Public Information Officer at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

This post is located in the Communication Division at the Nairobi duty station.

Responsibilities

Under the general guidance of the Director and under the supervision of the Chief of Section, Digital Strategy, thei Public Information Officer (Head of News and Media) will perform the following duties:

• Lead the work of UN Environment’s Newsdesk as the main hub for news activities and press relations and contribute to the delivery of UN Environment’s Programme of Work (POW); Develop, supervise the preparation of information and communications products such as press releases, media alerts, products supporting major corporate activities; Manage UN Environment News Centre as the online tool for dissemination of media and news content pertaining to the environment and sustainable development; Keeps abreast with emerging and trending news and media stories to seize opportunities for positioning UN Environment as the thought-leader on environmental related issues.
• Supervise performance and mentor Newsdesk staff; Oversee the hiring of world class press and information officers; Supervise the day-to-day operations, including the coordination of substantive and administrative activities, providing procedural advice, and implementing activities supporting the organization through the PoW; Work with regional and out-posted information officers to ensure a successful implementation of UN Environment-wide media communications; Supervise and clear the production and distribution of press materials and activities across divisions, regional offices and Multilateral Environmental Agreement (MEA) secretariats under the administration of UN Environment; Develop and disseminate media-relation policy, provide procedural advice, organize and conduct media relation training programmes; and monitor and evaluate results and impact of news operations.
• Anticipate and resolve communications/public relations issues/problems; Develop strategic partnerships with key traditional and hybrid media outlets and constituencies to elicit support for and maximize the impact of identified communication activities; Create and maintain networks of high level international communications contacts across traditional and hybrid media, governmental agencies, international institutions and other groups and organizations in civil society; Represent the organization in important news and media related meetings, conferences and events, fulfilling speaking engagements and advocating issues of concern; Report on developments, trends and attitudes regarding the work of UN Environment; Oversee media training of senior UN Environment officials and provide clearance for interviews and media appearances; Provide news and media training for UN Environment staff and coordinate public engagement of UN Environment officials with responsible officers; Conduct regular meetings and communication training for Regional Information Officers (RIOs), and organize annual RIO retreats; Perform any other relevant duties assigned.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to effective media communication and engagement; ability to develop and implement a media strategic vision and business plan for the direction of the UN Environment and environment in the news; understanding of global and regional political trends, public attitudes and varied media platforms; establish effective collaboration and partnerships with officials at all levels inside and outside the organization; 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.
• 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, 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 march the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Qualifications

Education

• Advanced University Degree(Master’s degree or equivalent) in media studies, communication, marketing or other related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with the two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible work experience in media and strategic communications is required. Experience in managing multiple processes and projects in a complex environment and high profile media coverage (preferably in the United Nations and/or a development agency) is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working knowledge of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates for this position may include a substantive assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special Notice

Appointment against this post is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

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

All applicants are strongly encouraged to apply on-line as soon as possible after the job opening has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the job opening. On-line applications will be acknowledged where an email address has been provided.