Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is in the Strategic Programme Development, Coordination and Partnership Unit, Capacity Development Programme Management Office (CDPMO) of DESA. CDPMO supports the Under-Secretary-General and DESA’s divisions in the implementation of the Department’s capacity development approach and promotes coherence as well as integrated delivery of the Department’s capacity development activities. The Public Information Officer supports knowledge management initiatives and implementation, data analytics and reporting, website development and maintenance, and IT support for CDPMO. The Public Information Officer reports to the Senior Programme Management Officer in the Strategic Programme Development, Coordination and Partnership Unit. Further information about CDPMO is available at https://www.un.org/development/desa/cdpmo/

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Chief of Unit and the overall guidance of the Director, the Public Information Officer with Knowledge Management expertise is responsible for the following duties: o Ensures implementation of information programs to publicize priority issues and/or stories, including drafting information strategies, coordinating efforts, monitoring and reporting progress, and analyzing outcomes. o Monitors and analyzes current events, public opinion, and press, identifies issues and trends, and advises management on appropriate action/responses. o Undertakes activities to promote media coverage of capacity development of a media strategy and action plans, 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. o Produces or oversees production of information communications products (e.g., press kits, press releases, feature articles, speeches, booklets, brochures, backgrounders, audio-visual materials, radio spot program, etc.), to include proposing topics, undertaking research, determining appropriate medium and target audience, preparing production plans, writing drafts, obtaining clearances and finalizing texts, editing copy, and coordinating design approval, printing procedures and distribution. audiovisual materials). o Prepares drafts of articles, newsletters, reports, and Social Media posts based on official UN documentation and other sources. o Initiates and sustains professional relationships with key constituencies. o Acts as focal point on specific issues, monitoring and reporting on developments, responding to inquiries, etc. o Participates in selecting the information transmitted to key constituencies. o Provides guidance to, and may supervise, more junior staff. o Develops and implements strategies to manage organizational knowledge assets effectively, ensuring knowledge sharing and retention within and across teams. o Implements databases, data collection systems, data analytics and other strategies that optimize efficiency and quality. o Analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. o Oversees the management, maintenance, performance and enhancement of CDPMO websites, built in Drupal 10, ensuring that they are up-to-date and in compliance with UN and industry standards and best practices. o Serve as the primary point of contact for technical issues related to IT. Work implies frequent interaction with the following: Senior Programme Management Officer, Public Information Officers and other specialists, and managers throughout UNDESA and in other UN organizations. Results Expected: Plans, manages, and evaluates public communications campaigns and knowledge management initiatives to enhance organizational learning, public understanding, and media coverage of UN activities, events, and viewpoints. Develops and delivers knowledge-sharing platforms and IT-driven solutions that effectively disseminate targeted messages to audiences. Builds and maintains strategic partnerships to ensure impactful knowledge dissemination, collaboration, and communications.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: Demonstrates expertise in the full range of knowledge management and IT approaches, tools, and methodologies essential for planning and executing effective strategies and programs. Possesses the ability to identify knowledge-sharing opportunities, challenges, and risks within an international environment and propose innovative IT solutions to address them. Exhibits skill in diplomatically handling sensitive information and fostering collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders. Has a strong understanding of relevant internal policies, business processes, and organizational knowledge assets. Proficient in producing clear, concise written materials and delivering engaging oral presentations tailored to various audiences, leveraging digital tools to enhance communication and knowledge dissemination. 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. • 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. • TECHNOLOGICAL AWARENESS: Keeps abreast of available technology; understands applicability and limitation of technology to the work of the office; actively seeks to apply technology to appropriate tasks; shows willingness to learn new technology.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in knowledge management, communication, journalism, international relations, information management, information science and technology, business administration, social sciences, or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage.

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 using information technology to develop and manage knowledge management systems or tools for data collection, analysis, and reporting is required. Experience in using business intelligence and other digital solutions to create, share, and explore interactive data dashboards and reports is required. Experience in maintaining websites, using Drupal (CMS) or Azure is required. Experience in providing general IT support to the office is required. Experience in supporting capacity development programmes/projects for social and economic development at the country-level is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, English or French, (both oral and written) is required; knowledge of the other is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by 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 thereof are subject to the availability of the post or funds, budgetary approval or extension of the mandate. 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. Pursuant to section 7.11 of ST/AI/2012/2/Rev.1, candidates recruited through the young professionals programme who have not served for a minimum of two years in the position of their initial assignment are not eligible to apply to this position. 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.

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.