Associate Public Information Officer, Istanbul At OCHA – Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Posting Title: Associate Public Information Officer [TJO], NOB (Temporary Job Opening)

Job Code Title: ASSOCIATE PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

Department/Office: Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Duty Station: ISTANBUL

Posting Period: 21 March 2023 – 03 April 2023

Job Opening Number: 23-Public Information-OCHA-204782-J-Istanbul (R)

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Organisational Setting and ReportingThe position is located in the Joint Coordination Centre (JCC), which was established as part of the Initiative on the Safe Transportation of Grain and Foodstuffs from Ukrainian ports (the “Black Sea Grain Initiative” or BSGI), signed by the Russian Federation, Türkiye, Ukraine on 22 July 2022, to facilitate safe navigation for the export of grain and related foodstuffs and fertilizers from designated Ukrainian ports. The United Nations signed the BSGI as a witness, and the Parties request the assistance of the Secretary-General in its implementation, in furtherance of the humanitarian mission of the United Nations and subject to its authorities and mandates. This temporary job opening is being published for the position of Associate Public Information Officer, based in Istanbul, Türkiye. Under the overall supervision of the Deputy UN Coordinator, the incumbent reports to the Spokesperson / Head of Media and Communications Unit.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Associate Public Information Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

•  Assists the Chief Public Information Officer in managing outreach to local media, external and internal stakeholders and counterparts, and governments and builds capacity.
•  Produces and disseminates information, especially to local media and organizations about the Mission, its aims and activities and supports outreach activities, and assists in interactions in local language(s);
•  Monitors and analyses current events, public opinion, and press; identifies issues and trends in the country and helps to prepare notes to management on appropriate action/responses. Strengthens local partnerships:
•  Develops partnerships with key national constituencies by proactively sharing work plans and content and working closely with national partners to raise visibility and understanding of the JCC’s work.
•  Develops strategic partnerships with key constituencies to elicit support for and maximize the impact of public information objectives; raise the visibility of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the work of the JCC by organizing and/or participating in seminars, lectures, conferences, and public events on major issues and events concerning the organization. Prepares communications products and content in local language(s):
•  Drafts a diverse range of communication products in local languages(s) in support of unit priorities and works closely with departments and partners to develop ways to implement campaigns system-wide and to incorporate the campaign message and themes into all relevant events and products.
•  Drafts human interest stories for local and international audiences and produces digital content for the OCHA’s social media platforms.
•  Keeps abreast of changing developments, trends, and political development in the area of operation; provides communication support to managers, senior officers, and other public information staff on a range of public affairs issues, methods, and approaches.
•  Contributes to reports to the UN JCC’s leadership, UNHQ on communications activities, developments, trends, and attitudes regarding the UN; and coordinates and shares public information activities and guidance with other sections of the Public Information Unit and leadership when appropriate. Provides support to internal communications:
•  Drafts copy for reports, newsletters, and other materials of interest to internal audiences.
•  Ensures the JCC’s internal communication is up to date and accurate. Performs other duties as assigned.

CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of different aspects of public information and communication approaches, tools, and methodologies essential to planning and executing effective campaign strategies and programs. 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 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. PLANNING and 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.

EducationAn advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in communications, journalism, public information, or a related field is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two (2) additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work ExperienceA minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in communication, public information, journalism, international relations, public administration, or related area is required. Experience coordinating complex communication and media activities involving multiple stakeholders is required. Experience with graphic design applications is desirable. Experience with managing social media platforms and their use with a view to communicating and reaching out to clients is desirable. Experience with the UN system and operational activities, or the operational activities of a similar large international organization is desirable.

LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position advertised, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Fluency in Turkish is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

AssessmentEvaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.

Special NoticeThis position is temporarily available for a period of six (6) months (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 position is a National Professional position and will be based in Istanbul. Candidates for the National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located (limited to Turkish nationals).
•  Appointment against this post is on a local basis.
•  The contract will be administered by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on behalf of OCHA.
•  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 in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
•  An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential

United Nations ConsiderationsAccording 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.

No FeeTHE 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.

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