Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia (UNVMC) in the Regional Office Valledupar. Under the guidance of the Head of Office, Valledupar, the incumbent participates in the formulation and implementation of planning, development and provision of accurate and timely information with the objective of promoting awareness, understanding, support and respect for the Mission’s work with particular emphasis of reaching local media, civil society organizations, Government and National NGOs. S/he prepares drafts of a diverse range of communications products targeting local audiences across multiple platforms including digital, radio, TV and print; handles aspects of media relations and outreach; establishes and maintains a cooperative relationship with partners and local and international journalists; assists in responding in a timely fashion to disinformation that could negatively impact public perception of the Mission and/or the Mission’s leadership.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Associate Public Information Officer will be responsible for the following duties: 1. Manages outreach to local media, civil society organizations, Government and National NGOs and builds capacity: a) Produces and disseminates information, especially to local media and organizations about the Mission, its aims and activities and supports outreach activities and assists in interactions in local language(s). b) Develop partnerships with key national constituencies by proactively sharing work plan and content and working closely with national partners to raise visibility and understanding of the Mission’s work. c) Monitors and analyzes current events, public opinion and press; identifies issues and trends in country and helps to prepare notes to management on appropriate action/responses. 2. Builds communication capacity with regional partners and strengthens local partnerships d) Builds capacity and serves as focal point on local capacity building including supporting local media and partners through regular contact and organizing specialized training to address knowledge, awareness and skill gaps. e) Develop partnerships with key regional constituencies by proactively sharing work plan and content and working closely with regional partners to raise visibility and understanding of the Mission’s work. f) Develops strategic partnerships with key constituencies to elicit support for and maximize impact of public information objectives; raises visibility of the Mission by organizing and/or participating in seminars, lectures, conferences, public events on major issues and events concerning the organization. 3. Prepares communications products and content in local language(s) g) Drafts a diverse range of communication products in local languages(s) in support of unit priorities and works closely with departments and partners to develop ways to implement campaigns system-wide and to incorporate the campaign message and themes into all relevant events and products. h) Drafts human interest stories for local and international audiences and produces digital content for the Mission’s social media platforms. i) Keeps abreast of changing developments, trends and political development in the Country; provides communication support to managers, senior officers and other public information staff on a range of public affairs issues, methods, and approaches. j) Contributes to reports to Mission leadership, UNHQ on communications activities, developments, trends and attitudes regarding the UN; and coordinates and shares public information activities and guidance with other sections of the Public Information Unit and leadership when appropriate. k) Ensures that all UNVMC policies are applied and followed thoroughly across all processes, including adherence to UNVMC code of conduct and ethics, communication products, stories, and digital content, and integrates a gender-sensitive approach in all functions. 4. Provides support to internal communications l) Drafts copy for reports, newsletters, and other materials of interest to internal audiences. m) Ensures Mission’s internal communication is up to date and accurate. 5. Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism: 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 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.

Education

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 (2) additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or related areas is required. Experience working in strategic communications in the UN System, international organizations, governmental or non-governmental organizations is desirable. Experience engaging with journalists and media outlets, organizing press conferences, interviews and other media-related events is desirable. Two (2) years of progressive work experience in peacebuilding in Colombia is desirable. Experience in the production of photographic and audiovisual materials is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in both English and Spanish is required. NOTE: Fluency equals a rating of “fluent” in all four areas (read, write, speak, understand), and “knowledge of” equals a rating of “confident” in two of the four areas.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

Appointment or assignment against this position is for an initial period of one year. The appointment or assignment and renewal thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. Candidates for the National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located. This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. Applicants for positions in the General Service and related categories must be authorized to work for the United Nations in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station. Staff members subject to local recruitment are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. At the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the recruitment and employment of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity, with due regard to geographic diversity. All employment decisions are made on the basis of qualifications and organizational needs. The United Nations is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment of mutual respect. The United Nations recruits and employs staff regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds or disabilities. 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. Candidates interested in working for the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia may wish to check out our Realistic Job Preview videos to get an idea of the living and working conditions in different duty stations in Colombia: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-8SCkVjg-e3073SwTDG1VQf1oLTWfUQ4

United Nations Considerations

According 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. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to applicants with disabilities upon request, to support their participation in the recruitment process. By accepting a letter of appointment, staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign them to any of the activities or offices of the United Nations in accordance with staff regulation 1.2 (c). Further, staff members in the Professional and higher category up to and including the D-2 level and the Field Service category are normally required to move periodically to discharge functions in different duty stations under conditions established in ST/AI/2023/3 on Mobility, as may be amended or revised. This condition of service applies to all position specific job openings and does not apply to temporary positions. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira, and to refer to the Applicant Guide by clicking on “Manuals” in the “Help” tile 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 Fee

THE 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.