Posting Title: Public Information Officer, Portugal Desk, UNRIC Brussels
Job Code Title: PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
Department/Office: DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INFORMATION
Duty Station: BRUSSELS
Job Opening Number: 56858
Staffing Exercise N/A
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Special Notice
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the United Nations Regional Information Centre (UNRIC) in Brussels, within the Information Centres Service (ICS), Strategic Communications Division (SCD), Department of Public Information (DPI).
The UNRIC Brussels is part of the global network of United Nations Information Centres (UNICs), which are the principal source of information about the United Nations system in the countries where they are located. Overall, UNICs are responsible for promoting public understanding and support for the aims and activities of the United Nations by disseminating UN information materials to a local audience in local language; engaging local and regional partners; and, overall, bringing the United Nations closer to the people it serves.
The UNRIC provides information services to Andorra, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, the Holy See, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The Regional Centre also provides liaison services with institutions of the European Union. To learn more about the UNRIC Brussels, visit the official website http://www.unric.org
The incumbent is under the general supervision of the Director of the UNRIC Brussels and reports directly to the Deputy Director of the UNRIC.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the incumbent is responsible for the following duties:
• Ensures implementation of information programs to publicise UNRIC priority issues and/or major events in Portugal, to include drafting information strategies, coordinating efforts, monitoring and reporting on progress, taking appropriate follow-up action, and analysing the outcome. Monitors and analyses current events, public opinion and press related to the work of the UN in Portugal; identifies issues and trends, and advises management on appropriate action/responses.
• Undertakes activities to promote media coverage (e.g. press conferences, interviews, press seminars and other special activities) of UNRIC priority issues and/or major events in Portugal, 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 analysing and reporting on the impact of coverage.
• Produces or oversees production of a specific type or types (e.g. print, broadcast, digital, etc.) of information communications products (e.g. press kits, press releases, feature articles, speeches, booklets, brochures, backgrounders, audio-visual 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 finalising texts, editing copy, and coordinating design approval, printing procedures and distribution.
• Prepares, on the basis of official UN documentation and other sources of information on the work of the UN in Portugal, initial drafts of articles or chapters for inclusion in UNRIC newsletters, periodicals, reports, books, web sites, and social media products.
• Initiates and sustains professional relationships with key constituencies in Portugal, in Brussels and at UN Headquarters. Acts as focal point on specific issues, monitoring and reporting on developments, responding to inquiries, etc.
• Participates in selecting the information transmitted to key constituencies in Portugal, in Brussels and at UN Headquarters.
• Provides guidance to, and may supervise, more junior staff, consultants, and/or interns.
• Performs other relevant duties, as required.
Competencies
• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of public information tools and techniques, including the ability to implement effective media events, communication campaigns and outreach activities targeting audience in the Portuguese media market. Knowledge of public information rules, regulations, and procedures in an office of the United Nations common system or a comparable international organization. Ability to advise senior managers on communication challenges, risks and media opportunities in Portugal. Ability to produce a variety of written communications products about the work of the UN in Portugal in a clear, concise style. Ability to deliver oral presentations in English and/or Portuguese 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.
• 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.
Education
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in public information communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in public information, communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area is required. Experience working with government, media, and civil society partners from Portugal is desirable. Experience organizing public information and communication activities (e.g. press conferences, public speaking engagements, promotional campaigns, film screenings, etc.) for the United Nations common system or a comparable international organization is desirable. Experience working with on-line communication tools and techniques such as social media platforms, content management systems, mobile applications, etc., is desirable. Experience managing programme resources, including personnel and budget is desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English and in Portuguese, both oral and written, is required. Fluency in French is desirable. Knowledge of other UN official languages is desirable.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.
Application deadline: 1 May 2016
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