Snr Reg PI Officer (Italy)

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.

Senior Regional Public Information Officer (Italy)

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
The incumbent is directly supervised by the Regional Representative in Rome, with functional guidance by Media Relations and Public Information Service in Headquarters.

The incumbent is expected to provide regular support, advice and guidance to the Regional Representative, Deputy Regional Representative, other Regional Officers, Heads of Country Offices and national staff on matters relating to  public information, external affairs issues and works closely with the Bureau/Desk and the various units on the Division of Communications and Information as well as other UNHCR External Relations or PI officers in the field.

The incumbent directly supervises general service staff.

S/he maintains regular contacts with national, regional and international news media as well as governments, NGOs, stakeholders, academic institutions and other regional or international organizations interested in the work of UNHCR in the region and particularly in Italy.
The work of the incumbent will directly impact on the understanding of and support for UNHCR activities both globally, regionally and sub-regionally by governments, NGOs, news media, diplomatic missions, other regional and international organizations and the general public.

The incumbent is expected to play a public role on issues related to UNHCR work which will impact on public's perception of refugees.

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT

Accountability

- UNHCR has credibility in the region with external partners to protect, assist and find durable solutions for all persons of concern.

Responsibility

- Support UNHCR's offices in the region in mobilising public, political, moral, and financial support through the constant, world-wide provision of accurate and timely information to the media, the general public, governments, donors, and other interested external parties on UNHCR activities and issues of concern in a coherent, consistent, and convincing manner.
- Taking into account UNHCR's global, regional and sub-regional operational strategies and policies, develop an overall external relations/public information strategy for the Regional Representation, in close consultation with PI section in Geneva, representations and national offices in the sub-region.
- Lead media activities and act as spokesperson for UNHCR at press briefings/conferences and in broadcast interviews.
- Represent UNHCR in public events, such as seminars, conferences and round tables focused on asylum/humanitarian issues.
- Co-ordinate public awareness campaigns in the Sub-Region for general public as well as for specific targets.
- Produce timely PI material (press releases, updates and fact-sheets) and specific publications on asylum issues in the region and on major emergencies crises, as well as supervise the selection and translation of materials for the regional version of the UNHCR website.
- Constantly provide reporters with new inputs and ideas and proposes reportages and co-productions to highlight refugee issues and UNHCR work, locally and worldwide. 
- Maintain and enlarge a network of formal and informal contacts with the mass media and other relevant public subjects in the assigned region.
- Advise the Regional Representative and Deputy Regional Representative on matters relating to public information.
- Gather, process and synthesize all information on UNHCR's activities in the region, present it in an interesting newsworthy way and regularly feed it to UNHCR's PI section in Geneva for further dissemination via international media, UNHCR Website, Video/Photo units, and other channels.
- Organize and hold training courses for reporters in charge of covering immigration/asylum issues the region.
- Organize and lead groups of journalists travelling to emergency areas in order to increase UNHCR visibility.
- Guide and coach junior UNHCR professional and support media related staff in the region in all aspects of PI and PA related work, including budgeting for all relevant activities.
- Ensure all RR staff are kept informed of current media activities/interests as well as UNHCR's public lines on key issues or issues which may arouse some controversy.
- Participate and contribute with inputs on public information in all phase of UNHCR planning cycle.
- Undertake other media-related duties and missions as required.

Authority
- Represent UNHCR in press events, interviews and other media meeting.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

- Graduate degree (equivalent of a Master¿s) in in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, Law, International Relations or other related fields plus minimum 8 years of previous work experience relevant to the function. Undergraduate degree (equivalent of a BA/BS) plus 9 years or Doctorate degree (equivalent of a PhD) plus 7 years of previous relevant work experience may also be accepted.
- In-depth knowledge of the legal and political aspects of Italian  politics and policies as well as these of other countries in the region, particularly with regard to asylum and refugee policy issues and EU asylum harmonisation process.
- Excellent drafting abilities and public speaking in Italian language.
- Excellent knowledge of English and Italian.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES 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
M001L3 - Empowering and Building Trust Level 3
M002L3 - Managing Performance Level 3
M006L3 - Managing Resources Level 3
M005L3 - Leadership Level 3
M003L3 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 3
M004L3 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 3
X002L3 - Innovation and Creativity Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X007L3 - Political Awareness Level 3 <p>The UNHCR workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages and opinions. UNHCR seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. Applications are encouraged from all qualified candidates without distinction on grounds of race, colour, sex, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation and gender identity.</p>
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See below for this postion's Operational Context
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For those people applying for High Risk Duty Stations, we strongly encourage them – before deciding to apply- to read the country specific security and welfare country profiles which can be found on the Intranet under Support Services - Duty of Care (https://intranet.unhcr.org/en/support-services/duty-of-care.html). Ensuring staff are better informed is part of the increased attention UNHCR is paying to Duty of Care.

