Public Information Officer → UNIDIR

This position is located in the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), an autonomous institution within the framework of the United Nations mandated by the General Assembly to undertake independent research and analysis on disarmament and international security issues. The Public Information Officer reports to the Head of Communications.

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 supporting leadership communication, drafting information strategies, coordinating efforts, monitoring and reporting on progress, taking appropriate follow-up action, and analyzing the outcome.
• Monitors and analyzes web and email analytics to inform content strategies, identifies issues and trends, provides technical advice, liaises with developers as needed, 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 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, periodicals, reports and books.
• Initiates and sustains professional relationships with key constituencies, particularly with disarmament and arms control partners.
• 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 recruit, train and supervise, more junior staff.
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.

Results expected

Plans, manages and evaluates public communications campaigns that promote public understanding and media cover of UN activities, events and views on specific topics/issues in accordance with prevailing policy and practices. Originates communications products that most effectively convey desired information/message to targeted audience(s). Builds and facilitates strategic contacts and partnerships to ensure effective public communications.

Competencies

The incumbent is required to demonstrate the core values of the United Nations: Professionalism, Integrity, and Respect for Diversity.

In addition, in this role, the Public Information Officer will demonstrate the following competences:

• 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. Knowledge of disarmament issues. 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.
• 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 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.
• 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.
• 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. 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.

Qualifications

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 qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage.

Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area. 2 years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.

Demonstrated experience in audiovisual management, maintaining social media accounts and using advanced tools for online publishing is required. Experience in reporting on quantitative and qualitative analytics is required. Previous work experience in disarmament is desirable. Experience in graphic design and video editing is desirable. Experience working in the United Nations is desirable.

Language

Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment

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

Travel No travel is expected. The Public Information Officer must complete the UN course BSAFE (online) and other mandatory UN trainings.

How to apply

The applicant should submit:

• A cover letter
• A PDF of a UN Personal History Profile (PHP) – Administrative Profile created via Inspira
• Name and contact details of three references

Applications should be sent as email attachments, with the subject line “Application: Public Information Officer – P3” to E-Mail schreiben. No applications will be accepted by post. Deadline for submission of applications is 22 December 2024. Closing date is midnight Geneva time.

Please note

Due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Should you move forward in the process, you may be contacted for further assessment.

UNIDIR promotes the core values of the United Nations: Integrity, Professionalism and Respect for Diversity.

UNIDIR is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.