Senior Communication and Public Information Officer

Introduction

The position is located in the News and Media Unit (NEWS) of the Department of Communication and Public Information (DCOMM). The position will be part of a team of communication and public information officers whose duties are divided into the following four main categories: leading the ILO’s networking with the international media, including proactive relationship building, pitching, and story placement; proactively identifying newsworthy key moments to communicate about the ILO and its work and / or include the ILO’s voice in relevant current affairs and international issues; drafting and / or editing high quality multi-media products, including but not limited to press releases, talking points, news items, speeches, digital news items, and video scripts; supporting with the development and implementation of media training for ILO staff.

 
The position will report to the Chief of the News and Media Unit and will also work closely with other units in DCOMM and with regional communication officers.

Specific Duties

1. Implement the ILO’s global communication strategy, in line with the ILO’s programmatic needs, with a focus on news and current affairs, and content creation.
2. Write, edit, and revise materials for distribution, including news stories, press releases, speeches, digital news items, human interest stories, and media pitches, in line with the ILO’s guidelines and global journalistic standards of accuracy, balance and objectivity.
3. Under the guidance of the chief of unit, lead in the production of the ILO’s multi-media products, such as podcasts, live productions, and multi-media content.
4. Proactively look for and identify opportunities to insert messages on gender equality and other key ILO messages in the global media calendar, and in coordination with technical departments and the regions propose ILO experts for interviews.
5. Organize media coverage and interviews for the Director-General and other ILO officials, and co-lead on the record and off-the-record media briefings at the UN Palais and internationally.
6. Provide technical expertise and advice to senior officials and/or communication staff on public information, interviewing techniques, and media relations.
7. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

These specific duties are aligned with the relevant ILO generic job description, which includes the following generic duties:

Generic Duties

1. Cover the work of a programme or group of programmes, identify public information needs and opportunities, and develop communication/public information strategies.
2. Identify the need for, prepare, and produce information such as brochures, press releases, contributions to audio/visual programmes and articles for the media, NGOs and other groups to promote greater understanding and support for the organization.
3. Coordinate and ensure the dissemination of publications and promotional materials. Contribute to multi-media and other promotional campaigns and special events.
4. Write, edit and revise material for distribution, ensuring conformance to approved information policies and standards as well as professional journalistic style, accuracy and objectivity.
5. Provide technical advice to senior officials and/or public information staff in the field on the most effective public information and communication methods and approaches.
6. Establish and maintain effective working relationships and communication channels with mass media representatives, news services, editors, etc. to encourage accurate and favorable reporting of the organization’s activities.
7. Organize media coverage and arrange for interviews and briefings. Respond to media enquiries, organize seminars and make presentations to a variety of groups on the activities of the organization.
8. Administer the computerized needs of the department, prepare materials for the internet and web-sites, and develop and maintain media and other contacts lists.
9. Act as spokesperson for the programme area(s) and the department at public information meetings, conferences and press briefings. Make presentations to various groups on the activities of the organization.

Required qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree in communications, journalism, international relations, liberal arts or other relevant field. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in one of the afore-mentioned fields or other relevant field, with an additional two years of relevant experience, in addition to the experience stated below, will be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree.

Experience

At least seven years of professional experience including at the international level in journalism, public information or related fields of work. 
Experience working in an international news environment as a writer, producer, reporter, or equivalent role, is an advantage.

Languages

Excellent command of written and spoken English and of a second working language (French, Spanish) of the Organization.

Competencies

In addition to the ILO core competencies, this position requires:
 

Technical
Strong understanding of global news, current affairs, and the world of work.
Excellent writing and editing skills in English and a track record of strong and impactful storytelling.
Knowledge of the ILO’s mandate and its programmes, and an ability to tailor messaging to the organisation’s diverse target audiences.

Behavioural 
Excellent analytical and negotiations skills, ability to multi-task and meet multiple deadlines. 
Good interpersonal skills, ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and inclusive behaviour.