Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), based in Kinshasa. The incumbent participates in formulating and implementing strategy, aimed at fighting disinformation that harms the Mission’s mandate, planning, developing, and providing accurate and timely information to internal and external audiences to promote awareness, understanding, support, and respect for the Mission’s work. He/She prepares, or 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.

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Chief Public Information in Kinshasa and within the limits of delegated authority, the Public Information Officer may be responsible for the following duties: 1.Prepares or coordinates the development of communications products and content across multiple platforms ensuring accurate and consistent messaging, branding, and alignment with the communications strategy, particularly aimed at fighting disinformation. a) Prepares or coordinates the preparation of a diverse range of communication products in support of unit priorities and works closely with departments, funds, and agencies to develop ways to implement campaigns system-wide and to incorporate the campaign message and themes into all relevant events and products. b) Drafts and edits material for press releases, key messages, Q&As, talking points, UN newsletters reports and books. c) Writes human interest stories and produces digital content for the Mission’s social media platforms, including video scripts. 2. Implements communications strategies and activities aimed at fighting disinformation. a) Responsible for participating in the development and implementation of a strategy to fight disinformation, including social media, community outreach and/or radio products with the objective of promoting awareness, understanding, support and respect for the Mission’s work and support for UN Peacekeeping or Special Political mandate and priorities. b) Prepares reports to Mission leadership, UNHQ on mis-disinformation circulating on social media platforms, 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. c) Provides communication support to managers, senior officers, and other public information staff on a range of public affairs issues, methods, and approaches. d) Analysis of mis-disinformation circulating on social media platforms media monitoring statistics, social media and web usage and adapts editorial and outreach priorities accordingly. 3. Engages with media and strengthens partnerships. a) Prepares material for press briefings and interviews particularly on disinformation and its response; drafts press statements and press releases as necessary; establishes and maintains a cooperative relationship with local and international journalists. b) Sets up regular system of media guidance and monitoring and develops contact list of journalists and media outlets, who support fact-checking and are active on social media, and a successful process of communicating and maintaining regular contact and close collaboration with these media. c) Arranges interviews and/or background briefings with senior mission officials and facilitates the daily work of journalists covering the Mission. d) 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. e) Keeps abreast of changing developments, trends, and technologies with strong understanding of social media. 4. Builds communication capacity and team management. a) Manages the day-to-day operation of the disinformation unit including participating 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 programs and monitoring and evaluating results. b) Provides clear directions that are translated from organizational strategy. Encourages others to pursue development opportunities and creates genuine learning opportunities for them. c) In close coordination with the Chief Public Information in Kinshasa manages and supervises public information and consultants to monitor and respond to disinformation, achieve the outputs and quality assurance of all activities; establishing work plans, required resources, priorities, timelines, and performance benchmarks. Monitors progress and takes timely action and/or decisions to ensure objectives are met. 5. Provides support to internal communications a) Produces reports, newsletters, and other materials of interest to internal audiences. b)Ensures Mission internal communication is up to date and accurate. c) Other related duties that may be assigned.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Shows pride in work and 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. CREATIVITY: Actively seeks to improve programs or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree, or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relation, public administration, or related field is required. A first- level university degree in combination with additional two years of experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of five of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism or related area is required A minimum of two years of experience in social listening and fighting disinformation campaigns is required. Experience in crisis management, in insecure areas is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in French and English (both oral and written) are required for this position.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

This job opening is to identify the most qualified candidate for the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO). Candidates endorsed by the FCRB but not selected will be placed on the Public Information Officer, P-3, roster. The entire assessment process takes an average of six months; all applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application (whether successful or unsuccessful) within 14 days of the conclusion of the process. Successful candidates will be placed on the roster and subsequently will be invited to apply for field mission vacancies open only to roster members. Roster membership does not guarantee selection. 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. The United Nations Secretariat is committed to achieving 50/50 gender balance in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position. Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.

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.