Assistant Public Information Officer-UNOCHA-(Nationals Only)

Grade: FTA Local · Schedule: Full time

Open to Ukrainian nationals only

Background

This position is located in the Operations and Advocacy Division (OAD), in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). OCHA is part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies. OCHA also ensures there is a framework within which each actor can contribute to the overall response efforts. OCHA's mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors in order to alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies; advocate the rights of people in need; promote preparedness and prevention; and facilitate sustainable solutions.

The position of Assistant Public Information Officer/Reporting is based in Kyiv, Ukraine. Under the overall supervision of the Deputy Head of Office, the incumbent (s) reports to the Public Information Officer/Head of Unit.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Public Information Officer/Head of Unit, the Assistant Public Information Officer /Reporting will support the implementation of public information programs to publicize priority issues and/or major events. He/She will focus on the following sets of activities:

• Media monitoring,
• Supports humanitarian emergency response and preparedness,
• Develops national humanitarian information networks, and
• Contributes to initiating and sustaining professional relationships with key constituencies.

Within limits of delegated authority and depending on location, the Assistant Public Information Officer/Reporting at this level may be responsible for the following duties:

• Contributes to implementation of public information programs to publicize priority issues and/or major events, to include drafting information strategies, coordinating efforts, monitoring and reporting on progress, taking appropriate follow-up action, and analyzing the outcome.
• Conducts comprehensive monitoring of relevant news, current events, public opinion, and press from a broad scope of sources (English, Ukrainian, and Russian) - print, TV, electronic, internet, etc., and identifies issues and trends.
• Promotes media coverage of priority issues and/or major events by arranging press briefings/interviews, disseminating materials such as photo and video content of vulnerable communities and consulting with press on approach/story angle and other information requests, undertaking appropriate follow-up action, analyzing and reporting on the impact of coverage.
• Assists in creation of information communications products (e.g. press kits, press releases, feature articles, backgrounders, audio-visual materials, and other print/web products), develops information campaigns, including proposing topics, undertaking research, determining appropriate medium and target audience; prepares production plans, writing drafts, obtaining clearances and finalizing texts, editing copy, and coordinating design approval, printing procedures and distribution.
• Ensures that the social media platforms are updated daily, and programs and activities are properly reflected through social media platforms.
• Initiates and sustains professional relationships with key constituencies, liaises with national and international media representatives, and undertakes activities to promote media coverage and media outreach of priority issues and/or major events.
• Acts as focal point on specific issues, monitoring and reporting on developments, responding to inquiries, etc.
• Assists in the day-to-day operation of the Public Information Office.
• Supports translation services with proofreading
• Performs other duties as required.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

• Deputy Head of Office, Public Information Officer/Head of unit and Humanitarian Affairs Officer/ Head of Humanitarian Funds, and other Humanitarian Affairs Officers, and managers throughout the UN and in other UN organizations and missions.
• Regional UN agencies
• International and national NGOs.
• Relevant authorities and official departments.

Impact of Results

The key results have an impact on the effectiveness of OCHA Ukraine’s communication efforts and perception of existing humanitarian needs and the ongoing response.

Competencies:

Professionalism: Knowledge of different aspects of public information and communication approaches, tools, and methodologies essential to planning and executing effective campaign strategies and programmes. 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 and visual 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.

Planning and organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies. Identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required. Allocates an 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.

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

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 a 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.

Education:

• Master's degree or equivalent in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, social sciences or related field is required.
• A bachelor’s degree in combination with an additional two (2) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Applicants with a master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience. Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration, or a related field is required.
• Experience in drafting, editing, and producing communication and information products is required.
• Experience in collecting information from multiple sources for communication and reporting purposes is required.
• Experience in graphic design, photo and/or video editing is desirable.
• Experience with social media platforms is desirable.
• High-quality translation of information and reporting materials into Ukrainian and English is desirable.
• Experience in a public information context within the UN Common System or other comparable international organization is desirable.

Language:

• Fluency in English and Ukrainian is required.
• Knowledge of other UN languages is desirable.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNOCHA values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNOCHA is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNOCHA does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination, or abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Probation

For all new UNOCHA fixed-term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNOCHA under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNOCHA reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNOCHA at the same grade level and with a similar job description, experience, and educational requirements.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

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