment to continuous learning: initiative and willingness to learn new skills and stay abreast of new developments in area of expertise; ability to adapt to changes in work environment. • Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities; • Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups; • Flexibility: adaptability and ability to live and work in potentially hazardous and remote conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort; to operate independently in austere environments for protracted periods; willingness to travel within the area of operations and to transfer to other duty stations within the area of operations as necessary; • Genuine commitment towards the principles of voluntary engagement, which includes solidarity, compassion, reciprocity and self-reliance; and commitment towards UNDP’s mission and vision, as well as to the UN Core Values.

public information, journalism, human rights, international relations, or related area is required • Experience working in a public information role for an international organization required • Experience working with human rights topics is highly desirable • Experience managing engagement with international media outlets is desirable • Excellent drafting and oral and written presentation skills are required

Ukraine is currently a hardship duty station with a volatile security situation as a result of the ongoing conflict. Living and working conditions for UN volunteers are similar to the living conditions of all other internationally recruited staff members.

Uzhgorod has reasonable health, education and transportation facilities, but there is a risk of disruption of services because of the ongoing conflict. Living standards in Ukraine before the Russian Federation attack were relatively high and currently the situation in Uzhgorod is stable. However, the situation remains fluid, complex and unpredictable and requires readiness to adapt to the changing circumstances. There are increased security protocols that all staff are required to follow, including travel restrictions and possible curfews. There is a risk that the mounting humanitarian crisis and the impact of the conflict can lead to an increase in crime and/or civil unrest. Airports in Ukraine are not currently operating.

Work on the situation in Ukraine with the Human Rights Monitoring Mission is a unique opportunity. It provides for an interesting and enriching environment, but also requires a mature level of cultural awareness, as well as more stamina and commitment than elsewhere to make life comfortable and affordable. Therefore, flexibility and the ability and willingness to live and work in harsh and potentially hazardous conditions, involving physical hardship and little comfort, are essential.

The UN volunteer should obtain D3-type before arrival to Ukraine. The UN volunteers should apply for a visa via http://visa.mfa.gov.ua submit an application form, book an appointment and check the status of consideration. In case the Ukraine website temporarily unavailable, then get the information of Ukraine embassies from the like https://www.onlinevisa.com/embassies/ukraine/ and take an appointment. UNDP Administrative Unit will facilitate to issue a Note Verbal.