Public Information Officer - Unocha - Nationals Only

This position is open to Somalian Nationals Only.

BACKGROUND

This position is located in the Operations and Advocacy Division, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), which is part of the United Nations Secretariat responsible for bringing together humanitarian actors to ensure a coherent response to emergencies.

OCHA also ensures there is a framework within which each actor can contribute to the overall response efforts. OCHA's mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors in order to alleviate human suffering in disasters and emergencies; advocate the rights of people in need; promote preparedness and prevention and facilitate sustainable solutions.

This job opening is being advertised for the position of Public Information officer located in the OCHA Office in Mogadishu, Somalia. Under the overall supervision of Deputy Head of Office, the Public Information Officer reports to the Head of Communications and Public Information Team.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSABILITIES

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

• Conducts reporting and analysis by establishing and maintaining reporting networks, drafts and distributs regular public and internal reports, statements and talking points on the humanitarian situation; ensuring flow of information and analysis of developments in the country/region, including tracking trends and sharing reports with HQ, and key partners. 
• Ensures implementation of information programmes to publicize priority issues and/or major events, to include drafting information strategies, coordinating efforts, monitoring and reporting on progress, taking appropriate follow-up action, and analyzing the outcome.
• Monitors and analyzes humanitarian developments in the assigned country, public opinion and press, identifies issues and trends, and advises management on appropriate action/responses.
• Produces or oversees production of information and communications products (e.g. press releases, articles, speeches, booklets, backgrounders, audio-visual materials, radio spot programmes, etc.); including proposing topics, collecting information from the field, audience targeting, writing drafts, obtaining clearances and finalizing and editing copy.
• Undertakes activities to promote media coverage (e.g. press conferences, press releases, interviews, press seminars and other special activities) of priority issues and/or major events, develops media strategies and initiates pro-active media outreach, undertakes appropriate follow-up actions on the impact of coverage. 
• Contributes content to and maintains appropriate and timely web and social media outreach. Able to deliver creative multimedia content to amplify the humanitarian situation in Somalia.
• 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.
• Acts as focal point on specific issues, monitoring and reporting on developments, responding to inquiries, etc.
• Provides guidance to, and may supervise, more junior staff.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Professionalism: Knowledge of different aspects of humanitarian response, 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. 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international studies, public administration, communication, or a related field with (5) years of relevant experience is required.

                                     OR

• A first-level university degree in combination with an additional seven (7) years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. 

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills:

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in Public Information, journalism, international relations, public administration, or related area is required.
• Familiarity with UN policies, rules and procedures, particularly concerning humanitarian response and coordination, and knowledge of institutional mandates, policies and guidelines about humanitarian assistance, especially the humanitarian reform agenda is desirable.
• Humanitarian experience in the field (actual setting where a mission and/or project is being implemented) in emergency situations (complex emergency or natural disaster) is desirable.
• Experience in a humanitarian context within the UN common system or in a comparable international organization is desirable.
• Experience with crisis communication is desirable.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency in English and Somali is required.

Other:

• Availability for travel to remote areas of the country.
• Ability to work with moderate supervision, with efficiency, competency, and integrity in a multi-cultural environment.
• Demonstrates critical ability and sound judgment in the pursuit of requests to full completion.

Note:

“Please upload copies of your academic qualifications and 3 latest Performance Evaluations (if applicable)”

Applicant information about UNOCHA rosters

UNOCHA reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNOCHA at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience, and educational requirements.

Non-discrimination

UNOCHA has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.  

UNOCHA is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin, or other status.

Scam warning

The United Nations does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing or other fees in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard it. Furthermore, please note that emblems, logos, names and addresses are easily copied and reproduced. Therefore, you are advised to apply particular care when submitting personal information on the web.