 

Staff after having applied to High Risk Duty Stations will have access to country specific information webinars with Field Safety Section (FSS) and Staff Welfare Section (SWS) colleagues and provided with a tool to test their psychological preparedness for serving in High Risk Duty Stations. Applicants who applied for a position in a High Risk country will receive, after the deadline for applications has expired, a joint invitation from the Staff Welfare Section (SWS) and the Field Safety Section (FSS) to participate in these webinars. During the Webinars, latest updates on security and well-being will be provided, and FSS and SWS will address questions raised by participants. Applicants are highly encouraged to benefit, when applicable, from all measures as they provide most up-to-date security and well-being information helpful to assess staff’s readiness to serve in a High Risk Duty Station. A Staff Welfare Officer will also be available, if and when required, to discuss with interested applicants the results of the psychological preparedness tool as well as readiness for assignment in High Risk Duty Stations.

 

The Regional Office for Southern Europe exercises oversight of UNHCR's offices and operations in Cyprus, Malta, Italy and Spain.
In Portugal since mid-2018 UNHCR has a small protection presence inside the Ministry of Interior. Furthermore the Regional
Representative is accredited to Andorra, San Marino and the Holy Sea.


The Senior Regional PI Officer is an expert post for which Italian is essential.
The Senior Regional Communication/Public Information Officer (Rome) is expected to be a high-visibility, high-profile spokesperson and advocate for refugees and UNHCR. S/he will work closely with other Communication Officers on the Global Communications Team (Geneva), Geneva Headquarters and field, and will have extensive contact with a wide variety of external audiences ¿ media personnel, public-at-large, diplomats, scholars and staff from other UN organizations ¿ in the context of disseminating information and gathering support for UNHCR¿s global activities.
Being an outstanding public and media speaker, and drafter of press releases, briefings, op-eds, key messages, speeches, talking points and delivering them to a targeted audience is essential for success in this role.
The incumbent will need to have an acute sense of the political situation, a proven track record of humanitarian communication and PI experience in complex operational context as well as a proven operational recent experience in Italy.
The incumbent needs also demonstrate a high degree of analytical skills and sense of strategic issues. The results of March 2018 general elections in Italy drastically affected the public debate on asylum and migration. The latest trends seem to show that the segment of the population referred to as the conflicted middle (around 45% of the population) is shrinking and shifting to the right. Effects are the demonization of migrants, rescuers (i.e. NGOs and civil society) and even those fleeing war and persecution.
As a result, a worryingly record of episodes of xenophobia, racist attacks and hate speech proliferation is observed. UNHCR will keep focussing on protection risks in an extremely sensitive scenario and continue to own the refugee space and enhance presence in an increasingly competitive, complex and hostile environment. UNHCR voice on refugee issues is critical in helping to shape the narrative and as an advocacy tool. In particular, partnerships become fundamental not only to support refugee inclusion and self-reliance, but they also represent a great opportunity for advocacy, with a lot of potential for the dissemination of UNHCR¿s messages.
Participation of refugees in the frame of a CBP approach is equally vital. In a regional perspective, in order to address common issues, strengthen the regional strategy and support shared objectives, ROSE will keep assuming a coordination and support role aimed at ensuring effective information sharing and achieving consistency of messaging and contents production, in constant liaison with HQ and RBE. Coordination visits in the region will be constantly organised as well as a regional PI meeting. Good practices, especially focussing on inclusion will be shared and emphasised. PI activities are aimed at improving public attitudes towards PoC through different channels Rome is an H duty station, offering high standard living conditions and relatively high cost of living. The RRSE Italy and the country offices in Cyprus, Malta and Spain comprise of fully professional and dedicated staff members, the working environment and collaboration are positive and productive. In Portugal, were UNHCR does not have a permanent presence, the NGO Portuguese Refugee Council PRC is partially representing UNCHR interests. Frequent travel within the region is required.

