Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located within the United Nations Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA) and will be based in Hudaydah, Yemen. The Public Information Officer reports to the Chief of Staff. UNMHA was established by Security Council resolution 2452 (2019) and is mandated to support the implementation of the Agreement on the City of Hudaydah and Ports of Hudaydah, Salif and Ras Isa as set out in the Stockholm Agreement.

Responsibilities

The Public Information Officer participates in the formulation and implementation of UNMHA’s communications, public information and outreach strategy and development and provision of accurate and timely information to internal and external audiences with the objective of promoting awareness, understanding, and support for the Mission’s work. S/he prepares and oversees the development of a diverse range of communications products 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. Within the limits of delegated authority, the Public Information Officer will be responsible for performing the following duties: Prepares or coordinates the development of communications products and content across multiple platforms ensuring accurate and consistent messaging, branding, and alignment with the communication strategy of the Mission. Prepares or coordinates the preparation of a diverse range of communication products in support of Mission priorities and pursuit of mandate implementation, and works closely with UNHQ departments, agencies, funds and programmes to develop ways to implement campaigns system-wide and to incorporate the campaign message and themes into all relevant events and products. Drafts and edits material for press releases, key messages, Q&A, talking points, UN newsletters reports and books. Writes human interest stories and produces digital content for the Mission’s social media platforms. Responsible for participating in the development and implementation of a strategy for media relations, publications, web and digital media, including social media, community outreach and/or radio products, with the objective of promoting awareness, understanding, support of and respect for the Mission’s work and support for the mandate and Mission priorities. Prepares 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. Provides communication support to managers, senior officers and other public information staff on a range of public affairs issues, methods, and approaches. Develops analysis of media monitoring statistics, social media and web usage, and adapts editorial and outreach priorities accordingly. Prepares material for press briefings and interviews; drafts press statements and press releases as necessary; establishes and maintains a cooperative relationship with local and international journalists. Sets up regular system of media guidance and monitoring and develops contact list of 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 media. Arranges interviews and/or background briefings with senior mission officials and facilitates the daily work of journalists covering the mission. Assists in responding in a timely fashion to disinformation that could impact negatively on the public perception of the Mission and/or the mission’s leadership, etc.; Keeps abreast of changing developments, trends, and technologies with strong understanding of social media. Participates 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. Provides clear directions that are translated from organizational strategy. Encourages others to pursue development opportunities and creates genuine learning opportunities for them. Supervises public information staff to achieve the outputs and quality assurance of all activities; establishing work plans, required resources, priorities, timelines and performance benchmarks; monitors progress and take timely action and/or decisions to ensure objectives are met. Produces reports, newsletters, and other materials of interest to internal audiences. Ensures Mission internal communication is up to date and accurate. Other related duties that may be assigned.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of the range of communications approaches, tools, and methodologies essential to planning and executing effective campaign strategies and programmes, e.g. campaign management, media operations, marketing and promotion, audience outreach, message targeting. Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Ability to identify public affairs issues, opportunities and risks in an international environment. Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships. Knowledge of relevant internal policies and business activities/issues. 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 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 and 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 (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies in combination with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, or related area is required. At least two years of experience with the United Nations or an equivalent organization in the international setting in the field of public information is required. Experience in the management of websites and content management systems (e.g. Drupal), including the use of tools to create graphics, and of social media platforms is required. Experience in a UN field mission is desirable. Experience managing resources, including personnel and budget, to support communications and advocacy activities is desirable. Experience working in an international setting in the MENA region is desirable.

Languages

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

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by an informal discussion.

Special Notice

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. • This position is temporarily available for 364 days. If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. • While this temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, the selection for this position is for a limited period and has no bearing on the future incumbency of the post. • Subject to the funding source of the position, the eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station. • This temporary job opening may be limited to “internal candidates,” who have been recruited through a competitive examination administered according to staff rule 4.16 or staff selection process including the review of a central review body established according to staff rule 4.15. • Staff members of the United Nations common system organizations who will reach the mandatory age of separation or retirement within the duration of the current temporary need period are not eligible to apply.Submitting an application or selection for the current temporary job opening does not delay or increase the mandatory age of separation. • Retirees above the mandatory age of separation who wish to be considered for the current temporary job opening must indicate the reason for their last separation as “retirement.” Such retirees shall not be employed by the Organization, unless (a) the operational requirements of the Organization cannot be met by staff members who are qualified and available to perform the required functions; and (b) the proposed employment would not adversely affect the career development or redeployment opportunities of other staff members and represents both a cost-effective and operationally sound solution to meet the needs of the service.

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.