Public Information Officer

Contract

This is a UNV National Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as National UN Volunteer. It is normally only for nationals. More about UNV National Specialist contracts.

The United Nations Security Council adopted resolution 2524 (2020) authorizing the mandate of UNITAMS which is to assist the political transition, progress towards democratic governance, in the protection and promotion of human rights, and sustainable peace; support peace processes and implementation of future peace agreements; assist peacebuilding, civilian protection and rule of law, in particular in Blue Nile and South Kordofan (the Two Areas) and Darfur; and support the mobilisation of economic and development assistance and coordination of humanitarian assistance.

At least five years of relevant experience in supporting day-to-day activities of a substantive office managing contacts and networking with external partners (media, civil society, vendors, etc.), dealing with administrative and budget issues, operating and maintaining databases and document management systems and contributing to the organization of events and activities, preferably within the UN.

• Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS)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.

• 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.

• Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects.

Under the direct supervision of the UNITAMS Public Information Officer and the overall guidance of the Chief, Strategic Communications and Public Information, the UNV Public Information Officer will conduct the following tasks:

• Support the development and implementation of the Mission’s communication strategy. • Provide general office support; responds to information requests and inquiries; processes; drafts and finalizes correspondence and other communications; sets up and maintain files/records, organizes meetings, monitors deadlines, etc. • Support all administrative management tasks including contracting and procurement. • Liaise with partners and service providers, including designers, videographers and printing houses, contribute to selection of private sector service providers and manage contracts with external providers. • Support the planning and organization of communications activities and events. • Maintains the Strategic Communications Office’s work-plan timeline on an electronic calendar and project management software. • Maintenance of information databases and the Office’s visual library. • Assist with contacting media outlets and partner organisations, as required, and compile and maintain contact lists. • Assist with the preparation and production of communications material. • Participates in the planning and coordination of major exhibits and special events. • Provide logistical support for missions, events, and outreach activities.

Sudan has made the headlines lately after the former regime was thrown by the people of Sudan, ending a period of 30 years dictatorship and grievances, however, heavy heritage of social, economic, and political crises was handed over to the new government. The worldwide acclaimed role played by women to bring about change has contributed to the creation of a more conducive environment to work in the area of promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment following the adoption of a Constitutional Declaration which guarantees and promotes women’s rights in all social, political, and economic fields, and combats all forms of discrimination against women. The chapter 12 on independent commissions states the establishment of Women and Gender Equality Commission, and Chapter 7 allocated not less than 40% for women in the Transitional Legislative Council. Khartoum is the capital and trading Centre of Sudan and is situated in Khartoum State, at the junction of the Blue and White Nile rivers; Omdurman is also a suburb of Khartoum, giving the urban area a population of over 3 million. It has long served as a major communications Centre between the Arab countries of North Africa and central African countries. The city lies near the rich, irrigated cotton growing Gezira area to the south and much of its trade is based on Nile River traffic. An oil pipeline links the city with Port Sudan on the Red Sea. Industries include tanning, textiles, light engineering, food processing, glassware, and printing. Sudan’s climate ranges from tropical in the south to arid dry desert in the north. Khartoum is one of the hottest capitals in the world in summer, although the winter months are cooler and pleasant. A rainy season in many areas spans from April to October. Living conditions in Khartoum are good. Khartoum is classified as a family duty station, with inadequate level of services, accommodation, and facilities. One can rent a comfortable modern apartment or house with air conditioners that mitigate the hot and dusty climate. Medical facilities are basic. The cost of living may be high, depending on the standards, particularly for food and accommodation. It is a relatively safe environment, sometimes marked by small criminality, especially due the economic crisis, legacy of the years of exclusion of the country from the international community, exacerbated by the COVID 19 pandemic. MORSS (Minimum Operating Residential Security Standards) compliance is required. Generally, the city is safe compared to other capitals in the continent. There are many restaurants and cafes for socializing, although limited sports facilities due to the climate although one can get membership of gyms for indoor exercise and there are clubs for swimming. International personnel should be prepared to use cash while in Sudan. ATM facilities are only available for local accounts. Credit cards cannot be used while in Sudan. Currency exchange and money transfer facilities, such as Western Union, are available in Khartoum. All Photography without a permit is forbidden in Sudan. Do not take photographs without express permission. Where an official is present, you must ask permission to photograph. It is advised to obtain such permission prior to any display of a camera. Dress code is modest and conservative (arms and legs covered), although trousers are acceptable for women, head scarves do not need to be worn by expatriate women in the capital, men should wear long trousers. Public displays of affection should be avoided. Public drunkenness is forbidden and possession of alcohol in Sudan is against the local laws. Visitors should always note that UN staff members are not permitted to bring alcohol into the country. As this is a national UN Volunteer assignment, the UN Volunteer will be responsible for arranging his/her own housing and other living essentials. National UN Volunteers are part of the malicious insurance plan.