Public Information Specialist

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.

During the first half of 2019, the United Nations put in place a humanitarian coordination architecture in accordance with international standards, as outlined in United Nations General Assembly Resolution 46/182 (1991) and based on the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. This included the appointment of the Humanitarian Coordinator, who leads the Humanitarian Country Team for strategic decision-making, the activation of eight thematic clusters and two areas of responsibility to operationalize the response and four field coordination centres to ensure assistance as close as possible to people in need. This coordination structure is essential to bring together all humanitarian actors, including national and international NGOs, UN agencies, funds and programmes and the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement as observers, all of whom have significantly increased their capacity to respond to the current situation. In addition, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has been established to support the entire structure. In this regard, OCHA has expanded the humanitarian presence in the country, through four Field Coordination Centres (FCCs) in Caracas (Capital District), Maracaibo (Zulia), San Cristobal (Tachira) and Ciudad Guayana (Bolivar). These actions have strengthened the humanitarian response in Venezuela, as a priority of the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) to ensure that assistance reaches the most vulnerable populations in a timely, predictable and effective manner and based on the humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. Following eight consecutive years of economic contraction, episodes of hyperinflation, political polarization and institutional challenges have been the key drivers’ of humanitarian needs in Venezuela. The economy is estimated to have contracted by 75 per cent since 2013, leading to decreased public spending and impacting the provision of essential services like healthcare and water, gas and electricity supply. People’s incomes, savings and purchasing power have also been severely affected, an estimated 7.7 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance. OCHA is contributing to having a coherent and coordinated approach to seek ways to maintain and expand humanitarian operations within the framework of the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) 2022-23 to support the most vulnerable populations.

Under the direct supervision of the Public Information Officer, the national UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

• Prepare and disseminate of communication materials (writing, photos and videos) such as life stories, reports, interviews, etc. • Contribute to the implementation of the media outreach strategy managing the relationship with the media and journalist to bring into de agenda topics related to humanitarian action. • Support the preparation of internal and external OCHA reporting products (situation reports, weekly reports, flash updates, etc.). • Develop and implement a social media strategy: monitoring and analysis of social me-dia trends, content development and crisis management. • Support the implementation of the Humanitarian Communication Group (HCG) communication strategy. • Support the developing of the Venezuela Humanitarian Fund (VHF) communication strategy. • Help to ensure that messaging and communication activities are aligned with OCHA’s brand and mandate. • Layout documents and design artwork for social media following OCHA's brand guidelines.

Results/Expected Output:

• Quality and production of communication materials on the implementation of projects included in the Humanitarian Response Plan (at least 1 story, 1 quality photo package or 1 video per month) improved. • 1 media outreach strategy implemented: quality of news content and article/report on humanitarian aid. • Publication schedules for OCHA products met and quality increased. • 1 social media strategy implemented: the number of publications per month (at least 12 per month) increased and the quality of the material improved. • Materials and content drafted as part of HCG's communication strategy developed on time. • Materials and content developed as part of VHF’s communication strategy delivered on time. • Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) perspective is systematically applied, integrated and documented in all activities throughout the assignment • A final statement of achievements towards volunteerism for development during the assignment, such as reporting on the number of volunteers mobilized, activities participated in and capacities developed.

Integrity: Demonstrates the values of the United Nations in daily activities and behaviours. Acts without consideration of personal gain. Resists undue political pressure in decision-making. Does not abuse power or authority. Stands by decisions that are in the Organization’s interest, even if they are unpopular. Takes prompt action in cases of unprofessional or unethical behaviour.

Professionalism: Knowledge of digital, community management and/or social media. Ability to research and analyze issues and topics related to current events. Ability to draft and compile a variety of written communication products in a clear, concise style. Ability to interact with the public to build and maintain effective business connections. 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.

Respect for diversity: Works effectively with people from all backgrounds. Treats all people with dignity and respect. Treats men and women equally. Shows respect for and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates this understanding in daily work and decision-making. Examines own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotypical responses. Does not discriminate against any individual or group.

Competencies:

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 the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Technological awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology. Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Shows willingness to learn new technology.

Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits in-put 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.

in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area is required.

•Experience working in national media, communication agencies or organizational communication is required. •Experience in working in social media is desirable. • Excellent communication, drafting and analytical skills with attention to detail. Accuracy in editing documents. • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (e.g. Adobe pack-age), good knowledge and experience in handling of web-based management systems and medium knowledge in photo and video shooting and editing. • Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners. • Deep knowledge of the Venezuela's political, social, economic and media context. • 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. • Self-motivated and ability to work with tight deadlines.

BENEFITS:

The primary benefit of serving as a UN Volunteer is the personal satisfaction of the volunteer assignment, as it involves making a positive impact for peace and development. However, the UNV program offers support during your assignment in a number of ways. The UNV program offers:

• A VLA (Volunteer Living Allowance) of USD $1,299.58 to be provided on a monthly basis to cover the costs of accommodation, housing and normal living expenses.
• International medical insurance with 100% coverage (including up to three dependents and dental), life and permanent disability insurance are included, as well as a relocation allowance for satisfactory service.
• The volunteer will be entitled to vacation and medical leave (if applicable), as well as virtual learning platforms.
• Reimbursement of a maximum of US$400 to cover travel costs to the assignment site and a settling-in allowance will be provided if the work assignment is not within a reasonable distance from the volunteer's place of residence.
• Full-time availability is required.