Position description
Org. Setting and Reporting
The position is located in the Strategic Engagement and Policy Integration Branch, Financing for Sustainable Development Office (FSDO), Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA). The Financing for Sustainable Development Office provides coherent and integrated support to Member States in addressing the issues related to financing for development, as well as the means of implementation for achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The Public Information Officer reports to the Senior Economic Affairs Officer.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Public Information Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
- Ensures implementation of information programs to publicize priority issues and/or major events related to the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, 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.
- Undertakes activities to promote media coverage (e.g. press conferences, interviews, press seminars and other special activities) of the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development and major related 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.
- Produces production of a specific type of information communications products (e.g. press kits, press releases, feature articles, speeches, booklets, brochures, backgrounders, audiovisual 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 related to the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development.
- Prepares, on the basis of official UN documentation and other sources, initial drafts of articles or chapters for inclusion in UN newsletters, websites, booklets, reports, etc.
- Initiates and sustains professional relationships with key constituencies.
- 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, in particular to Member States, policy makers, academia, parliamentarians, etc.
- Provides guidance to, and may supervise, more junior staff.
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.
- 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 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.
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work 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, economics, public administration or related area is required. Experience in producing and implementing an international communications strategy is desirable. Experience in promoting media coverage, including social media, large press conferences, organizing interviews with the media outlets, and press seminars is desirable.
Languages
- English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.
Application instructions
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