PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

This position is located in the United Nations Information Service at Geneva (UNIS) and the incumbent will report to the Chief of the Press and External Relations Section at UNIS Geneva, with overall supervision of the Director of UNIS.

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Oversees and edits summaries of meetings of United Nations human rights treaty bodies, the Human Rights Council, press briefings, credentials of Permanent Representatives of Member States and Permanent Observers, press releases and other information products, ensuring accuracy, clarity, coherence and conformity with United Nations editorial standards, policies and practices. Ensures correct terminology, grammar, punctuation and style appropriate to the intended audience, while meeting production deadlines and quality standards. Promotes the effective use of modern editorial and digital tools to enhance efficiency, consistency and workflow.
• Oversees the development and delivery of high-impact multimedia content for UN Geneva's social media platforms to inform and engage external audiences. Provides editorial guidance, exercises sound journalistic and political judgment, and ensures content aligns with Department of Global Communications priorities and UN standards. Monitors performance and adapts strategies to maximize reach and engagement.
• Plans, develops and implements communications campaigns; where appropriate, works with departments, 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.
• Identifies sources and seeks funding and other assistance for major campaigns.
• Provides advice and expertise to managers, senior officers and other public information staff on a range of public affairs, editorial and communications 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, drafts, edits or oversees preparation of a diverse range of information communications and outreach products in support of major campaign initiatives.
• Evaluates results and impact of communications activities; reports on developments, trends and attitudes regarding the UN.
• Represents the institution in meetings; fulfills speaking engagements and makes presentations to groups on UN activities and advocate issues of concern; organizes seminars, lectures, conferences, public events on major issues and events concerning the organization.
• Builds information networks; plans and oversees maintenance of publicly accessible information materials on the United Nations; plans and develops outreach activities.
• Manages publications programme; produces materials for print/electronic/voice/visual media.
• Assists in the day-to-day operation of the unit 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, establishing and/or coordinating training programmes and monitoring and evaluating results.
• May coordinate and direct a team of public information staff and/or mentor and supervise the work of junior officers and interns on specific projects.
• 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.
• Serves as officer-in-charge in absence of the Chief of Section.

Professionalism: 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 analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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.

Planning & 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.

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area is required. Experience in editing and developing communications products for human rights intergovernmental bodies and other intergovernmental meetings, as well as translating complex policy discussions into clear and accessible content for diverse audiences, is required. Experience in social media strategy, content development and platform management across multiple themes and complex campaigns is required. Supervisory experience overseeing a team of at least 2 staff is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and French are required. Either Arabic or Spanish or Chinese (Mandarin) or Russian is desirable.

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