Public Information Officer, P-4

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction

Geneva, Switzerland

Org. Setting and Reporting

Created in December 1999, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is the designated focal point in the United Nations system for the coordination of efforts to reduce disasters and to ensure synergies among the disaster reduction activities of the United Nations and regional organizations and activities in both developed and less developed countries. Led by the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction (SRSG), UNDRR has over 140 staff located in its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, and in regional offices. Specifically, UNDRR guides, monitors, analyses and reports on progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, supports regional and national implementation of the Framework and catalyzes action and increases global awareness to reduce disaster risk working with UN Member States and a broad range of partners and stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, parliamentarians and the science and technology community. The position is located at the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), Geneva. The incumbent will report to the Chief of Communication, Advocacy, Knowledge Management and ICT Section.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

Contributes to the design of the overall communication, advocacy and marketing strategy for the organization, and supports its implementation, including through coordinating with Regional Offices and other relevant Branches and Sections of UNDRR. Manages the Campaigns and Community Unit;
contributes to the planning and carries out the work plan under his/her responsibility, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery; ensures that the outputs produced by the Unit meet high-quality standards and support relevant UNDRR mandates;
Undertakes or oversees the programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Unit, including preparation of budgets, reporting on budget/programme performance, evaluation of staff performance (PAS), interviews of candidates for job openings, evaluation of candidates and preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting;
Recruits staff, taking due account of geographical and gender balance;
Manages, guides, develops and trains staff under his/her supervision, including staff members in geographically dispersed locations. Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the Section and across organizational boundaries;
Participates in coordination of substantive and administrative activities of the unit, interpreting, developing 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;
Takes the lead in planning, development and implementation of large, complex communications and advocacy campaigns (e.g. global advocacy and communication initiatives, public information programmes for a region, broad-reaching subject specific issues, etc.); where appropriate, works with different UN departments, funds and agencies to develop ways to implement system-wide campaigns and to incorporate the campaign message and themes into all relevant events and products;
Prepares or oversees preparation of a diverse range of information and communications products in support of major campaign initiatives;
Works closely with the Head of Content and Channels to ensure comprehensive coverage and cohesive messaging across social media, websites and other digital platforms.
Drafts elaborated material for UNDRR press releases, newsletters, periodicals, reports and publications;
Builds information networks; plans and oversees maintenance of publicly accessible information materials on UNDRR; plans and develops outreach activities; manages the work and performance of external vendors;
Oversees UNDRR's publications process from concept development through production; advises on launch and dissemination strategies;
Represents the institution in meetings and conferences; fulfils speaking engagements and makes presentations to groups on UNDRR activities and advocates issues of concern; organizes media coverage and arranges for media contacts, briefings, and interviews; organizes seminars, lectures, conferences, public events on major issues and events concerning the organization;
Serves as a spokesperson to media organizations, governmental bodies, national groups, private sector organizations, educational organizations, international organizations, as required;
Evaluates results and impact of communications and advocacy activities; reports on developments, trends and attitudes regarding the UN, and UNDRR in particular;
Provides advice and expertise to managers and senior officers across UNDRR on a range of communication and advocacy issues, methods, and approaches; anticipates and resolves communications/public relations issues/problems;
Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: 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 communication products in a clear, concise style. Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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;
Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings;
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.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent degree) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in public information, communication, advocacy campaigns, journalism, or related area is required. Experience in managing a team is required. Experience in managing external vendors on communication product delivery is required. Experience in global advocacy campaigns is required. Experience in managing the communication elements of major international events/conferences is desirable. Experience in managing a complex publications production process is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

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