Country: United States of America
Closing date: 20 Sep 2016
Org. Setting and Reporting
The position is located within the Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the Departments of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and Field Support (DFS). Effective strategic communications are a major priority for peacekeeping operations and an operational necessity to meet today’s immense peacekeeping challenges.
A vibrant and interactive digital presence is required to build support with local populations, partners and stakeholders to dispel misconceptions, manage expectations, protect the safety and security of UN personnel and improve awareness of the work and significant contributions of UN personnel in today’s complex and challenging peacekeeping operations.
PAS is undertaking a targeted, advocacy driven and field-focused strategic communications campaign pilot project to support UN Peacekeeping. One aspect of the campaign will focus on telling the story of peacekeeping in a dynamic and engaging manner using modern digital media channels. It will leverage and embrace the centrality of a dynamic and broad digital platform and a campaign driven approach.
The roles and responsibilities of this position will focus on the establishment of new and enhancement of existing UN Peacekeeping digital and social media platforms, generation of multimedia content for promotion of the peacekeeping brand, and expanding digital partnerships with other stakeholders.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority and depending on location, the Public Information Officer may be responsible for the following duties:
•Ensures implementation of information programs to publicize priority issues and/or major events, to include drafting information strategies, coordinating efforts, monitoring and reporting on progress, taking appropriate follow-up action, and analyzing the outcome.
•Develops and implements peacekeeping digital and social media communications strategy, working closely with mission staff to build capacity in the field.
•Coordinates on content and campaigns with the UN system including peacekeeping missions and the Department of Public Information.
•Monitors and analyzes current events, public opinion and press, identifies issues and trends, and advises management on appropriate action/responses.
•Promotes, maintains, and evaluates peacekeeping social media presence including social media accounts to improve outreach on social media platforms.
•Keeps abreast of the range of relevant social media platforms that contribute to peacekeeping’s online presence.
•Undertakes activities to promote social media coverage (e.g. press conferences, interviews, press seminars and other special activities) of priority issues and/or major events, to include development of a media strategy and action plan, initiating pro-active media outreach efforts, proposing and arranging press conferences/media coverage, disseminating materials and consulting with press on approach/story angle and other information requests, undertaking appropriate follow-up action and analyzing and reporting on the impact of coverage.
•Engage audiences in two way dialogue to both counter misinformation and gain support for the brand
•Produces or oversees production of a specific type or types (e.g. print, broadcast, digital, etc.) of information communications products (e.g. press kits, press releases, web content, feature articles, speeches, booklets, brochures, backgrounders, audio-visual materials, radio spot program, etc.), to include 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, on the basis of official UN documentation and other sources, initial drafts of articles or chapters for inclusion in UN newsletters, websites, periodicals, reports and books.
•Initiates and sustains professional relationships with key constituencies.
•Acts as focal point on specific issues, monitoring and reporting on developments, responding to inquiries, etc.
•Participates in selecting the information transmitted to key constituencies.
•Provides guidance to, and may supervise, more junior staff.
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. 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.
•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.
•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.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area, with demonstrated experience in social media. Experience developing, implementing, and evaluating engaging social media campaigns is required.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of another official language is desirable.
Assessment
Kindly note that you may, as part of the evaluation of your application for this position, be requested to undergo written knowledge-based assessment exercises, which may be followed
by a competency-based interview depending on the result of the test.
United Nations Considerations
The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
How to apply: