PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

Contract

This is a P-4 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 7 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 131,997 USD and 170,183 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 Development Coordination Office (DCO) Regional Office in Istanbul provides UN Resident Coordinators – the designated representatives of the United Nations Secretary-General – with strategic support in the integrated implementation at the country level of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and SDGs.

This position, as part of the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC), is located in the UNDCO Regional Office, and maintains a close working relationship with the Information Centres Service (ICS), Strategic Communications Division, DGC, which sets the communications and advocacy priorities of the United Nations around the world.

The incumbent reports to the Chief of the Programme Support Section within ICS in DGC and is under the overall supervision of the DCO Regional Director.

Responsibilities Within delegated authority the Public Information Officer is responsible for the following duties:

-With a focus on the implementation of sustainable development in countries of the region, takes the lead in communications strategy development, coordination, planning, and implementation of large, complex traditional and/or social communications campaigns (e.g. global promotion initiatives, public information programmes in the region, broad-reaching subject specific issues, etc.); where appropriate, works with UN departments, UN regional economic commissions, agencies, funds and programmes to develop and coordinate and implement campaigns system-wide and to incorporate the campaign messages and themes into all relevant events and products.

-Coordinates, provides advice and expertise to the Regional Director DCO and/or DGC managers, senior officers and other public information staff on a range of communications and public affairs issues, methods, and approaches; anticipates and resolves communications/strategic public engagement issues/problems, to include the provision of an effective crisis communications support and/or surge capacity mechanisms in the event of a crisis in the region of responsibility.

-Develops and coordinates strategic partnerships with key constituencies, including members of the United Nations communications groups in the region, to elicit support for and maximize impact of promotional objectives; may serve as a spokesperson/principal liaison to media organizations, governmental bodies, national groups, private sector organizations, educational organizations, international organizations, etc.

-Prepares, oversees and coordinates preparation of a diverse range of information communications products in support of major campaign initiatives, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and SDGs.

-Identifies sources and seeks funding and other assistance for major campaigns.

-Prepares communications material for UN websites and social media accounts, newsletters, periodicals, reports and books, and edits draft materials prepared by junior officers.

-Evaluates results and impact of communications activities; reports on developments, trends and attitudes regarding the UN.

-Represents the United Nations in meetings and conferences; fulfills speaking engagements and makes presentations to groups on UN activities and advocate issues of concern; organizes media coverage and arranges for media contacts, briefings, interviews; organizes seminars, lectures, conferences, public events on major issues and events concerning the organization.

-Builds information networks and regional communities of practice (RCO communications officers and heads of UNIC); plans and oversees maintenance of publicly accessible information materials on the United Nations both on- and off-line; plans and develops outreach activities.

-Assists in the day-to-day operation of the Regional Office to include participating in coordination of substantive and administrative activities of the office related to communications and advocacy, interpreting and disseminating policy, providing procedural advice, improving reporting systems, handling operational and administrative queries, preparing budget submissions, establishing and/or coordinating training programmes,and monitoring, reporting and evaluating results.

-Coordinates and directs as appropriate and relevant a team of public information staff and/or mentor and supervise the work of junior officers across the region on specific projects.

Competencies PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of different aspects of public information and communication, particularly in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in the region. Ability to address a range of issues in the context of political developments, public attitudes and local conditions. Ability to conceptualize, design and implement major information campaigns. Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships. Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style. Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. 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.

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 An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public information or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in communication, journalism, international relations, public information or related area is required. Experience developing and implementing strategic, multimedia communications campaigns for a diverse audience is required. Experience interacting and managing relations with the media is required. Experience in working with and/or managing the work of teams in multiple field offices is required. Experience managing resources, including personnel and budget, to support communications and advocacy activities, is desirable. A minimum of one-year of experience working in the political, social and economic context of the region of responsibility is desirable.

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

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

Special Notice Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year.

The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. This position is subject to availability of funding by the Development Coordination Office.

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 in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or underrepresented in the UN Secretariat as of 30 September 2020, are strongly encouraged to apply: Afghanistan, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Cabo Verde, Cambodia, China, Comoros, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Norway, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Solomon Islands, South Sudan, Suriname, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

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.