Country: Somalia
Closing date: 10 Aug 2015
United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM)
https://unsom.unmissions.org/Default.aspx?tabid=6254&language=en-US
P-4 Public Information Officer, Strategic Communications & Public Affairs
Start Date: ASAP; Duration of Need: Through 30 June 2016
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position is located within the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) and based in Mogadishu, Somalia The incumbent will manage the Strategic Communications team and report to the Principal Public Information Officer of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs (SC&PAG).
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the Public Information Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Takes the lead in strategy, planning, development and implementation of communications campaigns ; where appropriate, works with UNSOM departments, Federal Government of Somalia counterparts and UN funds and agencies to develop ways to implement campaigns system-wide and to incorporate the campaign message and themes into all relevant events and products. • Provides advice and expertise to managers, senior officers and other public information staff on a range of public affairs issues, methods, and approaches; anticipates and resolves communications/public relations issues/problems. • Develops strategic partnerships with key constituencies to elicit support for and maximize impact of promotional objectives. • Prepares or oversees preparation of a diverse range of information communications products in support of major campaign initiatives, including multimedia products and print and online publications. • Drafts complex material for UN newsletters, periodicals, reports and books and edits drafts prepared by junior officers.
• Evaluates results and impact of communications activities; reports on developments, trends and attitudes regarding the UN. • Represents the institution in meetings and conferences; fulfills speaking engagements and makes presentations to groups on UN activities and advocate issues of concern. • Builds information networks; plans and oversees maintenance of publicly accessible information materials on the United Nations. • Manages editorial calendar and publications programme; produces materials for print/electronic/voice/visual media. • Manages the day-to-day operation of the Strategic Communications team to include participating in coordination of substantive and administrative activities of the unit, interpreting and disseminating policy, providing procedural advice, improving reporting systems, handling operational and administrative queries, preparing budget submissions, managing relationship and procedures with contractors providing UNSOM’s Strategic Communications & Public Affairs Group with public information services including sourcing and procurement of services; budget development/tracking and analysis, reviewing/tracking tasking orders; monitoring and approving product quality, overseeing and commissioning research and opinion surveys, establishing and/or coordinating training programmes and monitoring and evaluating results.
• Coordinates and directs a team of public information staff and mentors and supervises the work of junior officers.
COMPETENCIES:
PROFESSIONALISM: Excellent knowledge of multimedia trends and technologies. 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. 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.
TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.
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.
Managing Performance: Delegates the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority; Makes sure that roles, responsibilities and reporting lines are clear to each staff member; Accurately judges the amount of time and resources needed to accomplish a task and matches task to skills; Monitors progress against milestones and deadlines; Regularly discusses performance and provides feedback and coaching to staff; Encourages risk-taking and supports creativity and initiative; Actively supports the development and career aspirations of staff; Appraises performance fairly.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience: A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area. Experience working in the public information, strategy, planning, development and implementation of communications campaigns is required. Excellent drafting skills in English and experience in drafting and editing for communications in English are required. Experience working with Federal Government officials highly desirable. Experience working in Somalia is highly desirable. Experience managing staff and budgets is required.
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.
Languages: English and French are the working languages of the UN. For this position, fluency in English (both oral and written) is required.
How to apply:
To apply you must:
- complete the UN Secretariat Personal History Profile (visithttps://inspira.un.org to generate a PHP). including a cover letter.
- provide proof of academic credentials upon request
- provide performance appraisals or reference letters, upon request
- send PHP and cover letter to UNSOA Recruitment: unsoarecruitment@un.orgApplications must be received by 10 August 2015 to be considered.