Public Information Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Independent Institution on Missing Persons in the Syrian Arab Republic (IIMP) was established by the General Assembly in its resolution 77/301, adopted on 29 June 202

• The organization aims to address the issue of missing persons in Syria, providing a framework for accountability and justice. It operates under the auspices of the United Nations and is committed to upholding human rights and humanitarian principles. The IIMP is a newly established entity, and as such, it is in the process of building its operational capacity and establishing its presence in the region. The organization is expected to engage with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and international organizations, to fulfill its mission. The IIMP is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, but may relocate to Damascus, Syria, or other relevant locations as needed. The organization is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its operations, and it values diversity and inclusivity in its workforce.

Job Overview:
The Public Information Officer will play a crucial role in managing the communication strategies of the Independent Institution on Missing Persons. This position involves supporting media relations, developing and implementing social media strategies, and ensuring effective public information programs. The officer will be responsible for drafting information strategies, monitoring public opinion, and advising management on communication responses. The role requires a proactive approach to media outreach, including organizing press conferences and interviews, and producing various communication products such as press releases and newsletters. The Public Information Officer will also be tasked with analyzing data to identify trends and provide insights that will inform decision-making and planning. This position is vital for enhancing the visibility of the IIMP and ensuring that key messages reach target audiences effectively. The incumbent will report to the Head of Entity or their designee and may be required to adapt to changing duty stations as the organization's needs evolve.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Public Information Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to:

• Supporting media relations by organizing interviews, preparing talking points, and devising communication plans for high-level missions.
• Leading the strategy, planning, development, and implementation of the social media strategy, evaluating results and impact of social media activities.
• Implementing information programs to publicize priority issues and major events, including drafting information strategies and monitoring progress.
• Monitoring and analyzing current events and public opinion, advising management on appropriate actions.
• Promoting media coverage of priority issues through press conferences, interviews, and other activities, including developing a media strategy and action plan.
• Producing or overseeing the production of various communication products, including press kits, press releases, and newsletters.
• Preparing drafts of articles or chapters for inclusion in UN publications.
• Initiating and sustaining professional relationships with key constituencies and acting as a focal point on specific issues.
• Providing guidance to junior staff and collecting data to identify trends for reporting and decision-making. 1
• Ensuring that gender perspectives are incorporated into all areas of work and promoting equal participation of women and men.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a comprehensive understanding of communications approaches, tools, and methodologies essential for effective campaign strategies. They should demonstrate the ability to analyze and integrate diverse information from various sources and identify public affairs issues in an international context. The ideal candidate will have strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to produce clear and concise communications products. Additionally, they should be able to handle sensitive situations diplomatically and cultivate productive relationships with target audiences. Knowledge of relevant internal policies and business activities is essential, as is the ability to meet deadlines and achieve results efficiently. Candidates should also show a commitment to gender equality and the inclusion of diverse perspectives in their work.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in communication, journalism, international relations, public administration, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of public information and communication in an international context.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, or public administration is required. Candidates must have experience managing social media accounts for a large global organization and engaging with the media on issues related to human rights or humanitarian crises. Experience in maintaining and editing website content is also desirable, as it contributes to the overall communication strategy of the organization.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English and Arabic is required, with a minimum UN Level III proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking for both languages. This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication with diverse stakeholders and for producing high-quality communication materials.

Additional Notes:
This position is available until 31 March 202

• If the selected candidate is a staff member from the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be administered as a temporary assignment. This temporary assignment may provide the successful applicant with an opportunity to gain new work experience, but it does not guarantee future employment in the same position. The eligibility for this temporary job opening may be limited to candidates based at the duty station, and it may be restricted to internal candidates who have been recruited through a competitive examination or selection process. Candidates who reach the mandatory age of separation during the temporary assignment are not eligible to apply. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and candidates are encouraged to follow all application instructions carefully.