Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located within the Strategic Communications Section of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan. The position is based in Kabul, Afghanistan (Kabul is classified as a Hardship “E” duty station and a non-family duty station). The incumbent will report to the Chief, Strategic Communications Section. UNAMA was established by UN Security Council Resolution 1401 in March 2002. Its mandate is reviewed annually with the latest renewal being on 15 March 2024 when the Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2727, renewing the current mandate under Resolution 2626 (2022).

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority and in close coordination with the Chief of the Strategic Communications Section, the Public Information Officer will be responsible for the following duties: -Play a leading role in designing communication strategies, and campaigns, preparing communication plans, compiling top stories, planning and coordinating the production of a range of multimedia content in promoting issues in support of UNAMA’s communications strategy and tactics (e.g., global promotion initiatives, country-wide public information programmes, broad-reaching subject specific issues, etc.). -Drafts complex and politically sensitive material, including press releases, news stories, features, interviews, messages, key messages and talking points, social media content, and edits drafts prepared by junior officers. -Provides advice and expertise to managers, senior officers and other public information staff on a range of public affairs issues, methods, and approaches related to the production of online news, and related content for target audiences; in coordination with Chief, Strategic Communications, anticipates and resolves communications/public relations issues/problems. -Leads the Print and Digital team in planning, coordinating and carrying out content production of daily news and multimedia features; mentors and supervises the work of junior officers through editorial oversight and quality control. -Supports national and international media engagements including identifying outreach opportunities and the management of press encounters, including supporting spokesperson functions. -Oversees media monitoring operations and editorial matters of media monitoring, including monitoring on mis/disinformation, and information analysis. -Supports Outreach unit operations in providing guidance on strategic communications and community engagement and manages projects with local media implemented through Field Offices. -Keeps abreast of latest developments in multimedia production, technological innovations and marketing techniques in the news and social media industries and ensures the successful integration of such tools in all platforms. -Monitors and evaluates results and impact of communications activities; reports on developments, trends and attitudes regarding UNAMA. -Represents the Section in meetings and conferences planning and implementing promotional efforts including media coverage through effective liaison with media contacts and broadcasting organizations on major issues and events concerning the Mission. -Builds information networks; plans and oversees maintenance of publicly accessible information materials on UNAMA. -Assists in the day-to-day operations of the Section and participates in coordination of substantive and administrative activities of the Section, including participation in the UN Communication Group . -Serves as Officer-in-Charge of the Section, as required. -Performs other related duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Excellent knowledge of digital media trends and technologies, including social media. 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. 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. TEAMWORK: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

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 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 seven years of progressively responsible experience in the public information arena, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area is required. Experience managing public information and communication strategies in politically sensitive environments (such as faced in conflict or post-conflict environments), including managing crisis communications is required. Experience working in news media in an international setting is required. Experience with multimedia (text, photo, video, radio) content production is required. Excellent drafting skills and experience in drafting and editing for publication and for social media, including experience managing corporate social media and digital platforms, are required. Experience managing a team is required. Experience with spokesperson functions is desirable. Familiarity with UN public information policies and procedures is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the position advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

Applicants, who successfully go through a competitive recruitment process and are recommended for selection and/or inclusion in the roster of pre-approved candidates for subsequent job openings at the same level and with similar functions, may have their application information and roster status shared with other UN Organizations. Such applicants may be contacted by other UN Organizations for similar job openings, subject to the confirmation of their interest. Placement on the roster is no guarantee of a future selection. 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. 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. For this position, applicants from the following Member States, which are unrepresented or under-represented in the UN Secretariat as of 31st October 2024, are strongly encouraged to apply:Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahrain, Belize, Brunei Darussalam, China, Cuba, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Dominica, Equatorial Guinea, Germany, Grenada, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Libya, Liechtenstein, Malta, Marshall Islands, Micronesia (Federated States of), Monaco, Nauru, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu.

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.