Public Information Officer-NOB-UNOCHA

BACKGROUND

The position is located in the Operations and Advocacy Division (OAD), in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). OCHA is part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies. OCHA also ensures there is a framework within which each actor can contribute to the overall response efforts. OCHA's mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors in order to alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies; advocate the rights of people in need; promote preparedness and prevention and facilitate sustainable solutions.

This position-specific job opening is being published for the position of Public Information Officer in Kyiv, Ukraine (the duty station may be subject to change, as the operational situation in the country evolves). Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Head of Office (DHoO), OCHA Ukraine, the incumbent reports to the Head of Communications and Reporting Unit.

Functions / Key Results Expected

Within delegated authority, the Public Information Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Prepares first drafts of reports and analysis, and supports the reporting system within the country; support with researches and analyzes information on humanitarian situation in the country; gathers information from diverse sources and drafts reports and analysis of developments.
• Supports the implementation of public information activities to publicize priority issues and/or major events, to include drafting information strategies, supporting the coordination of joint efforts, monitoring and reporting on progress, suggesting and supporting follow-up action, and preparing first analyses of outcome.
• Monitors and analyzes current events, public opinion and press, identifies issues and trends, and advises management on appropriate action/responses and approaches for media relations; supports activities coordinated with key national stakeholders, particularly the Humanitarian Communications Group (HCG), to ensure coherent media strategy and common messaging.
• Supports the production of a specific type or types (e.g. print, broadcast, social media etc.) of information communications products (e.g. press kits, press releases, feature articles, key messages, brochures, backgrounders, audio-visual materials, social media content, etc.), to include proposing topics, undertaking research, suggesting appropriate medium and target audience, preparing production plans, writing first drafts, obtaining clearances and supporting dissemination.
• Supports activities to promote media coverage (e.g. press conferences, press releases, interviews, background briefings and other special activities), including film and photo coverage, of priority issues and/or major events, to include first drafts of a media strategy and action plan, undertaking media outreach efforts, supporting the organization of press conferences/media coverage, disseminating materials and consulting with press on approach/story angle and other information requests. Contributes content to and maintains appropriate and timely web and social media outreach.
• Prepares, on the basis of official UN documentation and other sources, initial drafts of content for inclusion in global OCHA products (e.g. Global Humanitarian Overview, Annual Report etc), periodicals, reports and books and ensures coherence between regional-level communications initiatives and OCHA Communications Strategy.
• Deploys on missions within Ukraine to support communications/reporting efforts in context of deterioration of humanitarian situation and/or to gather content (stories, photos, videos) of humanitarian situation and activities.
• Responds to a variety of inquires and information requests internally and externally; prepares related correspondence.
• Performs other duties as required.

Impact of Results

• The key results have an impact on the effectiveness of OCHA Ukraine’s communication efforts and perception of existing humanitarian needs and the ongoing response.

Competencies and Critical Success Factors

Functional Competencies:

Professionalism: 

• Knowledge of different aspects of public information and communication approaches, tools, and methodologies essential to planning and executing effective campaign strategies and programmes. 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 and visual 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.

Planning and 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.

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

Core Competencies:

• Demonstrating/safeguarding ethics and integrity 
• Demonstrate corporate knowledge and sound judgment
• Self-development, initiative-taking
• Acting as a team player and facilitating teamwork
• Facilitating and encouraging open communication in the team, communicating effectively
• Creating synergies through self-control
• Managing conflict
• Learning and sharing knowledge and encouraging the learning of others. Promoting learning and knowledge management/sharing is the responsibility of each staff member.
• Informed and transparent decision making

Recruitment Qualifications

Education:

• Master's degree or equivalent in communications, journalism, media relations, advocacy or related field is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in combination with an additional two (2) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of Master’s degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience at the national or international level in public information, reporting, journalism, advocacy or other related fields is required;
• Experience in the usage of MS office software package is required;
• Experience with crisis communications and social media is desirable;
• Experience in graphic design, photo and/or video editing is desirable;
• Experience in photography is desirable;
• Good knowledge and experience in handling web-based management systems are desirable.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English and Ukrainian is required. Knowledge of Russian is desirable.

Note: This position is only for National Candidates.

• 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. Qualified women are encouraged to apply. 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, 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.
• The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application.

Scam warning

• The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web
• The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fee in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.

Applicant information about UNOCHA rosters

Note: UNOCHA reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNOCHA at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience, and educational requirements.