Public Information Officer, El Fasher, Sudan

Closing date: Thursday, 30 April 2015

Posting Title: Public Information Officer, P3

Job Code Title: PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

Department/ Office: AU/UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur

Duty Station: EL FASHER

Posting Period: 15 April 2015-30 April 2015

Job Opening number: 15-PUB-UNAMID-42246-F-EL FASHER (M)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Special Notice

This 'Recruit from Roster' job opening is only open to roster applicants who are already placed on pre-approved rosters, following a review by a United Nations Central Review Body. Only roster applicants who were placed on rosters with similar functions at the same level are considered to be eligible candidates. Eligible applicants receive an email inviting them to apply. Rostered applicants are encouraged to apply only if they are interested and available to take up the position at the duty station/s specified in the Job Opening. Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected.

Organizational Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Communications and Public Information Section (CPIS), of the Africa Union - United Nations Hybrid Mission in Sudan (UNAMID). The successful candidate will be under the overall supervision of the Chief of CPIS, and will report directly to the UNAMID Spokesperson / Head of the Media Relations and Monitoring Unit.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Public Information Officer, will be responsible for the following duties:

• Monitors and analyzes current events, public opinion and press, identifies issues and trends, and advises UNAMID/CPIS management on appropriate action / responses. Monitors all media sources and responds to any misleading or incorrect reporting on the activities of UNAMID. Acts as one of CPIS focal points on specific issues, monitoring and reporting on developments, responding to inquiries, etc.
• Undertakes activities to promote media coverage (e.g. press conferences, interviews, press seminars and other special activities) priority issues, and/or major events, initiating pro-active media outreach efforts, proposing and arranging press conferences/media coverage, disseminating materials and consulting with press on approach/story angles and other information requests, undertaking appropriate follow-up action and analyzing and reporting on the impact of coverage.
• Produces or oversees production of a specific type or types communications information products (e.g. press kits, press releases, press lines, feature articles, speeches, booklets, brochures, backgrounders, audio-visual materials, radio and TV news stories, social media etc.), to include proposing topics, undertaking research, determining appropriate medium and target audience, preparing production plans, writing drafts, obtaining clearances and finalizing texts, editing, and coordinating design approval, printing procedures and distribution.
• Initiates and sustains professional relationships with key national / international media partners and counterparts and other constituencies including the media focal points of UN County Team in Sudan, and Department of Public Information UNHQ.
• Assists in formulating, developing and advancing UNAMID's communication strategy by identifying key messages to be promoted, to particularly include development of a media strategy and action plan, as well as target audiences. Participates in selecting the information transmitted to key constituencies and ensures internal distribution of important articles or reports on the work of UNAMID/CPIS through the most relevant media and social media platforms.
• Provides guidance to, supervises more junior staff, and performs other related duties as required such as the implementation of information programs to publicize priority issues and/or major events, coordinating communications efforts, monitoring and reporting on progress, taking appropriate follow-up action, analyzing the outcome on behalf of UNAMID / the Communications & Public Information Section and so on.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM

Knowledge of the full range of communications approaches, tools, and methodologies essential to planning and executing effective campaign strategies and programs, 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. Knowledge of the different UN human rights mechanisms is desirable.

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 programs 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.

TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS

Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

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 years of 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.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. A working knowledge of other UN official language is desirable.

Assessment Method

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.

United Nations Considerations

Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

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.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on 'The Application Process' and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on 'Manuals' hyper-link on the upper right side of inspira account-holder homepage.

Applications are pre-screened by the system according to the published requirements of the job opening on the basis of the information provided in the application. In relation to the requirements of the job opening, applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their qualifications, including their education, work experience, and language skills. Each applicant must bear in mind that submission of incomplete or inaccurate applications may render that applicant ineligible for consideration for the job opening. Initial screening and evaluation of applications will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted. Applications cannot be amended following submission. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.

APPLY