Public Information Officers (TJO) at UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

OCHA is the part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies. OCHA also ensures there is a framework within which each actor can contribute to the overall response effort.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Public Information Officer (TJO)

Job Opening Number: 61166
Location: Abuja
Department/Office: Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Organizational Setting and Reporting

• This position is located in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Abuja, Nigeria.
• The incumbent reports to the Deputy Head of Office.
• OCHA is the part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies.
• OCHA also ensures there is a framework within which each actor can contribute to the overall response effort.

Responsibilities
Within delegated authority and depending on location, the Public Information Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Conducts reporting and analysis, by establishing and maintaining reporting system within the country; drafting and distribute regular reports on the humanitarian situation; ensuring flow of information and analysis of developments in the country/region, including tracking trends and sharing reports with HQ, and key partners.
• Ensures implementation of information programmes 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.
• Monitors and analyzes current events, public opinion and press, identifies issues and trends, and advises management on appropriate action/responses.
• Produces or oversees production of a specific type or types (e.g. print, broadcast, etc.) of information communications products (e.g. press kits, press releases, feature articles, speeches, booklets, brochures, backgrounders, audio-visual materials, radio spot programmes, 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.
• Undertakes activities to promote media coverage (e.g. press conferences, press releases, 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. Contributes content to and maintains appropriate and timely web and social media outreach.
• Prepares, on the basis of official UN documentation and other sources, initial drafts of articles or chapters for inclusion in UN newsletters, 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.
• Provides guidance to, and may supervise, more junior staff.
• Performs other duties as required.

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.

Planning And 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.

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.

Requirements
Education:

• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Communication, Journalism, International Relations, Public Administration or related area is required.
• 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 is required.
• Humanitarian experience in the field (actual setting where a mission and/or project is being implemented) in emergency situations (complex emergency or natural disaster) is required.
• Experience with crisis communications is desirable. Experience working within the UN common System is desirable.

Languages:

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat.
• For this position fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Application Closing Date
10th June, 2016

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online