Posting Title: National Information Officer, NO-B Department/Office: Department of Public Information Location: MASERU
Posting Period: 25 December 2014 - 25 January 2015 Job Opening Number: UNIC-2014-017 Contract: Fixed-term Duration: One year, with the possibility of an extension
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Special Notices
This job opening is open to nationals of Lesotho only. For budgetary reasons, candidates at the duty station may be given priority consideration.
Appointment against this post is on a LOCAL basis, with NO entitlement to travel or any other international benefits. Should there be a need for examination, the candidate will be responsible for any travel expenses incurred.
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her.
Organizational Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the United Nations Information Centre in Maseru (UNIC Maseru), within the Information Centres Service (ICS), Strategic Communications Division (SCD), Department of Public Information (DPI). The incumbent is under the direct supervision of a Desk Officer and the overall supervision of the Chief of the Programme Support Section in ICS. At the local level, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, who also serves as UNIC Director, supervises the overall operation of UNIC Maseru.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the incumbent is responsible for the following duties:
• Takes a leading role on communications issues within the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) by convening and/or serving as the secretariat for the United Nations Communications Group at the country level in consultation with the directors of UNIC
• Develops and implements a communications strategy for Lesotho by adapting the global UN message for local audiences, in consultation with the UNCT and/or United Nations partners. To this aim, the incumbent will produce/oversee the production of print information materials in the local language(s) for a local audience; propose topics, undertakes research, determine the appropriate medium and target audience, prepare production plans, write drafts, obtain necessary clearances and finalize texts, edit, copy, and coordinate design approval, printing procedures and distribution. He or she will also ensure the implementation of a communications strategy on the local and regional levels to publicize United Nations priority issues and/or major events, to include coordination efforts with partners, monitoring and reporting on progress, taking appropriate follow-up action, and analyzing the outcome.
• Monitors and analyzes current events, public opinion and press coverage, identifying issues and trends, and advises the DPI at Headquarters and the UNCT on appropriate action/responses.
• Conducts media outreach, including development of media strategies and action plans, initiating pro-active media outreach efforts; maintains contacts with national and regional media in Lesotho, disseminates information materials to the media, places op-eds and arranges interviews, organizes press conferences and briefings, monitors press coverage of UN issues; consults with press on approach/story angle and other information requests, undertakes appropriate follow-up action and analyzes and reports on the impact of coverage.
• Maintains contacts with key civil society partners at the national and regional level, including UN associations, and undertakes joint projects with them; initiates and sustains proactive professional relationships with key constituencies in Lesotho.
• Conducts educational outreach, including the organization of regional Model UN conferences.
• Maintains web sites and social media accounts in English and/or relevant local language(s).
• Monitors programme output of the UNIC Maseru and reports to the ICS on a monthly, quarterly, annual and ad hoc basis.
• Performs other functions and special duties, as required by the Director of UNIC Maseru or the ICS, including undertaking speaking engagements and participating in seminars.
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, especially in Lesotho. Ability to rapidly analyse 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. Knowledge of tools and infrastructure used to support communication and public information initiatives, including traditional and social media equipment and systems, e.g. content management systems, mainstream social media platforms, multimedia editing/production equipment. 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. Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view.
• 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.
• 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
A first-level university degree (Bachelor of Arts or equivalent) in communications, journalism, public information or a related field is required.
Work Experience
A minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience, including experience in managing contacts and networking with the media, non-governmental organizations, government officials, international and national organizations, business groups, civil society, etc. in Lesotho is required. Demonstrated experience in public information and/or public relations and/or experience as part of a strategic communications team and proven skills in public speaking are required. Experience in journalism is desirable. Experience with the UNCT in Lesotho is also desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of other languages spoken in Lesotho is desirable. Knowledge of other official United Nations languages is an advantage.
Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.
United Nations Considerations
Applications are screened according to the published evaluation criteria of the job opening in 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 “How to Apply” section of this job opening, which can be consulted below.
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.
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.
Posting Period: 25 December 2014 - 25 January 2015 Job Opening Number: UNIC-2014-017 Contract: Fixed-term Duration: One year, with the possibility of an extension
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Special Notices
This job opening is open to nationals of Lesotho only. For budgetary reasons, candidates at the duty station may be given priority consideration.
Appointment against this post is on a LOCAL basis, with NO entitlement to travel or any other international benefits. Should there be a need for examination, the candidate will be responsible for any travel expenses incurred.
Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her.
Organizational Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the United Nations Information Centre in Maseru (UNIC Maseru), within the Information Centres Service (ICS), Strategic Communications Division (SCD), Department of Public Information (DPI). The incumbent is under the direct supervision of a Desk Officer and the overall supervision of the Chief of the Programme Support Section in ICS. At the local level, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, who also serves as UNIC Director, supervises the overall operation of UNIC Maseru.
Responsibilities
Within delegated authority, the incumbent is responsible for the following duties:
• Takes a leading role on communications issues within the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) by convening and/or serving as the secretariat for the United Nations Communications Group at the country level in consultation with the directors of UNIC
• Develops and implements a communications strategy for Lesotho by adapting the global UN message for local audiences, in consultation with the UNCT and/or United Nations partners. To this aim, the incumbent will produce/oversee the production of print information materials in the local language(s) for a local audience; propose topics, undertakes research, determine the appropriate medium and target audience, prepare production plans, write drafts, obtain necessary clearances and finalize texts, edit, copy, and coordinate design approval, printing procedures and distribution. He or she will also ensure the implementation of a communications strategy on the local and regional levels to publicize United Nations priority issues and/or major events, to include coordination efforts with partners, monitoring and reporting on progress, taking appropriate follow-up action, and analyzing the outcome.
• Monitors and analyzes current events, public opinion and press coverage, identifying issues and trends, and advises the DPI at Headquarters and the UNCT on appropriate action/responses.
• Conducts media outreach, including development of media strategies and action plans, initiating pro-active media outreach efforts; maintains contacts with national and regional media in Lesotho, disseminates information materials to the media, places op-eds and arranges interviews, organizes press conferences and briefings, monitors press coverage of UN issues; consults with press on approach/story angle and other information requests, undertakes appropriate follow-up action and analyzes and reports on the impact of coverage.
• Maintains contacts with key civil society partners at the national and regional level, including UN associations, and undertakes joint projects with them; initiates and sustains proactive professional relationships with key constituencies in Lesotho.
• Conducts educational outreach, including the organization of regional Model UN conferences.
• Maintains web sites and social media accounts in English and/or relevant local language(s).
• Monitors programme output of the UNIC Maseru and reports to the ICS on a monthly, quarterly, annual and ad hoc basis.
• Performs other functions and special duties, as required by the Director of UNIC Maseru or the ICS, including undertaking speaking engagements and participating in seminars.
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, especially in Lesotho. Ability to rapidly analyse 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. Knowledge of tools and infrastructure used to support communication and public information initiatives, including traditional and social media equipment and systems, e.g. content management systems, mainstream social media platforms, multimedia editing/production equipment. 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. Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view.
• 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.
• 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
A first-level university degree (Bachelor of Arts or equivalent) in communications, journalism, public information or a related field is required.
Work Experience
A minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience, including experience in managing contacts and networking with the media, non-governmental organizations, government officials, international and national organizations, business groups, civil society, etc. in Lesotho is required. Demonstrated experience in public information and/or public relations and/or experience as part of a strategic communications team and proven skills in public speaking are required. Experience in journalism is desirable. Experience with the UNCT in Lesotho is also desirable.
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the post advertised, fluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of other languages spoken in Lesotho is desirable. Knowledge of other official United Nations languages is an advantage.
Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.
United Nations Considerations
Applications are screened according to the published evaluation criteria of the job opening in 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 “How to Apply” section of this job opening, which can be consulted below.
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.
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.
How to Apply
Local level job openings in the global network of United Nations Information Centres are currently NOT advertised on the United Nations Careers Portal.
Local level job openings in the global network of United Nations Information Centres are currently NOT advertised on the United Nations Careers Portal.
To apply for these local level job openings, email the following documents to careers (at) unic (dot) org, including the job opening number and your name in the subject of the email:
A United Nations Personal History Profile (PHP) from Inspira.
A duly completed, signed and scanned “UNIC Employment Application Checklist” form.
A scanned copy of the required diploma.
A duly completed, signed and scanned “UNIC Employment Application Checklist” form.
A scanned copy of the required diploma.
