Public Information Officer, OED/ODED/CE

Org. Setting and Reporting

This post is located within the Communications and Events (C&E) Section of the Office of the Executive Director which provides strategic leadership for the development and management of the Organization. It coordinates the corporate work programme through preparation and monitoring of the Centre’s Business Plan and the key functions of evaluation, resource mobilization and corporate communications. The Communications and Events Section is responsible for media relations, corporate communications, the ITC web site and intranet, publications and corporate events, as well as internal communications.

The outputs expected from this job are:

• Contributing to the implementation of ITC’s communications strategy and translating that strategy and priorities into policy-relevant content;
• Working across divisions to translate corporate objectives into communications actions;
• As primary speechwriter to the Executive Director and the Deputy Executive Director, helping to position ITC as a thought leader on trade and development issues relating to the private sector;
• Working with the Lead Economist and Senior Publications Officer to produce an annual ITC flagship publication.
• Working with the Cabinet of the Executive Director and C&E colleagues to produce ITC’s Annual Report.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Executive Director and under the general guidance of the Executive Director, the incumbent will:

• Take the lead and work with the Cabinet of the Executive Director in strategy, planning, development and implementation of large, complex communications campaigns; where appropriate, works with Divisions/ Sections to develop ways to implement campaigns system-wide and to incorporate the campaign message and themes into all relevant events and products.
• Identify sources and seek funding and other assistance for major campaigns.
• Provide advice and expertise to directors, chiefs and other public information staff on a range of public affairs issues, methods, and approaches; anticipate and resolve communications/public relations issues/problems.
• Develop strategic partnerships with key constituencies to elicit support for and maximize impact of promotional objectives
• Prepare or oversee preparation of a diverse range of information communications products in support of major campaign initiatives.
• Draft complex material for newsletters, periodicals, reports and books and edits drafts prepared by junior officers.
• Evaluate results and impact of communications activities; reports on developments, trends and attitudes regarding the ITC.
• Represent the institution in meetings and conferences as required; fulfills speaking engagements and makes presentations to groups on ITC activities and advocate issues of concern; organizes seminars, lectures, conferences, public events on major issues and events concerning the organization.
• Build information networks; plans maintenance of publicly accessible information materials on the United Nations; plans and develops outreach activities.
• Produce materials for print/electronic/voice/visual media.
• Assist is the day-to-day operation of the Communications and Events Section to include participating in coordination of substantive and administrative activities of the unit, interpreting and disseminating policy, providing procedural advice, improving reporting systems, handling operational and administrative queries, preparing budget submissions, establishing and/or coordinating training programmes and monitoring and evaluating results.
• May coordinate and direct a team of public information staff and/or mentor and supervise the work of colleagues on specific projects.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of international trade trends of relevance to the private sector and developing country governments is an asset. Knowledge of different aspects of public information and communication. 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. 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.

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 the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. Generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction. Conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field. Education: A first-level university degree in the specified field of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area is required.

Several years of direct experience covering economic and trade issues is desirable.

Experience with multilateral organizations, think tanks, non-governmental organizations (NGO) or media outlet is desirable

Experience working on strategic communications, editorial content and media relations is desirable.

Experience preparing communication inputs and analyses for senior management is desirable.

Experience in speech writing is desirable.

Experience in publications of articles is desirable.

Languages

For the position advertised, fluency in English is required; and knowledge of French is an advantage. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

The conditions of service are governed by the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. This is a fixed term appointment for an initial period of one (1) year.
ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender equality and gender parity and considers all qualified persons - of all genders - equally, including those with disabilities, without discrimination or prejudice of any kind. ITC also offers attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work/life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.
Applications from women and nationalities from developing and least developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply.
Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration.
For information on salary and entitlements, please consult the International Civil Service Commission website: http://icsc.un.org

United Nations Considerations

In accordance with the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules, 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 ITC if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts.

Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.

Applicants are urged to carefully follow 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 based on the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable 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 in Inspira will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

ITC does NOT charge any fees or request money from candidates at any stage of the recruitment process, nor does it concern itself with bank account details of applicants. Requests of this nature allegedly made on behalf of ITC are fraudulent and should be disregarded.