PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, P4

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU). The United Nation Office to the African Union ((UNOAU) was established by UN General Assembly Resolution 64/288 in 2010 generally mandated to enhance the partnership between the United Nations and the African Union in the area of peace and security; Provide coordinated and consistent advice to the African Union on long-term capacity-building and short-term operational support matters; Streamline the UN assistance to the AU. Cooperation between the two organization has significantly intensified following the signing of the Joint UN-AU Framework for Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security on 19 April 2017, resulting in more strategic and forward-looking collaborative efforts in conflict prevention, mediation, peacekeeping and peace building.
The Public Information Officer will be base in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and he will report to the Chief of Staff.

Responsibilities

This position is located within the UN Office to the African Union in Addis Ababa, UNOAU. Under the guidance and supervision of the Chief of Staff, the Public Information Officer will be responsible for the following duties: Develop and implement the Office-wide communications strategy in close consultation with the leadership of the Office and Heads of Section; Enhancing the visibility of the United Nations Office to the African Union and the partnership with the African Union on issues of peace and security, working in close collaboration with the African Union ; Strengthen the strategic coordination and liaison on public information issues within the Office , UN agencies, funds and programmes, UN peacekeeping missions and special political missions, and external partners; Plan and prepare public information workplans and budget submissions; Coordinate with the AUC in the conceptualization, planning, development and implementation of communications campaigns; where appropriate, work with UNHQ departments, UN agencies, funds and programmes and UN field missions to implement system-wide campaigns and incorporate messages and themes into all relevant events and products; Provide advice and expertise to managers, senior officers and other staff on a range of communications and public affairs issues, methods, and approaches; anticipate and resolve communications/public relations issues/problems; Develop strategic partnerships with key constituencies to elicit support for, and maximize impact of, communications objectives; serve as a principal liaison to media organizations, governmental bodies, national groups, private sector organizations, educational organizations, international organizations, etc; Prepare and oversee preparation of a diverse range of information and communications products in support of campaign initiatives; Draft materials for UN newsletters, periodicals, reports and books and edit drafts prepared by other units in the Office; Evaluate results and impact of communications activities and report on developments, trends and attitudes regarding the UN; Represent the institution in meetings and conferences; fulfill speaking engagements and make presentations to groups on UN activities; advocate for issues of concern; organize media coverage and arrange for media contacts, briefings and interviews; organize seminars, lectures, conferences, public events on major issues concerning the organization; Build public information networks with local and international media and other entities; plan and oversee maintenance of publicly accessible information materials on the United Nations; plan and develop outreach activities; Manage publications programme; produce materials for print/electronic/voice/visual media as well as social media accounts; Assist in the day-to-day operation of the unit to include participation in coordination of substantive and administrative activities of the unit, interpreting and disseminating policy, providing procedural advice, improving reporting systems, handling operational and administrative queries, establishing and/or coordinating training programmes and monitoring and evaluating results; Coordinate and direct a team of public information staff and/or mentor and supervise the work of junior officers; and as appropriate perform other duties as may be assigned.

Competencies

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, design and 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 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.

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..

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.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area is required

Experience working in international organization is required.

Experience working in Africa and in UN peacekeeping or special political missions is required

Experience in developing and implementing communication campaigns and outreach activities on various media platforms is required

Experience working with the African Union and/or regional economic communities and regional mechanisms in Africa is desirable.

Experience coordinating or supporting media engagements and coverage of high-level events involving senior officials is required

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of a second language would be an advantage.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

This position is available for an initial period of one year and is subject to Performance.

At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse
and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated
in the application.

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

This job opening is only open to the applicants with relevant education and experience.
An updated list of missions and additional information on working in the field can be found at http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/about/dfs/.

The United Nations Secretariat maintains rosters of qualified and available candidates to fill anticipated job openings in peacekeeping operations, special political missions, and other field operations.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places 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. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

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.