Associate Information Officer at United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Job Opening Number: 19-Public Information-UNEP-127648-J-Nairobi (X)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Responsibilities

• Researches and analyses environmental information on assigned topics/issues from diverse sources and helps to assess news value and other potential impact, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of information campaigns.
• Drafts/compiles information communications products for target audiences, to include press releases to media around the world.
• Maintains good media relations and ensures that the mailing lists and databases are kept up-to-date.
• Strengthen UN Environment's brand recognition and positioning and actively seek support for UNEP and its activities at various levels.
• Undertakes to implement UNEPs External Communications Strategy with due considerations to organizational priorities.
• Supports UNEP divisions and regional offices in their media activities to ensure an open flow of information and communication and works with various units within the Communication Division and UNEP at large to help them maximize their media outreach.
• In consultation with the Head of the Media Unit and the UNEP spokesperson, identifies newsworthy activities and issues for press conferences and invites a wide range of participants from local and international media to press conferences.
• In consultation with others identifies and proposes information opportunities, activities and approaches, taking into account the situation/topic and target audience.
• Identifies key contacts/constituencies and opportunities for strategic partnerships to facilitate communication efforts and maintains working relationships with them.
• Develops media plans for UNEP events and conferences such as the UNEP Assembly, youth meetings, and prepare talking points and background documents for senior officials and the media prior to their participation in such events.
• Responds to a variety of inquiries and information requests internally and externally, and prepares related correspondence.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Ability to research and analyze issues and topics related to current events. Ability to draft and compile a variety of written communication products in a clear, concise style. 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.
• 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.
• Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Education

A first level university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Journalism or related area is required.

Work Experience

No experience is required for candidates who have passed the Young Professionals Programme (YPP) Examination/ United Nations National Competitive Recruitment Examination (NCRE) or the General Service to Professional Examination (G to P). Experience coordinating media relations for events is desired. Experience drafting media briefing notes and global launch plans is desired.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in written English is required. Knowledge of French and/or Kiswahili is an asset.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

• This position is temporarily available for a duration of nine months. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.
• While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.
• Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station.
• This temporary job opening may be limited to 'internal candidates,' who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule
• 16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule
• Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.
• Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as 'retirement.' Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of he Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform

the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.