Public Information Officer

Volunteering

Overview

Monitor and respond to humanitarian issues, produce reports and liaise with media.

You have:

• Bachelor's degree in Political or Social Sciences, Journalism, Communication or a related field is required.
• At least 2 years of progressively responsible professional experience in public information and/or humanitarian affairs.
• Fluency in French is mandatory, with a working knowledge of English.
• Strong knowledge and prior usage of social media such as Twitter is essential.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) is essential.
• Experience in the context of international development, humanitarian relief or complex emergencies is an asset.
• Excellent drafting, formulation, and reporting skills are crucial.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural team is important.
• Willingness to conduct field visits and collect first-hand information.

Contract

This is a UNV International Specialist contract. This kind of contract is known as International UN Volunteer. It is normally internationally recruited only. More about UNV International Specialist contracts.

Eligibility criteria

Minimum age: 25 years old. Nationals of the country of assignment are not eligible, except the assignments in Headquarters duty stations.

Description of task

Within the delegated authority and under the supervision of Head of Office or his/her designated mandated representative(s), the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks :

• Monitor and analyze current events, public opinion and press, identify issues and trends, and advise management on appropriate action/response. Draft analytical reports on the humanitarian situation in the area, as requested;
• Research, report, write and produce text stories, audio and video reports. Prepare news reports, features and materials on main events and issues affecting humanitarian and transitional issues in the DRC;
• Liaise with provincial, national and international media where necessary to provide them with relevant humanitarian information and facilitate media coverage of needs, constraints and humanitarian response. Prepare / conduct activities such as "press cafés", field visits, or other activities specifically dedicated to the media;
• Use/support use of social media, such as Twitter and Facebook to inform humanitarian partners, media and other stakeholders on developments in South Kivu;
• Prepare weekly updates and monthly consolidated inter-agency reports (English and French) on the humanitarian situation in the area;
• Co- organize and co- chair information-sharing meetings for humanitarian partners;
• Closely liaise with UN agencies, NGOs, international organizations and other relevant entities, including donors and media, to enhance information gathering and dissemination and ensure prompt and accurate dissemination of information on the situation;
• Prepare and implement public information campaigns aimed at increasing the awareness of the local population and civil society of humanitarian issues and principles guiding humanitarian action;
• Issue monthly inter-agency humanitarian updates and disseminate them among local officials and civil society and the humanitarian community;
• Contribute to the production of internal daily and weekly updates, snapshots, maps and other visual products;
• Conduct or participate to the field missions/ visits to collect first-hand information and feed the chain of production of the Organization's information and to conduct awareness/advocacy ("outreach") to various audiences.
• Perform any other related tasks as requested by the supervisors.

Qualifications/Requirements

Required degree level:

Bachelor degree or equivalent

Education - Additional Comments:

• Bachelor’s degree in Political or Social Sciences, Journalism, Communication or a related field

Required experience:

24 Months

Experience remark:

• Minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible professional experience in public information and/or humanitarian affairs. Good knowledge and prior usage of social media such as Twitter is essential. Experience in the context of international development, humanitarian relief or complex emergencies are strong assets. Familiarity with the UN system and the Great Lakes region would also be of advantage.
• Computer skills: Expertise in word processing; strong computer literacy and IT communication skills.
• Excellent oral and written skills; excellent drafting, formulation, reporting skills;
• Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development;
• Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel;
• Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines;
• Desirable: valid national driver’s license and proven ability to drive manual gear 4x4 over rough terrain;
• Sound security awareness;

Language skills:

• French(Mandatory), Level - Fluent
• English(Mandatory), Level - Working Knowledge

Area of expertise:

Public information and reporting, Journalism, mass media and broadcasting, Other information and telecommunications technology experience

Area of expertise details:

Political or Social Sciences, Journalism, Communication or a related field

Driving license:

No

Competencies values:

Accountability, Adaptability and Flexibility, Commitment and Motivation, Communication, Ethics and Values, Integrity, Knowledge Sharing, Planning and Organizing, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity, Working in Teams

Application procedure:

* Not yet registered in the UNV Talent Pool?

Please first register your profile at https://vmam.unv.org/candidate/signup. Important: After creating your account, complete all sections of your profile and submit it. Then go to ‘My Page’ at https://vmam.unv.org/candidate/mypage and click on the ‘Special Calls’ hyperlink. Lastly, select the special call to which you would like to apply.

* Already registered in the UNV Talent Pool?

Please first update your profile at https://vmam.unv.org/candidate/profile. Then go to ‘My Page’ at https://vmam.unv.org/candidate/mypage and click on the ‘Special Calls’ hyperlink to select the special call to which you would like to apply.

Application deadline: 28-09-2020

Apply now

Potential interview questions

Added 5 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: unv.org