Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) was created in 2010 to strengthen the United Nations’ interaction with the African Union. UNOAU is mandated to contribute to enhancing the partnership between the United Nations and the African Union in the area of peace and security, provide coordinated and consistent United Nations advice to the African Union on both long-term capacity-building and short-term operational support, and streamline the United Nations presence in Addis Ababa to be more cost-effective and efficient in delivering United Nations assistance to the African Union. UNOAU plays a key role in the implementation of the Joint UN-AU Framework for Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security, signed by the United Nations Secretary-General and Chairperson of the African Union Commission on 19 April 2017. This position is located in the Office of the Chief of Staff at UNOAU in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Within delegated authority, the incumbent of the post reports to the Head of Unit, Public Information.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Public Information Officer (NO-C) supports the implementation of the UNOAU Communications Strategy and will be responsible for the following duties: 1 Manages outreach to local media, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Government • Produces and disseminates information aimed at local media and organizations, including CSOs about the Office, its mandate and activities and supports outreach activities and assists in interactions; • Drafts and edits material for press releases, key messages, Q&As, talking points,. establishes and maintains a cooperative relationship with local media; • Monitors and analyses local media for disinformation/misinformation that could negatively impact public perception of the Office and/or the Office’s leadership, etc. • Develops and maintains contact list of local journalists and media outlets covering all media – print, TV, radio, social media, web, photo etc. – and a successful process of communicating and maintaining regular contact and close collaboration with the local media. 2. Enhances engagement and collaboration with relevant research and academic Institutions/think tanks a) Works closely with UNOAU substantive sections to develop strategic partnerships with relevant research and academic Institutions/think tanks ,to elicit support for and maximize impact of public information objectives; • Raises visibility of the Office by organizing panel discussions, seminars, lectures, conferences, public events on major issues and events in line with Office’s mandate. 3. Prepares or coordinates the development of communications products and content • Prepares or coordinates the preparation of a diverse range of communication products, including but not limited to newsletters, information circulars, photography, videography, graphic design etc. in support of Office priorities • Writes human interest stories for local and international audiences and produces digital content for the Office’s social media platforms and website. Keeps abreast of changing developments, trends and political development in country and serves as advisor to the Head of Unit, Public Information on these issues. • 4. Implements communications strategies and activities • Responsible for the development and implementation of an innovative digital communications strategy for UNOAU website, social media, and other Women, Peace and Security and Youth, Peace and Security (WPS/YPS) digital campaigns and products • Responsible for the daily/regular management of Office’s websites and digital media, including social media platforms; develops monthly social media calendars with the objective of promoting awareness, understanding, support and respect for the Office’s work and priorities • Assists the Head of Unit, Public Information with engagements/participation with the UN Communications Group and the UN Liaison Team for strategic communication matters. • Conceptualizes and organizes key thematic events primarily with the African Union and other partners 5. Provides support to data analysis and informed decision-making • Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provides insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven, up to date and accurate planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Ensures that requirements and background information used for data analysis are documented. 6. Other related duties that may be assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism: The ability to produce, analyze and interpret data in support of communications decision-making and to convey resulting information to management. 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. 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. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field is required. A first-level degree (bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area is required Experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. Experience working with the African Union is desirable. Experience working with the United Nations or similar international organization is required. Experience in development of digital communication strategy is required.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the advertised post, fluency in English and Amharic, both oral and written is required; Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable. 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 a 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 therefore subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. This position is subject to local recruitment pursuant to staff rule 4.4 of the United Nations Staff Rules. All staff in the General Service and related categories shall be recruited in the country or within commuting distance of each office, irrespective of their nationality and of the length of time they may have been in the country. A staff member subject to local recruitment shall not be eligible for the allowances or benefits exclusively applicable to international recruitment. Candidates for the National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located. Locally recruited General Service staff members applying for this post must meet the minimum requirements, including academic qualifications and years of relevant experience. Relevant experience in the General Service category at G-6 and G-7 levels may count towards experience requirements. 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. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. 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.

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.