PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located within the Public Information and Communications Section (PICS) of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. The position is based in Tripoli, Libya (Tripoli is classified as a Hardship \"E\" duty station and a non-family duty station). The incumbent will be under the overall supervision of the Senior Public Information Officer. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Public Information Officer may be responsible for the following duties: 1. Prepares or oversees the development of communications products and content across multiple platforms ensuring accurate and consistent messaging, branding, and alignment with the communications strategy. a) Oversees the preparation of a diverse range of communication products in support of unit priorities and coordinates with departments, funds and agencies to develop ways to implement campaigns system-wide and to incorporate the campaign message and themes into all relevant events and products. b) Drafts material for press releases, key messages, Q&As, talking points, digital content, UN newsletters reports and books; edits materials prepared by junior officers. 2. Conceptualizes, manages, implements and evaluates communications strategies and activities. a) Based on the Mission communication strategy, responsible for updating and executing a strategy for media relations, publications, web and digital media including social media, community outreach and/or radio products with the objective of promoting awareness, understanding, support and respect for the Mission’s work and support for UN Peacekeeping or Special Political mandate and priorities. b) Reports to Mission leadership, UNHQ on communications activities, developments, trends and attitudes regarding the UN; and coordinates and shares public information activities and guidance with other sections of the Public Information Unit and leadership when appropriate. c) Provides advice and expertise to managers, senior officers and other public information staff on a range of public affairs issues, methods, and approaches. d) Identifies and seeks new opportunities for advancing the Mission, anticipates and resolves communications/public relations issues/problems. e) Oversees statistical analysis of media monitoring, social media and web usage and adapts editorial and outreach priorities accordingly. 3. Engages with media and strengthens partnerships. a) Provides press briefings and interviews to national and international media; drafts and issues press statements and press releases as necessary; establishes and maintains a cooperative relationship with local and international journalists. b) Fluency in digital communication with strong understanding of social media and keeps abreast of changing developments, trends, and technologies. c) Arranges interviews and/or background briefings with senior Mission officials and facilitates the daily work of journalists covering the Mission. d) Sets up regular system of media guidance and monitoring and develops contact list of journalists and media outlets covering all media - print, TV, radio, social media, web, photo etc. - and a successful process of communicating and maintaining regular contact and close collaboration with the media. e) Responds in a timely fashion to disinformation that could impact negatively on the public perception of the Mission and/or the Mission’s leadership, etc. 4. Develops partnerships and represents the Head or Deputy Head of the Section in meetings/conferences, speaking engagements. a) Develops outreach initiatives to raise visibility of the Mission by organizing and/or participating in seminars, lectures, conferences, public events on major issues and events concerning the organization. b) In consultation with supervisor, develops strategic partnerships with key constituencies to elicit support for and maximize impact of public information objectives. c) Serves as a principal liaison to media organizations, governmental bodies, national groups, private sector organizations, educational organizations, international organizations, etc. d) Represents the Mission in meetings and conferences; fulfils speaking engagements, makes presentations to groups on UN humanitarian activities and advocates for issues of concern. 5. Builds communication capacity and team management. a) Manages the day-to-day operation of the unit including 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. b) Provides clear directions that are translated from organizational strategy. Encourages others to pursue development opportunities and creates genuine learning opportunities for them. c) In close coordination with the Chief, manages and supervises public information and consultants to achieve the outputs and quality assurance of all activities; establishing work plans, required resources, priorities, timelines and performance benchmarks. Monitors progress and takes timely action and/or decisions to ensure objectives are met. d) Participates in recruitment, supervision and evaluation of staff as appropriate. 6. Other related duties that may be assigned. 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. Excellent knowledge of multimedia trends and technologies. 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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. 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, international relations, public administration or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an 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 area is required. Experience in the preparation, development and implementation of communication strategies, and media and social media campaigns is required. Experience in drafting and editing skills, including public speeches, statements and all types of communications content, in Arabic and English is required. Experience in combatting hate speech, incitement and misinformation is desirable. Experience in North Africa and post-conflict and transitional environments is desirable. Experience in working in international and multi-cultural environment organizations is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in English and Arabic is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. AssessmentEvaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Special Notice• This position is temporarily available for an initial period of six (6) months. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. • While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. • Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. • This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. • Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply.Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. • Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as \"retirement.\" Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service. For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or under-represented in the UN Secretariat as of 30th November 2024, are strongly encouraged to apply:Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, China, Cuba, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Libya, Liechtenstein, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu. 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.