This position is located in the Media and Public Positioning Section, External Outreach Service, Executive Direction and Management of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the incumbent reports to the Chief of Media Section.
Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:
Under the supervision of the Head of Section/Spokesperson, or acting as Deputy in his/her place, prepares and disseminates diverse information products; researches, drafts and/or edits information materials (press releases, statements, press briefing material, speeches, opinion pieces); and helps maintain the content of media-related OHCHR website pages.
In the absence of the Spokesperson, manages the Media Section, taking charge of all public statements on behalf of the Office, and advising and assisting the High Commissioner, Senior Management Team, and other staff in all interactions with the media.
Performs general media liaison/spokesperson duties as part of the Media Section team, keeping the media informed of the activities of the Office, including by: a) preparing regular news briefings, giving or arranging interviews, and formulating and delivering answers to questions from all types of media, including when accompanying the High Commissioner on missions; b) proactively expanding and maintaining OHCHR's network of media contacts.
Develops and implements media strategies for OHCHR, including by working closely with senior management and other staff, to strategize on how the activities of the Office and its priorities are best presented to the media and the international community at large.
Develops strategic partnerships with key constituencies to elicit support and maximize impact of activities. Represents OHCHR in meeting and conferences, fulfills speaking engagements and makes presentations to groups on OHCHR's activities.
PROFESSIONALISM :Knowledge of different aspects of public information and communication. 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 presentations to various audiences. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Strong speaking and writing skills in English. 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.
PLANNING AND ORGANISING : 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.
Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent degree) in communications, journalism, public relations or other related field. A first-level university degree in the specified fields in combination with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in journalism, communications or public relations in large multicultural institutions is required, including three years in liaising with international media. Experience as a Spokesperson is desirable. Experience in writing media articles on issues involving references to or knowledge of international human rights law is desirable. Experience within the United Nations Common System is desirable.
English and French are the two working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable.
Evaluation of qualified applicants may include an eliminatory assessment exercise which will be followed by a competency-based interview.
Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.
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.
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, including but not limited to, respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to, whether they have committed or are alleged to have committed criminal offences or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.
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.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on "The Application Process" and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.
The screening and 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, including but not limited to, their education, work experience, and language skills, according to the instructions provided on inspira. Applicants will be disqualified from consideration if they do not demonstrate in their application that they meet the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations. Applicants are solely responsible for providing complete and accurate information at the time of application: 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 a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.
Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (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.