National Public Information Officer

Background and Organizational Context

Under the supervision of the Head of the Public Information Unit/Senior Public Information Officer, the incumbent supports the implementation of public information programs to publicize priority issues and/or major events and to support advocacy.

Position Purpose 

The support provided to the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) including the Humanitarian Coordinator (HC) focuses on the following three sets of activities: a) preparedness, b) support to emergency response, and c) development of national humanitarian information coordination networks. For this purpose, OCHA works with the HC and the HCT, national and local authorities when appropriate and relevant humanitarian partners in the country.

Key Duties and Accountabilities:

Under the overall supervision of the Senior Public Information Officer and Head and Deputy Head of the Office, the incumbent is expected to perform the following tasks:

• Contribute to the implementation of public information programs to publicize priority issues and/or major events. Draft and edit human interest stories, social media content, press statements and press kits, backgrounders, audio-visual materials, reports other public products. Contribute to the development of public information strategies, coordinating efforts, monitoring and reporting on progress, taking appropriate follow-up action, and analyzing the outcome.
• Conduct comprehensive monitoring of news, current events, public opinion from a broad scope of sources (Arabic and English) - print, TV, electronic, internet, etc. -identify issues and trends, and advise the OCHA office on appropriate action/responses required;
• Coordinate media coverage of priority issues and/or major events by arranging press briefings/interviews, disseminating materials and collaborate with public information officers in UN Communications Group to strengthen public advocacy, undertaking appropriate follow-up action and analyzing and reporting on the impact of coverage.
• Collaborates with UN agencies in the development of information campaigns, including proposing topics, undertaking research, determining appropriate medium and target audience, preparing production plans, writing drafts, obtaining clearances and finalizing texts, editing copy, and coordinating design approval, printing procedures and distribution.
• Ensure that social media platforms are updated daily, and that programmes and activities are properly reflected through social media platforms.
• Initiate and sustain professional relationships with key constituencies.
• Act as focal point on specific issues, monitoring and reporting on developments, responding to inquiries, etc.
• Assist in the day-to-day operation of the Public Information Office.
• Perform other duties as require.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

• Deputy Head of Office and Senior Public Information Officer Other Humanitarian Affairs Officers.
• UN agencies
• International and national NGOs.
• Relevant government departments.
• Local media and news organizations.

Expected Demonstration of Competencies

Core Competencies

Achieve Results:  LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline

Think Innovatively:  LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements 

Learn Continuously:  LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback

Adapt with Agility:  LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible  

Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident

Engage and Partner:  LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships

Enable Diversity and Inclusion  LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination  

Functional Competencies

Communication: Ability to communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.

Digital Awareness and Literacy: Ability and inclination to rapidly adopt new technologies, either through skilfully grasping their usage or through understanding their impact and empowering others to use them as needed

Integration within the UN: Ability to identity, and integrate capacity and assets of the UN system, and engage in joint work; knowledge of the UN System and ability to apply this knowledge to strategic and/or practical situations.

Multimedia production: Ability to create and combine images, text and audio-visuals to produce multimedia content.

Photo production: Ability to create, edit, organize and coordinate photographic material.

Social media management: Ability to represent and promote the UNDP brand in virtual communities and networks.

Required Skills and Experience

Education 

• Master’s degree or equivalent in communication, journalism, public relations, or related field is required.
• A first -level university degree in combination with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

• A minimum of two (2) years (Master's degree) or 4 years (First-level university degree) of progressively responsible in communication, journalism, public relations, or related field is required.
• Minimum two (2) years of relevant experience in office software packages, technical experience, and experience in handling social media platforms and web-based management systems are highly desirable.
• Experience in coordination within the UN system is desirable.
• Experience working in emergency settings are desirable.
• At least two (2) years of experience with the UN common system is highly desirable.
• Ability to express clearly and concisely, ideas and concepts in written and oral form would be an asset.

Languages

• Fluency in both oral and written Arabic & English is required.