Press Officer
Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the Chief of the Section, the incumbent :
Drafts summaries on the activities and meetings of intergovernmental and Treaty Bodies at Geneva which are issued as press releases and meeting summaries;
Drafts background articles outlining issues, proposals and past deliberations of Treaty Bodies prior to their sessions, as well as round-up releases summarizing the main decisions adopted;
Drafts other types of press releases such as highlights of UN reports, articles on activities of the United Nations Office at Geneva, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the UN Special Rapporteurs on Human Rights, the Conference on Disarmament and related Committees;
Drafts information material such as summaries of press conferences, briefing notes, leaflets and other information on the activities of the organization;
Writes reports on various issues for the Service or at the request of other UN departments, particularly the Department of Public Information and the Office of the Director General;
Supports the Press Editor by editing press releases, meeting summaries and other information material;
Liaises with the secretariats of UN bodies, in particular with OHCHR and the Conference on Disarmament in relation with coverage activities;
Responds to requests for information from correspondents about the activities of the United Nations;
Makes presentations to groups of visitors including students, diplomats, representatives of non-governmental organizations and journalists;
Drafts information and develops material for UNIS social media, posts it and monitors social media pages.
Assists in any other public information task as required.
Competencies
Professionalism:
Familiarity with UN activities, issues and procedures is an asset. Excellent drafting, editing and analytical skills; ability to understand politically sensitive nuances and sound understanding of intergovernmental processes, global issues and country specific situations; firm grasp of research techniques and search engines; proven capacity to make active use of social media tools. Knowledge of desktop publishing and other information technology skills an asset. Shows pride in work and in achievements. 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.
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.
Teamwork:
Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
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.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in journalism, political science, international relations or related fields. A first level of university in combination with at least two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
At least five years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations or related area, including three years of experience in drafting and editing press and meeting coverage. Experience in international organisations would be an asset.
Languages
Fluency in English and knowledge of French (both oral and written) are required. Knowledge of another official language of the United Nations is an advantage.
Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include a written assessment which will be followed by a competency-based interview.
United Nations Considerations
Job openings posted on the Careers Portal are taken off at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.
Applications are automatically pre-screened according to the published evaluation criteria of the job opening on the basis of the information provided by applicants. Applications cannot be amended following submission and incomplete applications shall not be considered. The selected candidate will be subject to a reference checking process to verify the information provided in the application.
Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on “The Application Process” and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” on the upper right side of the browser on Inspira.
The United Nations shall place 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. (Charter of the United Nations – Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
Candidates will be required to meet the requirements of Article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter as well as the requirements of the position. The United Nations is committed to the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity for all its human resources, including but not limited to respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to whether they have committed, or are alleged to have committed criminal offences and/or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.