Posting Title: PUBLIC INFORMATION ASSISTANT, G6
Job Code Title: PUBLIC INFORMATION ASSISTANT
Department/Office: Department of Global Communications
Duty Station: WINDHOEK
Posting Period: 14 March 2023 – 13 April 2023
Job Opening Number: 23-Public Information-DGC-204151-R-Windhoek (O)
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Organisational Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the United Nations Information Centre in Windhoek (UNIC Windhoek), within the Information Centres Service (ICS), Campaigns and Country Offices Division (CCOD), Department of Global Communications (DGC). The UNIC Windhoek is the principal source of information about the United Nations system in Namibia. The information centre is responsible for promoting public understanding and support for the aims and activities of the United Nations by disseminating UN information materials to a local audience in English and other languages utilised in the region, engaging local and regional partners: and, overall, bringing the United Nations closer to the people it serves. The incumbent is under the overall supervision Public Information Officer in Programme Support Section of the ICS and the direct supervision of the National Information Officer.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the incumbent is responsible for the following duties:
- Provides specialized assistance in the production and delivery of information communications products and services.
- Researches a broad scope of information sources, printed and electronic; compile and present information for use in the preparation and production of communications products/services for external audiences.
- Serves as an information focal point on UN activities open to accredited press and coordinate media coverage of important events; compiles, produces and distributes to journalists basic information (e.g. The Media Alert) on the wide spectrum of UN activities open to the press; briefs relevant parties on policies and procedures governing media coverage of the UN, clearance/accreditation requirements, etc.; liaises with news and publications agencies, public relations firms, UN photographers, etc. to provide advance notice of, and information on, upcoming meetings, briefings and special events and to ascertain coverage requirements; coordinates logistic and technical arrangements/requests and organizes and allocates space for visiting news, photo, TV and film personnel; researches, evaluates and processes applications for UN security clearances/accreditations and control media access to press briefings, etc.; serves as Accreditation and Liaison Officer for UN conferences held away from Headquarters.
- Organizes and executes special events, coordinating with diverse partners and the media to highlight and publicize key events.\
- Monitor and analyzes current events, public opinion and press, identifies issues and trends, and advise on appropriate responses, this include the compilation of results and impact of communication activities and measuring of public perceptions and attitudes.
- Draft material for newsletters, reports, researches information for speech writing, presentations, speaking engagements, lectures and public engagements.
- Build strong media networks, plans and maintains databases of information networks.
- Assist in the day-to-day operation of communications and events related initiatives including participating in coordination of substantive and administrative activities, interpreting and following policy procedures, reporting, handling administrative enquiries and assist in preparing draft budget submissions
- Support with the design of advocacy campaigns on thematic or cross cutting issue of the country’s development agenda.
- Assists in the electronic dissemination of programmes; prepares, maintains and updates web page, to include drafting and editing content; uploads/downs load audio files and maintains file structure.
- Provides guidance and training to junior staff.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
CompetenciesPROFESSIONALISM: 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. Commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects 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 the 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.
EducationA high school diploma or equivalent is required.
Work ExperienceA minimum of seven years of experience in public information, journalism, communications, public relations, international broadcasting or related area is required. Experience working with digital communication outlets, including database-driven web sites and social media platforms are required. Experience drafting content for different publishing formats and/or platforms, including briefing notes, press releases, speeches, social media and websites is required. Experience working with digital analytic tools is desirable. Experience in graphic design and/or desktop publishing utilising Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, and/or comparable computer software is desirable. Experience working in an office of the United Nations Common System or a comparable international organization is desirable.
LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is desirable.
AssessmentEvaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.
Special NoticeThis position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. All staff in the General Service and related categories shall be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of each office, irrespective of their nationality and of the length of time they may have been in the country. A staff member subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. Passing the Global General Service Test (GGST) is a prerequisite for recruitment consideration in the General Services and related categories in the United Nations Secretariat. Applicants who have not passed the GGST at the time of application may be invited for the test after submitting an application. Having passed the Administrative Support Assessment Test [in English] at the United Nations headquarters, Economic Commission for Africa, Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, United Nations Office at Geneva, United Nations Office at Vienna, International criminal tribunal for Rwanda or International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia may be accepted in lieu of the GGST. 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.
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.