The Italian authorities will issue a visa and residence permit to UNHCR int¿l SM. Before arriving at a new duty station, finding an accommodation will be a priority. There are some limited facilities to access Duty Free privileges. Buying a new vehicle is a lengthy process while buying second hand is even more complex. The public transport system is relatively reliable and most colleagues have elected to reside in the office neighbourhood.

A valid driving licence issued by a EU/EEA member state is automatically accepted in all other member states. People with EU/EEA-issued driver's licence who take up residence in Italy are not required to exchange it for an Italian licence. Holders of a standard driving licence issued from a non-EU/EEA country may drive in Italy using the foreign licence for up to one year after obtaining residency. Medical care is up to international standards. UN International expatriates are covered by the medical insurance provided from their work place. No additional medical coverage is required. A list of English speaking doctors can be provided, upon request, by the FAO Medical Services.

You should find out about the specific admission requirements at the school. Transfer certificates from previous schools and academic records are usually required.
Contracts are made between the school and private individuals regarding payments of school fees. This means any deposits and commitments to pay fees are your responsibility and not the UN's. Italy is considered a safe place, and the Security Level is Low (2).Italy is considered non-restrictive regarding travel and family accompaniment at the duty station. Terrorism: In analogy with other European countries, although there is no objective confirmation that UN organizations in Italy are under a specific terrorist threat, Italy is not to be excluded from threats, including violent acts. Terrorists' modus operandi is consolidating its random targeting of population without consideration of specific ascriptions to identified groups. UN personnel and dependents are advised to be extremely vigilant and attentive of their surroundings, especially at public. It is also recommended they maintain a high level of caution, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. Crime: Crime against UN staff is low in the country, basic security awareness is recommended. Pick-pocketing,  petty theft can occur in major tourist areas, hotel, train and transit stations,and surrounding areas. In order to avoid such inconveniences, personal belongings should be well protected at all times. Visitors should also avoid using ATMs late in the evening and should only carry the amount of cash necessary for the day¿s purchases. When driving, one should park in garages or other well-lit areas. Although rare, violent and weapons-related crimes can occur but they are unlikely to affect visitors to this country. Natural hazards: Italy is a country with a high seismic risk, characterized by areas more prone to earthquakes of low energy (for example: the Alban Hills south of Rome, Vesuvius area, Etna area), and other areas, where earthquakes occur less frequently but are of higher energy (e.g. Calabria Apennines and Eastern Sicily). The highest seismicity is documented in the central-southern peninsula - along the Apennine ridge, which has seen some of the strongest and most destructive events that Italy¿s earthquake history has recorded. Spouse Employment Regulations and Opportunities :
In Italy the Sportello Unico per l'Immigrazione (unified immigration desk) is the relevant government body for most immigration procedures. Other authorities involved in granting the right to work include the Ministry of Labour, Health and Social Policy, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Police, chambers of commerce and professional associations. Factors affecting an individual¿s right to work include:
- Nationality and/or nationality of spouse and/or nationality of employer
- The profession of the jobseeker or the sector in which the job is sought
- Whether work sought is on an employed or self-employed basis
- The availability of work quotas in the period the work is sought
- Whether the jobseeker¿s spouse is an employee of the Rome office of the World Bank
- Whether the jobseeker is being transferred to Italy by his/her current employer
- Whether the jobseeker is a student or graduate of an Italian university
- Whether the jobseeker has previously worked in Italy.
Italian and European Union (EU) citizens and certain members of their families may work in Italy essentially without restriction.
The general rule for non-EU citizens is that the right to work is subject to the availability of quotas for working foreigners. New quotas are issued annually, and favour certain nationalities, professions, and contractual modes (employed or self-employed). From time to time other factors are considered such as level of education.
Numerous categories of potential worker are exempt from the quota requirement. These include intra-company transferees, graduates of Italian universities, highly-qualified workers, university professors, language teachers, and accredited journalists.
Certain family members of these types of workers and workers who have successfully entered the annual quotas also benefit from full access to the labour market.
Other UN Agencies present in Italy.

Please note that the closing date for vacancies in the March 2019 Compendium is Tuesday 16 April 2019 (midnight Geneva time)