Public Information Consultant

Result of Service The consultant will contribute to the successful communications and advocacy of the UN Office for Partnerships, particularly as it relates to the Decade of Action.

Work Location New York

Expected duration Six months

Duties and Responsibilities Org. Setting and Reporting This position is located in the UN Office for Partnerships (UN Partnerships). UN Partnerships serves as a global gateway to co-create partnerships to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Working globally, regionally and in countries UN Partnerships connects, convenes and co-creates opportunities to accelerate solutions for people and for the planet. To fulfil its mandate, UN Partnerships leverages expertise and networks across its teams and initiatives including UN Leadership, Secretary-General’s SDG Advocates; the SDG Strategy Hub; the Climate Action team; the United Nations Democracy Fund; and the United Nations Fund for International Partnerships. The incumbent will support all initiatives of the UN Partnerships and report to the Executive Director of UN Partnerships, and work closely with other members of the team.

Management and reporting arrangements The Consultant will work during regular working hours under the supervision of the Executive Director of UN Partnerships, and from the office of the UN Partnerships in New York, as required. The Consultant may work remotely, upon prior agreement with the supervisor, and provided that outputs are delivered within agreed timelines established with the approval of the Executive Director of UN Partnerships.

Responsibilities Within delegated authority, the Public Information Officer will be responsible for the following duties: 1. Prepares and coordinates the development of communications products across all teams and initiatives of UN Partnerships, ensuring accurate and consistent messaging, branding, and alignment with the communications strategy of the UN leadership. - Drafts material for press releases, key messages, Q&As, talking points, UN Partnerships newsletters, reports and other materials; - Produces or coordinates the preparation of website content; - Writes human interest stories and develops proposals for digital content for the UN Partnership’s social media platforms; - Edits material drafted by the UN Partnerships teams.

2. Develops and implements communications strategy and activities of UN Partnerships: - Responsible for development, writing and implementation of a strategy for media relations, publications, web and digital media including social media, community outreach and/or broadcast with the objective of promoting awareness, understanding, and support for the UN Partnerships’ work and priorities; - Prepares reports to the Executive Director on communications activities, developments and trends regarding issues relevant to the mandate of UN Partnerships. Shares public information activities and guidance with other teams when appropriate; - Provides communication support to UN Partnerships team, partners and network as relevant. - Develops and implements communications campaigns as necessary to highlight and promote vital issues identified by the Executive Director and the UN leadership; - Analyses media monitoring statistics, social media and web usage and adapts editorial and outreach priorities accordingly.

3. Engages with media and strengthens key partnerships - Establishes and maintains a cooperative relationship with the Office of the Spokesperson of the UN Secretary-General, media organizations and journalists fostering sustained contact and close collaboration with the media. - Sets up regular system of media guidance and monitoring and develops contact list of journalists and media outlets covering all media - print, TV, radio, social media, web, photo, etc. - Arranges interviews and/or background briefings for the Executive Director - Assists in responding in a timely fashion to disinformation that could impact negatively on the public perception of the Office. - Keeps abreast of changing developments, trends, and technologies with strong understanding of social media.

Qualifications/special skills Academic Qualifications: Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism or related area is required. Experience in drafting, editing, and proofreading of communications products such as news stories, human interest features, social media posts, press releases and statements as well as designing and implementing public information campaigns is required. Experience in overseeing the production of multimedia content such as videos is desirable.

Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.

Competency: Professionalism: Knowledge of the full range of communications approaches, tools, and methodologies essential to planning and executing effective campaign strategies and programmes, e.g. campaign management, media operations, marketing and promotion, audience outreach, message targeting, with proven experience undertaking communications campaigns. Excellent writing skills—comfortable writing under deadline. Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Knowledge of political developments in the region is desirable. Ability to identify public affairs issues, opportunities and risks in an international environment. Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with focus audiences and cultivate productive relationships within the Secretariat, UN system and external parnters. Knowledge of relevant internal policies and business activities/issues. Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style. Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. Ability to write original high-quality human-interest new stories and post to website and relevant social media platforms. Ability to produce or oversee the production of audiovisual and multimedia content, including digital short videos. 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.

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

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.