Org. Setting and Reporting
The Human Security Unit (HSU) is responsible for raising awareness and placing human security in the mainstream of UN activities. The specific objectives of the Unit are to: (a) manage the United Nations Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS); (b) advance the application of human security as a cross-cutting approach to promote peace, development and human rights at the policy and operational levels within and outside of the United Nations; and (c) expand political and financial support for human security and its implementation by the UN system and the international community. The HSU is guided substantively by the Executive office of the Secretary-General and administered by the Department of Operational Support. The Public Information & External Relations Officer reports to the Public Information & Resource Mobilization Officer.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority and depending on location, the Public Information & External Relations Officer may be responsible for the following duties: • Provides substantive input to the development of the HSU communications strategy and ensures implementation of communications and outreach programs and activities to raise the visibility of human security and the UNTFHS to include drafting information tactics, coordinating efforts, monitoring and reporting on progress, taking appropriate follow-up action, and analyzing the outcome. • Provides input to and supports implementation of the HSU’s resource mobilization strategy to include reviewing relevant donor documents and reports to develop and maintains donor profiles and identify strategies to engage prospective donors and other strategic partners. • Monitors and analyzes current events, public opinion and press, identifies issues and trends, and advises management on appropriate action/responses related to the implementation of the communications and/or resource mobilization strategies, as well as related activities and tactics within these strategies. • Undertakes activities to promote media coverage (e.g. press conferences, interviews, press seminars and other special activities) of priority issues and/or major events, to include development of a media action plan, initiating pro-active media outreach efforts, proposing and arranging press conferences/media coverage, disseminating materials and consulting with press on approach/story angle and other information requests, undertaking appropriate follow-up action and analyzing and reporting on the impact of coverage. • Produces or oversees production of a specific type or types (e.g. print, broadcast, etc.) of information communications products (e.g. press kits, press releases, feature articles, speeches, booklets, brochures, backgrounders, audio-visual materials, radio spot program, etc.), to include proposing topics, undertaking research, determining appropriate medium and target audience, preparing production plans, writing drafts, obtaining clearances and finalizing texts, editing copy, and coordinating design approval, printing procedures and distribution. • Reviews input from UNTFHS programmes as shared by Programme Management Officers for the preparation of these products and materials. • Prepares, on the basis of official UN documentation and other sources, initial drafts of articles or chapters for inclusion in UN newsletters, periodicals, reports and books. • Initiates and sustains professional relationships with key constituencies including expert-level focal points at Permanent Missions in New York and other strategic partners and institutions. • Participates in selecting the information transmitted to key constituencies. • Provides guidance to, and may supervise, more junior staff. • 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.
Competencies
• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of the full range of communications approaches, tools, and methodologies essential to planning and executing effective campaign strategies and programmes, e.g. campaign management, media operations, marketing and promotion, audience outreach, message targeting. Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Ability to identify public affairs issues, opportunities and risks in an international environment. Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships. Knowledge of relevant internal policies and business activities/issues. Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style. Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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. • CREATIVITY: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area is required. Experience with and/or knowledge of human security and its application in programming and policy development is desirable. Experience with political advocacy and/or intergovernmental processes in an international organization is desirable. Experience in developing communications strategies and plans to mobilize resources in an intergovernmental context is desirable.