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 171,387 USD and 220,969 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 This position is located Public Information Section of the United Nations Global Compact Office. The incumbent reports to the Senior Public Information Officer.

The United Nations Global Compact is the United Nations' voluntary corporate sustainability initiative in the areas of human rights, labour, the environment, and anti-corruption. It revolves around ten universal principles drawn from four key international instruments in these areas. The Global Compact Office is the United Nations entity responsible for the overall management and coordination of the Global Compact initiative. It pursues two complementary objectives: (1) making the Global Compact and its principles part of business strategy and operations everywhere; and (2) facilitating cooperation among key stockholders by promoting partnerships and other collective action in support of United Nations, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Responsibilities Within delegated authority and under the direct supervision of the Senior Public Information Officer, the Public Information Officer is responsible for the following duties:

• Takes the lead in the planning, development and implementation of the Global Compact’s complex corporate communications (e.g. global promotion initiatives and public information programmes, etc.) including writing speeches, talking points, op-eds, forewords, papers, reports, day-to-day tactical communications such as social media posts, news items, letters, and informational updates, all with a view to build strong, bold, sharp and principle-based brand; works with UN departments, funds and agencies to develop ways to implement and collaborate on campaigns system-wide and to incorporate the campaign message and themes into all relevant events and products.

• Provides advice and expertise to the Executive Director in the preparation and development of executive communications; provides advice and expertise to senior officers and other public information staff on a range of public affairs issues, methods, and approaches; anticipates and resolves communications/public relations issues/problems; handles crisis communications; provides inputs to the Executive Office of the Secretary-General on strategic drafting and editing of broader business communications such as speeches, remarks, United Nations reports, and events, as requested.

• Prepares or oversees preparation of a diverse range of information communications products in support of programmatic initiatives. Oversees the production and design of reports, multimedia products and microsites.

• Drafts complex materials for monthly bulletin newsletters, reports and books and edits drafts prepared by junior officers.

• Evaluates results and impact of communications activities; reports on developments, trends and attitudes regarding the United Nations Global Compact.

• Represents the Global Compact in meetings and conferences; fulfills speaking engagements and makes presentations to groups on United Nations Global Compact activities; 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 by serving as a liaison to media organizations, governmental bodies, national groups, private sector organizations, educational organizations, international organizations on behalf of the United Nations Global Compact; plans and oversees maintenance of publicly accessible information materials on the United Nations Global Compact; plans and develops outreach activities.

• Assists is the day-to-day operation of the Communication Team to include participating in coordination of substantive and administrative activities of the unit, 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 and evaluating results.

• May coordinate and direct a team of public information staff and/or mentor and supervise the work of junior officers on specific projects.

• Performs other related tasks, as required.

  Competencies - Professionalism: Knowledge of different aspects of public information and communication, especially as it relates to corporate sustainability. 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.

• 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 Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, economics/business, or a related field. 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 public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or a related area is required. Experience communicating to business, corporations, or corporate foundations is required. Experience in drafting and editing of complex materials in English is required. Experience with corporate sustainability as it relates to the collaboration between the private and public sector is required. Previous experience both in the private sector and the United Nations or a comparable international organization is desirable. Experience working with companies on realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is desirable. Experience working directly with senior executives is desirable. Experience in managing teams 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 an advantage.

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

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

This is an extra-budgetary funded position. The appointment or assignment and renewal therefore are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate.

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.

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.

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.