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 7,172 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 United Nations Environment Programme is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.

The position is located in the Conference and Information Systems Branch (CISB) of the Secretariat of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, in Geneva.

Under the overall supervision and guidance of the Public Information Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

Responsibilities

1. Provides specialized assistance to officers in the production and delivery of information communications products and services.
2. Researches, compiles and presents basic information for use in the preparation and production of communications products/services; researches, compiles and distributes press articles related to BRS activities.
3. Updates and further develops internal databases; updates websites, to include drafting and editing content; assists in design, development and maintenance of internet applications. Publications
4. Coordinates the publishing of BRS publications including Conventions texts, technical reports and brochures; uses design software to ensure consistent lay-out and covers, liaises with designers and publishers; invites quotations and proposes the best offer for design and printing; proofreads and agrees camera-ready copy with BRS content managers.
5. Coordinates production of a specific type or types (e.g. digital, print, etc.) of information communications products (e.g., information kits, newsletters, booklets, brochures, backgrounders, audio-visual materials, etc.), preparing production plans, obtaining clearances, and coordinating design approval, printing procedures and distribution.
6. Assists in the production and editing of video/film projects, radio programmes, or website projects: researches diverse print and electronic information sources for topics and materials for projects; suggests ideas on content, narration tests, audio excerpts, design elements, etc. selects and catalogues sound/visual materials and evaluates quality for inclusion in productions and obtains requisite clearances and copyrights; prepares detailed “short lists” of video and film material; transcribes audio materials available only on audio format, etc.
7. Requests quotations for promotional material and proposes the best company. Liaises with the private company for the design and delivery of the product.
8. Archives files of printed publications, electronic publications and public awareness materials; maintains and updates publications repositories; maintains and updates multimedia stock and libraries / repositories; maintains and updates other public information and outreach materials stock and inventory.
9. Liaises with new media and publications agencies, etc. to provide advance notice of, and information on, upcoming meetings, briefings and special events and to ascertain coverage requirements; prepares and dispatches media kits and other media related materials; coordinates technical arrangements and organizes and allocates space for visiting media.
10. Liaises with the Conference Service Unit for the registration and accreditation of media staff (Journalist, photographer, cameraperson etc.) for the special events and conferences.
11. Maintains a steady output of messaging through social media channels, in accordance with the BRS Social media policy.
12. Participates in the planning and coordination of special events, exhibits and press conferences.
13. Creates graphic designs to be used in promotional and other material (e.g. brochure, flyers, posters, leaflet, etc).
14. Serves as a photographer for relevant BRS meetings, produces multimedia, e.g, photos, movies, and podcasts; coordinates multimedia documents compilation; produces graphic design or procures graphic design services.
15. Drafts and edits reports, production schedules, press releases and related texts, and correspondence related to the planning and production of exhibits.
16. Coordinates administrative services for the unit, including preparing, monitoring and processing various requisitions, service contracts and payment vouchers, coordinating special assignments and related travel authorizations, etc.
17. Serves as BRS photographer during special events and take pictures for publications, produces digital images and photo print; maintains photo database; ensures that photos, graphics, etc. are appropriate and conform to UN standards for print materials.
18. Assists 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.
19. Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures.
20. Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies

•PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures related to communication, production and dissemination of public information. Ability to research information from a variety of sources. 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of work. Ability to perform analysis, modeling and interpretation of data in support of decision-making.

•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

A High School Diploma or equivalent is required.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of five (5) years of experience in communication, public information, journalism, outreach, publications, press, documentation/information processing or related area is required.

Experience using relevant software and other applications, e.g., Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, or equivalent is required

Experience in graphic design and/or desktop publishing utilising Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, and/or comparable computer software is required.

Experience working in an international organization in the field of communication, public information, journalism, outreach, publications, press, documentation/information processing, or related area, is desirable.

Experience drafting content for different publishing formats and/or platforms, including briefing notes, press releases, speeches, social media and websites is desirable.

One (1) year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Languages

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

NOTE: "Fluency equals a rating of "fluent" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and "Knowledge of" equals a rating of "confident" in two of the four areas.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

Appointment against this post is for an initial period of one (1) year and may be subject to extension.

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.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

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

Internal Applicants – when completing the Candidate Profile form, ensure ALL fields, ALL professional experience and contact information are completed and up to date. This information is the basis for the hiring manager to assess your eligibility and suitability for the position and to contact you.

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.

All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided. If you do not receive an e-mail acknowledgement within 24 hours of submission, your application may not have been received. If the problem persists, please seek technical assistance through the Inspira "Contact Us" link.

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.

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.