PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Strategic Communications Section (SCS) - Office of the Director for Coordination and Shared Services in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO). The incumbent reports to the Chief of the Strategic Communications Section. The Strategic Communications Section for the Department of Peace Operations is a dedicated and specialized capacity that provides media relations, departmental publicity, external relations, corporate messaging/internal communications and provides technical advice and operational support to Strategic Communications/Public Information components in peacekeeping missions. The Department of Peace Operations (DPO) serves as a center of excellence for peace operations, responsible for preventing, responding to and managing conflict and sustaining peace in countries where peace operations under its purview are deployed, and provides support to other entities on peace and security issues. The Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) focuses primarily on five action areas in international peace and security, ensuring sound analysis and early warning, preventing conflict and engaging in peacemaking, managing political crises and violent conflicts, sustaining peace, and enhancing partnerships. The Department's mandate is to prevent and resolve conflict through inclusive political solutions. The Public Information Officer reports to the Chief of Strategic Communications and oversees digital strategies, campaigns and content. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority and depending on location, the Public Information Officer may be responsible for the following duties: • Takes the lead in strategy, planning, development and implementation of large, complex digital communications campaigns (e.g. global promotion initiatives, public information programmes for a region, broad-reaching subject specific issues, etc.), works with departments, funds and agencies to develop ways to implement campaigns system-wide and to incorporate campaign messages and themes into all relevant events and products. • Identifies sources and seeks funding and other assistance for major campaigns. • Provides advice and expertise to managers, senior officers and other public information staff on a range of public affairs issues, methods, and approaches related to digital communications and responses to mis- and disinformation; anticipates and resolves strategic communications/public relations issues/problems. • Develops strategic partnerships with key constituencies to elicit support for and maximize impact of promotional objectives; serves as liaison to media organizations, governmental bodies, national groups, private sector organizations, educational organizations, international organizations on digital media issues. • Prepares or oversees preparation of a diverse range of information communications products in support of major campaign initiatives. • Drafts complex material for UN newsletters, periodicals, websites, social media platforms, reports and books and edits drafts prepared by junior officers. • Evaluates results and impact of digital communications activities; reports on developments, trends and attitudes regarding the UN and UN Peacekeeping. • Represents the institution in meetings and conferences; fulfills speaking engagements and makes presentations to groups on UN activities and advocate issues of concern; organizes media coverage and arranges for media contacts, briefings, interviews; organizes seminars, lectures, conferences, public events on major issues and events concerning the organization. • Builds information networks and expands collaborations with internal and external organizations and influencers; plans and oversees maintenance of publicly accessible information materials on the United Nations; plans and develops outreach activities. • Manages publications programme; produces materials for print/electronic/voice/visual media. • Plans and organizes the day-to-day operation of the unit 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 junior officers on specific projects. CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM • 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. • 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. 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. EducationAn advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related fields is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field, is required. A minimum of four years of in-depth experience managing professional digital/social media accounts, ideally at the international level, and implementing digital media strategies in a business context is required. Experience in a peacekeeping setting, in the field or at Headquarters, is desired. Experience managing online campaigns across multiple platforms is required. Experience engaging with digital and social media stakeholders and developing partnerships is desirable. Management experience, overseeing a team of communications professionals is required. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in both English and French (oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. AssessmentEvaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Special NoticeThe position is available for one year from 1 Jan to 31 Dec 2025. With possibility of extension depending on budget approval and funds availability 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. 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.