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 two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in journalism or related area is required.

Journalistic experience in a news environment with a wire service, online news or broadcast news outlet is required. Experience writing news and feature stories in Arabic to multiple daily deadlines, conceptualizing and producing multimedia feature materials is required.

Experience in the technical aspects of multimedia production, such as creating audio and clips and broadcast programmes, filming and editing short news video pieces is desirable. Experience managing social media platforms is desirable. Experience in identifying appropriate visual content (graphics, photos and videos) related to News coverage is desirable.

Experience in managing social media and web analytics is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in English and Arabic are required.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority and depending on location, the Public Information Officer under the direct supervision of the Chief/Officer-in-Charge of UN News (Arabic Language Unit), the incumbent is responsible for the following duties: • Monitors, and analyzes current events, public opinion and press, identifies issues and trends and advises management on appropriate action/responses; writes, produces multimedia feature stories for posting on the UN News websites covering the global activities of the United Nations system.

• Carries out and undertakes activities (photos, videos and audio) to promote media coverage (e.g.

major conferences, events, campaigns, interviews, press seminars and other special activities) of priority issues and/or major events, to include development of a media strategy and action plan, initiating pro-active media outreach efforts, proposing and arranging press conferences/media coverage, disseminating materials and consulting with press on approach/story angle and other information requests, undertaking appropriate follow-up action and analyzing and reporting on the impact of coverage.

• Produces or oversees production of multimedia feature stories that incorporate original video clips embedded video from the wider UN system, and other visuals for the story a specific type or types (e.g.

print, broadcast, etc.) of information communications products (news stories, multimedia feature materials on UN activities system wide for posting on the UN News websites in relevant language, covering the global activities of the United Nations, in keeping with editorial guidelines; conducts interviews, gathering audio and video material, undertaking digital editing and programming, podcasts and feature stories, ensures timely and accurate coverage of key United Nations developments at Headquarters and around the world, including through regular weekend duty shifts and evenings as needed, prepares content for sharing across news platforms, and that it is social media friendly for social media dissemination and helps implement strategies to build audiences across diverse demographics to include proposing topics, undertaking research, determining appropriate medium and target audience, writing drafts, obtaining clearances and finalizing texts, editing copy, and posting on UN News websites and related social media websites for distribution.

• Prepares, on the basis of official UN documentation and other sources, initial drafts of articles for inclusion in UN News websites.

• Initiates and sustains professional relationships with key constituencies.

• Acts as focal point and as media contact person on selected stories, identifies Arabic-speaking spokespeople at UNHQ and in the field, on specific issues, monitoring and reporting on developments, responding to inquiries, etc.

• Participates in selecting the information transmitted to key constituencies.

• Provides guidance to, serves as Officer-in-Charge, in absence of Chief/OIC and may supervise, more junior staff. • Undertakes other tasks as requested.