PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Strategic Communications and Public Information Unit of UNOCA, that has the responsibility to advise the leadership and the staff on communication and information issues and to assist the Office to fulfill its missions and to contribute to the implementation of its mandate. UNOCA covers the countries of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), namely: Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Rwanda and Sao Tome and Principe. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Public Information Officer will be responsible for the following duties: - Ensure the implementation of information programs to publicize priority issues and/or major events, to include drafting information strategies, coordinating efforts, monitoring and reporting on progress, taking appropriate follow-up action, and analyzing the outcome. - Monitor and analyze current events/developments, public opinion and press, identify issues and trends, and advise management on appropriate action/responses. - Undertake activities to promote media coverage (e.g. press conferences, interviews, press seminars and other special activities) of priority issues and/or major events, to include development of a media strategy and action plan, initiating pro-active media outreach efforts, proposing and arranging press conferences/media coverage, disseminating materials and consulting with press on approach/story angle and other information requests, undertaking appropriate follow-up action and analyzing and reporting on the impact of coverage. - Produce or oversee production of a specific type or types (e.g. print, broadcast, etc.) of information communications products (e.g. press kits, press releases, feature articles, speeches, booklets, brochures, backgrounders, audiovisual/multimedia materials, radio spot program, etc.), to include proposing topics, undertaking research, determining appropriate medium and target audience, preparing production plans, writing drafts, obtaining clearances and finalizing texts, editing copy, and coordinating design approval, printing procedures and distribution. - Prepare, on the basis of official UN documentation and other sources, initial drafts of articles or chapters for inclusion in UNOCA newsletters, periodicals, magazines, reports and books. - Initiate and sustains professional relationships with key constituencies; respond to inquiries. - Act as focal point on specific issues, monitoring and reporting on developments, responding to inquiries, etc. - Participate in selecting the information transmitted to key constituencies. - Provide guidance to, and may supervise, more junior staff and interns. - Perform any other duties as assigned or as required. CompetenciesProfessionalism : - Mastery of the use of photo and video cameras - Mastery of audiovisual editing software and ability to produce capsules for audiovisual media and social media networks. - Ability to implement social media campaigns and to manage global social media outreach in a professional setting. - Ability to monitor and report on social media trends and impact. - Mastery of infographic work, including writing of articles and preparation of public presentations as well as layout of newsletter and magazine by using tools such as InDesign, etc. - Knowledge of the full range of communications approaches, tools, and methodologies essential to planning and executing effective campaign strategies and programmes, e.g. campaign management, media operations, marketing and promotion, audience outreach, message targeting. - Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources. - Ability to identify public affairs issues, opportunities and risks in an international environment. - Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships. - Knowledge of relevant internal policies and business activities/issues. - 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. 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. Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services. Offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs. Promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas. Takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks \"outside the box.\" Takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things. Is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches. Technological awareness: Keeps abreast of available technology. Understands applicability and limitations of technology to the work of the office. Actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks. Shows willingness to learn new technology. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism or related field, including Multimedia. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, strategic communications or related area is required. Perfect mastery of infographics and know-how in using/practicing tools such as Publisher, InDesign and Illustrator (layout of newsletters, magazines, leaflets and other public information materials) is required. In addition, being familiar with the technical aspects of multimedia production, such as taking pictures, realizing videos, and creating audio clips and short news video pieces or video capsules aimed at providing relevant and clear information on complex situation, is preferable. Experience in identifying appropriate visual content (graphics, photos, and videos) related to UN News coverage, or the news service of a comparable international multilingual news organization is required. Experience in compiling analytics and in drafting or editing media/communication products (news articles, news releases, statements, short videos for TV and social media, website contents or related area) at the international level is desirable. Good knowledge of the socio-political and the media landscape of the Central Africa region as well as experience in planning, producing, and managing multilingual social media campaigns, contents, and events, including live activations is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in written and oral English and French is required. AssessmentPreviously rostered candidates are not subject to any further assessment and as such, will not be invited for such an assessment. Special NoticeThis \"Recruit from Roster\" job opening is only open to roster applicants who are already placed on pre-approved rosters, following a review by a United Nations Central Review Body. Only roster applicants who were placed on rosters with similar functions at the same level are considered to be eligible candidates. Eligible applicants receive an email inviting them to apply. Rostered applicants are encouraged to apply only if they are interested and available to take up the position at the duty station/s specified in the Job Opening. Applying to this job opening carries an expectation to accept the offer, if selected. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. 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. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. United Nations ConsiderationsAccording 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, 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 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. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. 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. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile 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. No FeeTHE 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.