The UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is the United Nations agency responsible for Urbanization and Human Settlements mandated by the UN General Assembly to promote socially and environmentally sustainable towns and cities. Based in over 90 countries, UN-Habitat strives for adequate shelter with better living standards for all. It works with organizations at every level, including all spheres of government, civil society and the private sector to define the urban vision of tomorrow.
The position is in the External Relations, Strategy, Knowledge and Innovation Division (ERSKID). The Division promotes strategic alliances to support and promote UN-Habitat’s image and work and drives the development of relationships with its partners and the public. UN-Habitat's Communications and Media Section develops and disseminates UN-Habitat's core messages to all stakeholders and partners, raising awareness about sustainable urbanization and enhancing the profile of UN-Habitat worldwide.
This position is located in the Communications and Media Section at UN-Habitat’s Headquarters in Nairobi. Under the general guidance of the Director of the External Relations, Strategy, Knowledge and Innovation Division, and under the supervision of the Chief of Communications.
The Public Information Officer is responsible for the effective and efficient performance of the following duties:
1. Press and Media activities: Carry out media outreach functions and promote media coverage, e.g. press conferences and briefings, organizing interviews, addressing information requests, monitoring and reporting on impact of the coverage and undertaking follow up action etc. Update and maintain UN-Habitat’s Press Kit.
Develop and maintain networks with journalists, media practitioners and key partner constituencies around the world as a tool for advocating UN-Habitat's fundamental messages and work. Provide support in UN-Habitat's activities and urban issues in press releases, backgrounders, Q&A briefings etc.
Support in organizing press coverage around seminars, lectures, conferences and public events on major issues and events concerning UN-Habitat.
Support UN-Habitat’s Campaigns with communication material
Monitor and evaluate results and impact of news operations.
2. Content creation: Develop, plan and implement multi-media strategies aimed at communicating, advocating and promoting the impact of UN-Habitat’s work. Develop and supervise the preparation of information and communications products such as news stories, press releases, media alerts, e-Newsletters, and products supporting major corporate activities.
Supervise and clear the production and distribution of press materials and activities across divisions and regional offices.
Manage the promotion and news for major UN-Habitat events, including, but not limited to, the World Urban Forum, World Habitat Day and World Cities Day;
Manage the promotion and launch of major publications such as the World Cities Report. Work on multi-media outputs and support UN-Habitat’s social and digital media output; ensure photo and audiovisual coverage of key events and projects.
3. Editorial strategy and policy guidelines: Implement a cutting edge editorial strategy for the organization.
Contribute to the formulation and implementation of corporate editorial polices, objectives and guidelines that follow UN style guidelines.
Contribute to capacity building within UN-Habitat by providing advice on improving quality and style of major written outputs and communication materials to ensure effective internal and external communication.
Develop and manage editorial workflow to effectively and efficiently manage the content and deadlines.
Support the drafting and editing of reports, speeches, OpEds, statements and book forewords.
4. Liaison: Act as the communication focal point for liaising with UN-Habitat Branches and Regional offices and their communication focal points, other UN agencies and UNHQ, partner constituencies including global, regional, national and local governments, the private sector, regional organizations and civil societies on all matters pertaining to communications.
5. Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
6. Perform any other relevant duties assigned.
PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to effective media communication and engagement; ability to develop and implement a media strategic vision and action plan for UN-Habitat’s media outreach; The ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. understanding of the role and mandate of UN-Habitat; understanding of global and regional political trends, public attitudes and varied media platforms; establish effective collaboration and partnerships with officials at all levels inside and outside the organization; 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 & 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.
COMMUNICATION: Speaks and writes clearly, 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 march the audience; Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Advanced University Degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international studies or other relevant field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with the two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible work experience in media and strategic communications is required.
Experience in public information in a multilingual and international environment, preferably in the UN system or a similar organization, is desirable.
Experience in establishing collaborations and liaising with officials at all levels inside and outside the organization is desirable.
Experience in technological knowledge and experience of web and social media content management is desirable.
Two (2) years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable.
English and French are the working knowledge of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required; knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.
"NOTE: "fluency equals a rating of "fluent" in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand) and " Knowledge of" equals a rating of " confident" in two of the four areas.
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview.
This is a project post and appointment against this position is for an initial period of one year and may be subject to extension. 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.
The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Qualified women that meet the requirements of this job opening are particularly encouraged to apply and will be given full consideration in accordance with the United Nations efforts to increase women participation in its workforce.
Individual Contractors and Consultants who have worked within the UN Secretariat in the last six months, irrespective of the administering entity, are ineligible to apply for or be appointed to any professional and higher temporary or fixed-term positions, within six months of the end of their current or most recent service. For such positions, at least six months need to have elapsed between the end of a consultancy or individual contract and the time of application and consideration for an appointment as a staff member under the Staff Rules and Regulations of the United Nations.
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