Date of issue: 15 September 2011
Post title and level: Public Information Officer P-4
Duty station: Nairobi, Kenya (with frequent travel to Somalia), OCHA Somalia
Duration: Three Months
Expected Entry of Duty: As soon as possible
Deadline for applications: 29 September 2011
Vacancy Notice number: OCHA/G/42/2011
United Nations Core Values: INTEGRITY / PROFESSIONALISM / RESPECT FOR DIVERSITY
ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING AND REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS: The Public Information Officer will report to the Head of Office of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Somalia, based in Nairobi.
RESPONSIBILITIES: Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be expected to be able to work both independently and inter-dependently as part of a team and will be responsible for the following duties:
Takes the lead in strategy, planning, development and implementation of large, complex communications campaigns (e.g. global advocacy initiatives, regional public information programmes) and joint communications strategies in humanitarian contexts, leading common media communications efforts, including common messaging and chairing a humanitarian communications group; Identifies sources and seeks funding and other assistance for major campaigns; Provides advice and expertise to managers, senior officers and other public information staff on a range of public affairs issues, methods, approaches on key media developments and appropriate approaches for media engagement to raise awareness of humanitarian needs advocate timely and coordinated response; Anticipates and resolves communications / public relations issues / problems; Develops strategic partnerships with key constituencies to elicit support for and maximize impact of humanitarian advocacy objectives; Serves as spokesperson / principal liaison to media organizations, governmental bodies, national groups, private sector organizations, educational international organizations, etc.; Prepares or oversees preparation of a diverse range of information communications products in support of priority humanitarian initiatives; Drafts complex material for UN newsletters, periodicals, 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 UN and the broader humanitarian community; Represents the institution in meetings and conferences; Fulfills speaking engagements and makes presentations to groups on humanitarian and advocate issues of concern; Organizes media coverage and arranges for media contacts, briefings, interviews; organizes seminars, conferences, media trips, public events on major issues and events concerning the organization; Builds information networks; Plans and oversees maintenance of publicly accessible information materials on humanitarian issues and of the humanitarian community; Plans and develops strategic outreach activities; Manages publications programme; Produces materials for print / electronic / voice / visual and social media outreach; Leads day-to-day country or regional communications operations to include participating in coordination of substantive and administrative 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 duties as requested.
Competences
PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of different aspects of public information and communication; Ability to address a range of issues in the context of political developments, public attitudes and local conditions; Ability to conceptualize, 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; Excellent drafting skills is required; Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; Sound understanding of the role of the UN system and multilateral humanitarian affairs; Proven ability to manage others efficiently in high pressure environments; Crisis communications experience is required.
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; Uses time efficiently.
TEAMWORK:
Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; Solicits input 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.
Qualifications & Experience
EDUCATION: Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field; A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in combination of qualifying relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of advanced university degree.
WORKING EXPERIENCE: A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian affairs, public information, journalism, international relations, public administration related area; International humanitarian experience is required, including field experience working in crisis situation during complex or emergency or disaster situations.
LANGUAGE:
For this particular post fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.
***SPECIAL NOTICE ***
Please note that applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.
All posts are subject to availability of funds.
Applications from qualified female candidates and from nationals of non- and under-represented countries are particularly encouraged.
Diploma of completed University degree may be requested in due course.
Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration.
This vacancy announcement may be used to fill similar positions at the same level in other field duty stations.
Candidates will be expected to move periodically to new functions throughout their careers and are subject to the assignment by the Secretary-General to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations.
*** IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR APPLICATION***
All applicants are requested to email the following documents to Ms. Iahli Patale at patale@un.org with a copy to ochavacancies@un.org
- Cover letter, explaining why you consider yourself qualified and motivated for this particular position;
- Completed Summarized Personnel Information Form;
- Completed P-11 and P-11 Supplementary Forms.
All Application Forms can be found by clicking on the following link: http://ocha.unog.ch/OCHAvacancies/
Please state your full name and the OCHA vacancy notice number (OCHA/G/42/2011) as the subject in your e-mail application and send one email application for every vacancy announcement.
"The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing, training or any other fees). Also, the United Nations does not concern itself with information on bank accounts".
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