PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER (TJO)

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Media Outreach and Spokesperson's Office, in the Executive and Management Division of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), in New York. The incumbent, reports to the Assistant Secretary General in the New York Office and to the chief of the Media Outreach and Spokesperson's Office in Geneva. ResponsibilitiesWithin delegated authority, the Public Information Officer will be responsible for the following duties: In close coordination with Headquarters and under the direct guidance of the head of the New York Office, acts as Media Liaison Officer, when required. Manages and undertakes other activities to promote media coverage (e.g. press conferences including involving senior officials, press releases, interviews, and other special activities) of priority issues and/or major events of the New York Office, initiates and leads pro-active media outreach efforts, proposes and arranges press conferences/media coverage and disseminates materials, in close coordination and consultation with the Department of Global Communication and OHCHR Headquarters on approaches/story angles, understanding the New York Office's achievements and objectives. Develops strategic partnerships and sustains professional relationships with journalists and other key external constituencies. Identifies the need for, and manages the production of specific types (e.g. print, broadcast, digital, etc.) of communications products and content (e.g. feature articles, human-interest stories, social media content and posts, booklets, brochures, backgrounders, audio-visual materials, etc.). Strategizes appropriate medium and target audience, conducts research, prepares production plans, writes, drafts complex materials and revises drafts produced by associate/assistant public information officers, obtains clearances and finalizes texts, edits copy, and coordinates design approval and printing procedures, and ensures distribution through the web, social media and other digital platforms. Ensures that the publications conform to the Organization'sinformation policy and procedures, and accuracy. Assesses needs and opportunities, develops, and implements complex strategies for media relations and communications, web and digital media, for a region or a major programme area, including social media, audio-visual production, etc. Encourages the use of more effective techniques. Conducts or manages media training for senior staff and other public information officers in the New York Office. Manages, coordinates and supports communications campaigns in close coordination with the Communications Section and in support of OHCHR priorities. Builds and maintains effective working relationships and communication channels with representatives of United Nations departments to implement communications campaigns system-wide to incorporate the campaign message and themes into all relevant events and products. Maintains social media platforms and uses digital technologies to disseminate and promote outreach activities. Stays abreast of latest digital technologies to enhance advocacy. Analyses, evaluates and reports on the impact of coverage, undertakes appropriate follow-up actions, and provides advice and expertise to senior management on appropriate action/responses, methods and approaches. Anticipates and resolves communications/public relations issues/problems. Keeps the New York Office webpage updated on a regular basis, proactively resolves technical issues, and ensures overall brand coordination with the Web team at Headquarters. Identifies, establishes, influences and fosters partnerships and collaboration with regional or local media outlets, personalities and celebrities, academia, influencers, etc. to support the Office's communications activities. Supervises more junior staff and interns. Performs other related duties as required. 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. 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. CLIENT ORIENTATION: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be \"clients\" and seeks to see things from clients' point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communications, journalism, public relations, or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying 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 communications, journalism, public information, media relations or related area is required. Experience drafting public information materials (e.g. news articles, opinion pieces, feature stories, press releases, etc.) is required. Media experience is required. Experience at the international level is desirable. Experience in the area of human rights is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Either French or Spanish is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).