Communication/Public Information Officer

Before submitting an application, UNHCR staff members intending to apply to this Job Opening are requested to consult the Recruitment and Assignments Policy (RAP, UNHCR/HCP/2017/2 and the Recruitment and Assignments Administrative Instruction (RAAI), UNHCR/AI/2017/7 OF 15 August 2017.

Communication/Public Information Officer

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

Direct supervision is normally exercised by the Snr. Communications/PI Officer who provides guidance on the applicable procedures. Advice may also be provided by relevant functional units at HQ. The incumbent may supervise some support staff. Contacts are predominantly with persons on subject matters of importance to Organization's programmes (e.g. counterparts in other organizations or at working level in national Governments).

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability

- UNHCR's media relations and advocacy work within geographic and thematic areas of specializations are actively maintaining the organization's standing with media and audiences.

Responsibility

- Assist in developing and implement communications strategies, campaigns, events and other initiatives in support of UNHCR's strategic objectives.
- Assist in researching, preparing fact-checking, editing, and producing professional media and communications materials for various audiences and ensure their timely dissemination via UNHCR's communications channels.
- Act as a spokesperson for UNHCR, if so designated by the supervisor, organizing press events, handling interviews requests, and providing responses to requests from media relating to UNHCR and its work.
- Provide considered professional communications advice to Representative and senior staff of UNHCR as needed.
- Undertake missions and field trips with media and other official visitors in support of UNHCR and its work.
- Actively maintain media relations for UNHCR, ensuring that media (and other important external stakeholders, such as governments, embassies, NGOs etc.) are briefed regularly on issues of importance to UNHCR, and have access to information and UNHCR expertise.
- Assist in preparation of communications budgets.
- Perform other duties as required.

Authority

- Represent UNHCR in press events, interviews and other media events.
- Authorize expenditures against communication budgets.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

- Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) in Journalism, International Relations, Communications, Political Science or similar relevant field.
- Minimum of 6 years of relevant job experience at professional level in progressively responsible functions related to UNHCR and/or any other humanitarian agency on promotional activities of the agency.
- General understanding of UN/UNHCR reforms and the priority agenda of the organization.
- Excellent computer skills (MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint essential).
- Excellent communication skills with strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.

- Excellent knowledge of English and working knowledge of another UN language.
(In offices where the working language is not English, excellent knowledge of UN working language of duty station and working knowledge of English.)
***For National Officer positions, very good knowledge of local language and local institutions is essential.
- Highly developed drafting ability in the UN working language of the duty station.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

- Completion of UNHCR Learning Programmes or specific training relevant to functions of position.
- High IT affinity with specific focus on preparation of website/pages.
- Knowledge of another relevant UN language or local language. C001L3 - Accountability Level 3
C002L3 - Teamwork & Collaboration Level 3
C003L3 - Communication Level 3
C004L3 - Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 3
C005L3 - Client & Result Orientation Level 3
C006L3 - Organizational Awareness Level 3
M002L3 - Managing Performance Level 3
M006L3 - Managing Resources Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X002L3 - Innovation and Creativity Level 3
X007L3 - Political Awareness Level 3

Please note that the closing date for all vacancies in the September 2017 Compendium is Monday 6 November 2017 (midnight Geneva time).