Public Information Officer, P3 at United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

This temporary job opening is being advertised for the position of Public Information Officer in Nairobi, Kenya. The incumbent reports to the Head of Office for the Office of the United Nations Famine Prevention and Response Coordinator.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Public Information Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Leads public communications efforts to advance the advocacy priorities of the UN Famine Prevention and Response Coordinator (Assistant Secretary-General) and his/her mandate.
• Ensures implementation of information programs to publicize famine prevention and related priority issues and/or major events, to include drafting information strategies, coordinating efforts, monitoring and reporting on progress, taking appropriate follow-up action, and analyzing the outcome. Ensures implementation of information programmes to publicize priority issues and/or major events, 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 traditional and social media coverage (e.g. digital advocacy, manage social media profiles, press conferences, interviews and other special activities) of priority issues and/or major events, to include development of a communications plan, quality digital content, initiating pro-active outreach efforts, , disseminating materials and consulting with press and partners on approach/story angle and other information requests, undertaking appropriate follow-up action and analyzing and reporting on the impact of coverage.
• Undertakes activities to promote media coverage (e.g. press conferences, interviews, press seminars and other special activities) of priority issues and/or major 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.
• Supports the conceptualization and implementation of a global public awareness raising campaign about famine prevention and global hunger to include proposing topics, undertaking research, determining appropriate medium and target audience, preparing production plans, writing drafts, obtaining clearances, galvanizing humanitarian partner support and finalizing texts, editing copy, and coordinating design approval, printing procedures and distribution.
• Develop internal and external communication materials, including drafting key messages, statements and reports, and develop interactive and multimedia content for use in advocacy and awareness raising.
• Leads efforts to engage, communicate with and channel views of affected people and communities, including women’s groups, and ensure their voice is heard and needs, risks and priorities taken into account.
• Initiates and sustains professional relationships with key constituencies.Participates in selecting the information transmitted to key constituencies.
• Acts as focal point on specific issues, monitoring and reporting on developments, responding to inquiries, 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. Demonstrated ability to conceive and implement social media strategies, develop quality digital communications products, deliver public campaigns and coordinate humanitarian communications. 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

• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two (2) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in communication, public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or a related area is required.
• Experience with crisis communications is desirable.
• Humanitarian experience in the field (actual setting where a mission and/or project is being implemented) in emergency situations (complex emergency or natural disaster) is desirable.
• Experience in a humanitarian context within the UN common system or in a comparable international organization is desirable.