Programme Officer (Communications)

The position is located in the Office of the Director-General/Executive Director of the United Nations Office at Vienna/United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNOV/UNODC) in Vienna, Austria, The incumbent reports to the Speechwriter and Spokesperson as first reporting officer and to the Senior Legal Advisor as second reporting officer.

For more information on UNOV and UnODC, please visit our websites: www.unvienna.org and www.unodc.org

Within assigned authority, the Programme Officer (Communications) will provide support, within the assigned programme area, to the Speechwriter and Spokesperson in developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating assigned programme/projects as well as in writing and preparing written material for delivery by the Director-General/Executive Director, and managing communications, both external and internal, between the Director-General/Executive Director and a wide range of audiences, including media. The incumbent will work in close coordination with the other functional areas at ODG/OED.

The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

•Participate in the development and implementation of assigned programme/projects in the area of communication activities. Identify problems and issues to be addressed and propose corrective actions.

•Research, analyze and present information gathered from diverse sources; seek input and information from substantive staff, review relevant material, project documents and reports with a view to drafting speeches, statements and talking points for the DG/ED, while ensuring policy coherence and accuracy.

•Review relevant programme/project documents, reports, briefing materials and policy papers, in support of internal communications and policy coherence.

•Contribute to the substantive preparation and follow-up of meetings, attend meetings and liaise with relevant parties, seeking input and information from substantive staff, programme/project counterparts as needed, to support internal communications as well as identify and track follow-up actions.

•Identify and arrange suitable encounters between the Director-General/Executive Director and the media and assist him/her in these encounters. Work closely with programme/project support counterparts, the Advocacy Section (AS) of UNODC and the United Nations Information Service (UNIS) on public information and advocacy activities as required.

•Write articles and “op-eds” on behalf of the Director-General/Executive Director for high-profile media in order to maximize the impact of UNODC/UNOV activities by identifying and developing newsworthy ideas/topics and identifying possible high-profile media for placement.

•Monitor and analyze daily media for stories and opportunities related to UNOV/UNODC activities and mandates and the media profile of the DG/ED.

•Assist in policy support, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies; ensure implementation of the UNODC publication policy.

•Coordinate activities related to budget and funding in the assigned programme/project area including programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, etc.

•Fulfil speaking engagements and make presentations to a variety of audiences on UNODC/UNOV activities.

•Write press releases, web content and generate content for social media. Write prefaces and forewords for UNODC publications. Prepare and review correspondence as required.

•Perform other work related duties as required.

•Professionalism: Has knowledge and understanding of the functions of UNOV and mandates of UNODC. Has ability to apply various United Nations administrative rules and regulations in work situations. Has knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to programme/project management. Has conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis. Has knowledge of the full range of communications approaches, tools and methodologies. Is able to rapidly analyse and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Has ability to identify issues, formulate opinions, make conclusions and recommendations. 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.

•Planning & 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.

An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, social sciences, political science, journalism, communications or other related field is required. A first-level university degree in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional experience at the international level in programme management, policy support, journalism, communication, public information or related fields is required. Experience in writing speeches for senior or high-level officials within strict deadlines, combined with excellent writing skills, is highly desirable. Experience in the development and implementation of communication projects, plans and communicating with the media is highly desirable. Experience in a relevant field in the United Nations system or similar international organization is desirable. Experience in social media and monitoring impact is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English and French are required. Knowledge of another United Nations official language is an advantage.

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview.

This position is funded from extra budgetary resources. The initial appointment will be for a period of one year and any extension of the appointment will be subject to the availability of funding.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

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.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.