Job: Public Information Officer (Deputy Spokesperson)

Job Title
Public Information Officer (Deputy Spokesperson), P4
Department/ Office
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Duty Station
NEW YORK
Posting Period
20 September 2012-19 November 2012
Job Opening number
12-PUB-OCHA-24198-R-NEW YORK (X)
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Organizational Setting and Reporting
The position is located in the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The incumbent reports to the Spokesperson and to the Chief of Communications and Information Services Branch (CISB).
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority the Deputy Spokesperson will be responsible for:
Serves as deputy spokesperson for the Under-Secretary-General and OCHA as a whole;
Takes the lead in strategy, planning, development and implementation of large, complex communications campaigns (e.g. global promotion initiatives, public information programmes for a region, broad-reaching subject specific issues, etc.)
Provides advice and expertise to managers, senior officers and other public information staff on a range of public affairs issues, methods, and approaches; anticipates and resolves communications/public relations issues/problems.
Develops strategic partnerships with key constituencies to elicit support for and maximize impact of promotional objectives; serves as a deputy spokesperson/principal liaison to media organizations, governmental bodies, national groups, private sector organizations, educational organizations, international organizations, etc.
Prepares or oversee preparation of a diverse range of information communications products in support of major campaign initiatives.
Drafts complex material for UN newsletters, periodicals, reports and books and edits drafts prepared by junior officers.
Evaluates results and impact of communications activities; reports on developments, trends and attitudes regarding the UN.
Represents the institution in meetings and conferences; fulfills speaking engagements and makes presentations to groups on UN activities and advocate issues of concern; organizes media coverage and arranges for media contacts, briefings, interviews; organizes seminars, lectures, conferences, public events on major issues and events concerning the organization.
Builds information networks ; plans and oversees maintenance of publicly accessible information materials on the United Nations; plans and develops outreach activities.
Assists in the day-to-day operation of the unit to include participating 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, preparing budget submissions, establishing and/or coordinating training programmes and monitoring and evaluating results.
May coordinate and direct a team of public information staff and/or mentor and supervise the work of junior officers on specific projects.
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 additional two years of 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. Previous work experience in a spokesperson or deputy spokesperson capacity is required, at least three (3) years experience within the United Nations system is an advantage. Experience in writing speeches for senior or high-level officials is required. Humanitarian affairs experience is desirable. Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the first level university degree recognised by the United Nations.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Working knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified applicants may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.
Special Notice
Funding for this post is available for a minimum of one year.
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff is expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers In accordance with established rules.
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.
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.