Org. Setting and Reporting

This temporary position is located in the Directors Office of the Outreach Division (OD) in the Department of Global Communications (DGC). The Public Information Officer reports to the Director of OD, who served as the Commissioner-General of the UN at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai and currently leads the implementation of the Expo 2025 legacy project. The United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC) is implementing the Expo 2025 Legacy Project to maximize the long-term impact of the UN Pavilion and UN programming at Expo 2025 Osaka, held from 13 April to 13 October 2025. Building on the success of the UN Pavilion and the broader UN presence at Expo 2025 Osaka, the Department aims to carry forward the approach and narrative that resonated strongly with audiences into upcoming projects. This includes replicating selected UN Pavilion exhibitions in New York and other locations, as well as hosting related events in Japan and globally. Several initiatives are being developed under the framework of the Expo 2025 Legacy Project and will require close coordination with relevant stakeholders across the UN system, as well as with the Government of Japan, the projects donor. The Public Information Officer will ensure that all necessary planning and coordination are in place to implement a package of these legacy initiatives. This position is available for an initial six-month period from the date when the incumbent is recruited. The position is extendable depending on the availability of the fund.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the Public Information Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Takes the lead to develop, implement, and evaluate assigned activities outlined in the Expo 2025 Legacy project; conduct review of relevant documents and reports; identify priorities, problems, and issues to be addressed and propose corrective actions.
• Coordinates and liaises with relevant parties, including with UN system organizations planning to implement the Expo 2025 Legacy Project; identifies and initiates follow-up actions. In particular, liaises with and provides support to the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Tokyo and UN University (UNU), as they implement Expo 2025 legacy project activities planned in Japan.
• Coordinates and supports the development of exhibits and activities based on the success of the UN Pavilion at Expo 2025 in other UN locations or avenues similar to Expo 2025 to maximize visibility and impact of Expo 2025 Legacy Project.
• Supports UNUs planning and management of the UN Presence at the Horticultural Expo 2027 in Yokohama, Japan.
• Creates and maintains a regularly updated timeline of deadlines and tasks related to preparations of content and preparations for the legacy project;
• Supports the Director of the Outreach Division in all aspects of implementing the Legacy Project, including drafting relevant documentation, preparing meetings and speaking engagements, and facilitating the consultations required for informed decision-making.
• Ensures alignment of material and programming prepared with United Nations communications strategies and priorities; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; Manages outreach activities and strategic engagement with relevant parties, including contractual partners responsible for delivering products and/or services to the legacy project.
• Maintains direct and regular contacts with the Government of Japan, ensuring that required documents and reporting are prepared and submitted on time;
• Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and ensures preparation of related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.);
• May perform other duties as required. Competencies
• Professionalism: Knowledge of the full 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. 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.
• 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. Education Advanced university degree (Masters degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration or related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. 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 areas is required. Experience in international organizations and in managing relationships with donor governments is desirable. Experience in organizing, managing, or coordinating high-level events such as World Expos is desirable. Experience in developing and procuring exhibits is desirable. Languages English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and Japanese are 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 Japanese UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III UN Level III Assessment Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by competency-based interview. 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.
• 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.
• This…