UNOCHA is the part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies. OCHA also ensures there is a framework within which each actor can contribute to the overall response effort.

We are recruiting to fill the position below: 

Job Title: Public Information Officer, P3 (Temporary Job Opening)

Job Opening Number: 18-Public Information-OCHA-98601-J- (X)

Department/Office:  Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Staffing Exercise N/A

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

Org. Setting and Reporting

• This position is located in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Nigeria, Maiduguri.
• The Public Information Officer reports to the Head of Communication. OCHA is the part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies.
• OCHA also ensures there is a framework within which each actor can contribute to the overall response effort.

Responsibilities

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

• Conducts reporting and analysis, by establishing and maintaining reporting system within the country; drafting and distribute regular reports on the humanitarian situation; ensuring flow of information and analysis of developments in the country/region, including tracking trends and sharing reports with HQ, and key partners.
• 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.
• Produces or oversees production of a specific type or types (e.g. print, broadcast, etc.) of information communications products (e.g. press kits, press releases, feature articles, speeches, booklets, brochures, backgrounders, audio-visual materials, radio spot programmes, 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.
• Undertakes activities to promote media coverage (e.g. press conferences, press releases, 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. Contributes content to and maintains appropriate and timely web and social media outreach. .
• Takes the lead on producing content for social media in relation to the crisis, and boosting the use of digital media to disseminate messaging around the response
• Prepares, on the basis of official UN documentation and other sources, initial drafts of articles or chapters for inclusion in UN newsletters, periodicals, reports and books.
• Initiates and sustains professional relationships with 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 different aspects of public information and communication.
• 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.
• 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.

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 is required.
• A first-level university Degree in combination with an additional two years of qualifying 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, public administration or related area.
• Humanitarian experience in the field in an actual setting where a mission or project is being implemented in emergency situations, complex emergency or natural disaster is required.
• Experience with crisis communications is required. Experience in the UN Common System or other international organization is desirable.

Languages:

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Assessment:

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

United Nations Considerations

• According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity.
• Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation or sexual abuse, or crimes other than minor traffic offences, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts.
• The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another.
• The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions.