Communications Officer, P-4

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

The United Nations’ Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) on Violence against Children is a global independent advocate to promote the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against children. The core responsibility of the SRSG is to advance implementation of the recommendations of the United Nations Study on Violence against Children (2006), building upon health and child protection initiatives and developments, and promoting the protection of children from violence as a human rights imperative. This position is located in the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Violence against Children (OSRSG-VAC) in New York. The incumbent reports to the Special Representative through the Chief of Staff of OSRSG-VAC.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties:

• Design, in close cooperation with the Chief of Staff for the SRSG’s approval, of the overall communication, speech writing, advocacy and outreach strategy for the Office, and supports its implementation, including through coordinating with all focal points in the OSRSG -VAC.
• Manages the communications components of campaigns and advocacy efforts of the Office. Takes the lead in planning, development and implementation of large, complex communications and advocacy campaigns (e.g. global advocacy and communication initiatives, public information programmes for a region, broad-reaching subject specific issues, etc.); where appropriate, works with different UN departments, funds and agencies to develop ways to implement system-wide campaigns and to incorporate the campaign message and themes into all relevant events and products.
• Prepares or oversees a diverse range of information and communications products in support of major campaign initiatives including through social media including press releases, newsletters, periodicals, reports and publications and social media. Builds information networks; plans and oversees maintenance of publicly accessible information materials on OSRSGVAC; plans and develops outreach activities.
• Collaborates with the Chief of Staff in the resource mobilization to ensure coherence of messaging and approaches, seeks funding and other assistance for major campaigns. Contributes to overall Office’s planning and carries out the work plan under his/her responsibility, determining priorities, and proposing allocation of resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery; ensures that the outputs produced by the Communications Team meet high-quality standards and support relevant OSRSG-VAC mandate.
• Fosters teamwork and communication among staff and across organizational boundaries. Participates in coordination with all relevant staff the finalization of key outreach documentation include results reporting tools monitoring and evaluating results.
• Oversees OSRSG-VAC’s publications programme and ensure quality multilingual materials including the website and its maintenance.
• Represents OSRSG VAC in UN communication networks; fulfils speaking engagements and makes presentations to groups on OSRSG VAC activities and advocates issues of concern; organizes media coverage and arranges for media contacts, briefings, and interviews; organizes seminars, lectures, conferences, public events on major issues and events concerning the organization.
• Serves as a spokesperson when required and in close cooperation and supervision of the SRSG and the Chief of Staff to media organizations, governmental bodies, national groups, private sector organizations, educational organizations, and international organizations, as required.
• Evaluates results and impact of communications and advocacy activities; reports on developments, trends and attitudes regarding the UN, and OSRSG VAC in particular.
• Provides advice and expertise to managers and officers across OSRSG VAC on a range of communication and advocacy issues, methods, and approaches; anticipates and resolves communications/public relations issues/problems.
• Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provides insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.
• Supports the OSRSG-VAC on information technology including ensuring collection, maintenance and classification of audio visual materials including photo gallery in full compliance with OSRSG -VAC’s safeguarding policy.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of different aspects of public information and communication. Ability to address a range of issues in the context of political developments, public attitudes and local conditions. Ability to conceptualize, design and implement major information campaigns. Ability to rapidly analyze and integrate diverse information from varied sources. Ability to diplomatically handle sensitive situations with target audiences and cultivate productive relationships. Ability to produce a variety of written communications products in a clear, concise style. Ability to deliver oral presentations to various audiences. Ability to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Empowering others: Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations, and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work. Encourages others to set challenging goals. Holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility. Genuinely values all staff members’ input and expertise. Shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort. Involves others when making decisions that affect them.

Education

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

Work Experience

• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in public information, communication, advocacy campaigns, journalism, or related area is required. Experience in social media is required. Experience in advocacy campaigns for an international organization, such as a UN Advocacy campaign is desirable. Experience in managing the communication element of major international events/conferences is desirable. Experience in children’s rights is desirable.

Languages

• English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable.

Application instructions

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