The temporary position is located in the Climate Section, Communications Campaigns
Service (CCS), Campaigns and Country Operations Division (CCOD), Department of Global
Communications (DGC). DGC's Communications Campaigns Service develops and
implements communications strategies and campaigns on the organization's key priority
issues.
The Climate Section works to mobilize action on climate change by communicating the
science and solutions, advocating for stronger action by governments and other actors, and
encouraging individual action on climate change. The Section works closely with the
Secretary-General's Climate Action Team, in support of his policy objectives, and chairs the
DGC Climate Lab and the climate task force of the UN Communications Group.
The incumbent reports directly to the Chief of the Section.
This position will be available immediately till end of 31 July 2023 with the possibility of extension.
The Associate Public Information Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
• Tracks, researches and analyzes information on assigned topics/issues; gathers information
from diverse sources and helps to assess news value and other potential impact, as well as to
evaluate the effectiveness of information campaigns.
• Drafts/compiles content for different kinds of communications products, including for
websites, social media, briefings and presentations.
• Assists in the distribution of information material, including through media, UN information
centres and the UN communications grouprch.
• In consultation with others identifies and proposes information opportunities, activities and
approaches, taking into account the situation/topic and target audience.
• Identifies key contacts/constituencies and opportunities for strategic partnerships to facilitate
communication efforts and maintains working relationships with the same.
• Organizes or participates in the organization of conferences, seminar, press briefings,
interviews, etc.; prepares briefing materials for senior officials prior to their participation in
such events.
• Responds to a variety of inquires and information requests internally and externally;
prepares related correspondence.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Professionalism: Ability to plan, execute and monitor public communication campaigns, e.g.
campaign management, market research, message targeting, impact evaluation. Ability to
research and analyze issues and topics related to current events. Ability to interact with the
public to build and maintain effective business connections. 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.
• 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.
Advanced degree in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field is required. A first-level university degree with two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in public information,
journalism, international relations, public administration or related area is required.
Solid experience in the areas of sustainable development and digital outreach and
engagement, including web and social media is desirable.
English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a
competency-based interview.
• This position is temporarily available until 31 July 2023 with the possibility of extension. If the selected candidate is a
staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment.
• While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post.
• Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station.
• This temporary job opening may be limited to "internal candidates," who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15.
• Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply. Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation.
• Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current
temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as "retirement." Such
retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of
the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform
the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the
career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both
a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.
• The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance and
geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this
position.
According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with the United Nations if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. The term “sexual exploitation” means any actual or attempted abuse of a position of vulnerability, differential power, or trust, for sexual purposes, including, but not limited to, profiting monetarily, socially or politically from the sexual exploitation of another. The term “sexual abuse” means the actual or threatened physical intrusion of a sexual nature, whether by force or under unequal or coercive conditions. The term “sexual harassment” means any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that might reasonably be expected or be perceived to cause offence or humiliation, when such conduct interferes with work, is made a condition of employment or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment, and when the gravity of the conduct warrants the termination of the perpetrator’s working relationship. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment.
Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer, or promotion of staff shall be the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. By accepting an offer of appointment, United Nations staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and assignment by him or her to any activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). In this context, all internationally recruited staff members shall be required to move periodically to discharge new functions within or across duty stations under conditions established by the Secretary-General.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.
The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.
Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.