Public Information Assistant

Contract

This is a G-5 contract. This kind of contract is known as General Service and related categories. It is normally only for nationals. It usually requires 5 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be more than 1,396 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 The position is located in in the Programme Office in Uganda (POUGA) with duty station in Kampala, Uganda, Regional Office for Eastern Africa (ROEA) in Nairobi, Kenya, Division for Operations (DO), United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The Public Information Assistant will work under the overall supervision of the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer (Violent Extremism in Prisons) in POUGA and work in close coordination and cooperation with colleagues at POUGA and ROEA.

For more information on UNODC, please visit the website www.unodc.org

Responsibilities Within limits of assigned authority, the Public Information Assistant will be responsible for the following specific duties: - Maintain and update internal databases; update web sites and social media accounts, draft and edit content; assist in design, development and maintenance of Internet applications; generate a variety of standard and non-standard statistical and other reports from various databases. - Research, compile and present basic information for use in the preparation and production of communications products/services. - Serve as photographic assistant by producing digital imaging, producing photo prints, and serve as back-up photographer; write captions for UN photos. - Coordinate media coverage of important events; liaise with news and publications agencies, public relations firms, UN photographers, etc. to provide advance notice of, and information on, upcoming meetings, briefings, and special events and to ascertain coverage requirements; coordinate technical arrangements and organize and allocate space for visiting news, photo, TV and film personnel; evaluate and process applications for UN security clearances/accreditations. - Participate in the planning and coordination of major exhibits; liaise with relevant departments/agencies; draft and edit reports, production schedules, press releases and related texts, and correspondence related to the planning and production of exhibits. - Use relevant computer software, create designs in appropriate format for promotional and other material, e.g. brochures, presentational materials, announcements, video, audio, website and social media content, etc.; ensure that photos, graphics, etc. are appropriate and conform to UN standards for communications materials. - Ensure availability and appropriate packaging of products for distribution at special events, exhibits, conferences, media functions, etc. - Assist in the production and editing of video/film projects, radio programmes or online projects; track all production material; produce scripts, cue cards, etc., select and catalogue sound and visual materials for inclusion in productions, and obtain requisite clearances and copyrights; coordinate scheduling of commercial and internal production facilities; direct studio recordings and/or evaluate audio quality of recordings for inclusion in programmes. - Identify and prepare new material for websites and social media accounts by: researching various information sources for relevant material and cross-checking information with author offices as required; retrieve and download pertinent documentation and other information in requisite programming languages for Web format or inserting into database after determining appropriate categorization; prepare new pages, incorporate graphics as needed, using appropriate authoring tools and necessary programming languages; prepare and update index of documents; post documents on the UN web and/or development servers and ensure the appropriate directory location; check and test for multiple browser support, etc. - Coordinate administrative services, including preparing, monitoring, and processing various requisitions, service contracts and payment vouchers, assist with the preparation of budget and monitoring of expenditures, assisting with recruitment. - Develop any assigned communication products and related documents / inputs, or guide others on their content, in line with programme Communication Strategies. - Contribute to communication products being developed by national partners, addressing their specific needs and guided by with programme main messages. - Develop quarterly newsletters, highlighting UNODC interventions. - Assist in developing and implementing succinct and effective communication plans for UNODC in Uganda visibility events (such as high-level conferences and meetings) in coordination with communication focal points of national partners. Assist in drafting background documents, media releases, presentations, summaries and talking points. - Assist in editing and revising publications and assist in preparing for final approval and printing. - Update the UNODC ROEA Twitter account and website to raise visibility of the UNODC office in Uganda and ensure that there is regular content covering the Programme’s events. - Maintain a schedule of upcoming international days and global campaigns and promote advocacy engagement tailored to UNODC’s work in Uganda. - Assist in organizing media coverage, interviews, briefings and making arrangements for media contacts to raise visibility of UNODC in Uganda and its partners. - Assist in evaluating results and impact of UNODC in Uganda communications activities across social media channels such as Twitter. - Ensure that all programme products, documents, materials and events give appropriate visibility , including the correct application of emblems, acknowledgement statement and standard disclaimers. - Assist with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making. - Assist with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures. - Perform other work-related duties as assigned.

Competencies Professionalism: Has knowledge of internal policies, processes, and procedures generally and in particular those related to communication, production and dissemination of public information. Has understanding of the functions and organization of the work unit and of the organizational structure and respective roles of related units. Has ability to identify and resolve a range of issues/problems and to work well with figures, undertake basic research and gather information from standard sources. Has demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. Has ability to perform analysis, modeling, and interpretation of data in support of decision-making. 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. The ability to perform analysis, modeling, and interpretation of data in support of decision-making.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Planning & 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 A high school diploma or equivalent is required.

Job - Specific Qualification Passing the Global General Service Test (GGST) is a prerequisite, i.e. is required, for recruitment consideration in the General Services and related categories in the United Nations Secretariat. Applicants who have not passed the GGST at the time of application may be invited for the test after submitting an application. The GGST is a proctored entry-level examination at the duty station. Any travel expenses incurred in order to take the examination are the responsibility of the candidate and will not be reimbursed by the Organization. Having passed the Administrative Support Assessment Test [in English] at the United Nations headquarters, Economic Commission for Africa, Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, United Nations Office at Geneva, United Nations Office at Vienna, International criminal tribunal for Rwanda or International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia may be accepted in lieu of the GGST.

Work Experience A minimum of five years of experience in public relations, communications or related area is required.

Experience in managing communications projects including planning, mobilizing resources, partnerships, organizing events and public information campaigns and coordinating activities and public information products is required.

Experience in media engagement is required.

Experience in drafting and editing complex written communication documents is required.

Work experience within the United Nations system or similar international organizations, in particular, in the area of communications is desirable.

Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.

Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.

Special Notice This position is temporarily available until 30 June 2024. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.

While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.

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.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

Education qualification exceeding the specified requirement of this job opening including university degrees and certificates shall not give rise to additional entitlements or benefits, or facilitate a move to the Professional category. The movement of staff members from the General Service and related categories to the Professional category in the United Nations Secretariat is exclusively allowed through the Young Professionals Programme competitive examinations. Only a few staff members pass the competitive examinations. Passing the competitive examinations does not guarantee movement to the Professional category. For further information, please visit https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=GP

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.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side 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.