PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER Location : New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,Closing date: Wednesday, 25 February 2015

Closing date: Wednesday, 25 February 2015

PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

Location : New York, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Application Deadline : 25-Feb-15

Type of Contract : TA International

Post Level : P-2

Languages Required : English

Duration of Initial Contract : 6 months

Background

Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationships: The position will be located in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in New York. The Public Information Officer will report to the Strategic Communications and Advocacy Officer for the World Humanitarian Summit (WHS).

Duties and Responsibilities

The Public Information Officer will be responsible for the following duties

• Monitors and analyzes relevant UN and humanitarian processes, public opinion and press, and provides regular reports to WHS senior managers on identified issues and trends relevant to the WHS.
• Drafts communications and advocacy material for WHS, including newsletters, reports, guidelines, articles, blog posts, press releases and talking points for senior managers, and ensures coherent messaging between web-based and non-web content.
• Supports the WHS online consultations, in close coordination with the Online Dialogues team and the Knowledge Management and ICT Expert, and develops communications materials to support the online consultation process and disseminate the results;
• Supports the development and implementation of public information campaigns related to the WHS, including the production of a diverse range of information products and uses initiative to identify gaps and opportunities and propose new products, including: proposing topics, undertaking research, determining appropriate medium and target audience, preparing production plans, writing drafts, obtaining clearances and finalizing texts, editing copy, and coordinating design approval, printing procedures and distribution;.
• Prepares reports on the results and impact of communications activities and on developments, trends and attitudes regarding the WHS;
• Provides inputs to the WHS digital media strategy; increases the WHS' digital reach, and ensures that social media is used in support of key WHS activities;
• Initiates and sustains relationships with communications professionals from key stakeholders;
• Provides support to regional offices as needed, some travel may be required.
• Undertakes other communication efforts in support of the WHS as needed.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following

• Senior and junior public information officers, operations staff and other specialists and managers throughout UN OCHA and agencies of the entire UN system;
• Translators, designers, printers, web designers;
• Representatives of international, regional and national organizations, government bodies and agencies, non-governmental organizations, businesses, academia and other areas of civil society.

Results Expected

• Keeps regular and up-to-date monitoring of humanitarian news and identifies issues and trends relevant to WHS in a timely way.
• Drafts high-quality, professional communications, outreach and advocacy materials including newsletters, reports, guidelines, articles, blog posts, press releases and talking points for senior managers.
• Takes initiative in identifying needs and creating new content.
• Provides effective support to the WHS online consultations.
• Develops creative content for media (including social and digital media) in support of the overall goals of the WHS.
• Regularly reports on the results and impacts of WHS communications activities.
• Develops and maintains productive relationships with relevant parties to advance the goals of the WHS.

Competencies

Professionalism

• Knowledge of the full range of communications approaches, tools, and methodologies essential to planning and executing effective campaign strategies and programmes, e.g. campaign management, media operations, marketing and promotion, audience outreach, message targeting. Shows creativity and initiative in meeting organizational goals;
• Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources;
• Ability to identify public affairs issues, opportunities and risks in an international environment;
• Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships.
• Knowledge of relevant internal policies and business activities/issues;
• 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. Keeps abreast of available technology and actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks.

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.

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, humanitarian studies, or related field;
• A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience

• A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in public information, public relations, international relations, public administration or related area, especially within humanitarian organizations and contexts.

Language

• Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required;
• Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Other

• Thorough understanding of humanitarian issues and contexts;
• Experience working within humanitarian organizations and contexts would be an advantage.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.