Org. Setting and Reporting

This post is located in the Syria Office of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), based in Damascus. The incumbent reports to the Representative of OHCHR Syria Country Office or designee.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority and depending on location, the Associate Public Information Officer may be responsible for the following duties:

• Tracks, researches and analyzes information on assigned topics/issues; gathers information from diverse sources and helps to assess news value and other potential impact, as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of information campaigns.
• Drafts and/or compiles a specific type or types (e.g. print, broadcast, social media etc.), of information/ communications products for target audiences to include press releases, media packets and reports, brochures, briefings, audiovisual video clips, newsletters, websites, etc.
• Organizes the clearance, production and distribution of information material; conducts photo and graphic research, provides inputs and suggests ideas on content, narration texts, audio excerpts, design elements and supports the distribution of public information materials.
• Prepares, on the basis of official UN documentation and other sources, initial drafts of articles or chapters for inclusion in UN newsletters, periodicals, reports, relevant media, and social media.
• In consultation with the head of office or designee, identifies and proposes public information opportunities, activities and approaches, taking into account the situation/topic and target audience. Identifies key contacts/constituencies and opportunities for strategic partnerships to facilitate communication efforts and maintains working relationships. Organizes or participates in the organization of press briefings, interviews, storytelling and provides inputs to the preparation of briefing materials for senior officials prior to their participation in such events.
• Maintains and edits outreach materials on the communication channels of the office such as website and social media pages.
• Responds to a variety of inquires and information requests internally and externally; prepares related correspondence.
• Contributes to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Performs other duties as assigned. Competencies PROFESSIONALISM: Ability to plan, execute and monitor public communication campaigns, e.g. campaign management, market research, message targeting, impact evaluation. Ability to research and analyze issues and topics related to current events. Ability to draft and compile a variety of written communication products in a clear, concise style. Ability to interact with the public to build and maintain effective business connections. 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. CREATIVITY: Actively seeks to improve programmes 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 and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches. 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 communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Job – Specific Qualification Not available. Work Experience A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, public administration or related area is required. At least one (1) year of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. Experience working with the United Nations or other international organizations is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Arabic is required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details). Required Languages Language Reading Writing Listening Speaking English UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II Arabic UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II UN Level II Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. Special Notice THIS POSITION IS TEMPORARILY AVAILABLE FOR SIX (6) MONTHS – SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS. Candidates for the National Professional Officer category shall be of the nationality of the country where this position is located. 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. Locally recruited General Service staff members applying for this post must meet the minimum requirements, including academic qualifications and years of relevant experience. Relevant experience in the General Service category at G-6 and G-7 levels may count towards experience requirements. 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. 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. Reasonable accommodation for applicants with disabilities may be provided to support participation in the recruitment process when requested and indicated in the application. 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…