Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General is part of the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG) of the United Nations. This office is responsible for providing information to the media regarding the activities of the UN system as a whole. It engages in daily briefings, responds to media inquiries, and organizes press conferences and interviews with high-ranking officials such as the Secretary-General and the Deputy Secretary-General. The office aims to keep the Secretary-General informed about major breaking news stories globally and works to align the UN family with the Secretary-General's vision and priorities. The EOSG emphasizes efficiency, competence, integrity, and gender and regional balance among its staff, operating in a collaborative team environment.

Job Overview:
The Spokesperson for the Secretary-General plays a crucial role in managing communications for the UN, particularly in relation to specific regions and thematic issues relevant to the UN's work. The incumbent will be responsible for daily coverage of assigned areas, monitoring political, social, economic, and humanitarian developments, and responding to media inquiries. This position requires the ability to draft press materials, including notes for daily briefings and summaries of events, and to maintain contacts with various UN departments and agencies to gather pertinent information. The Spokesperson will also follow security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Council deliberations and prepare for potential press encounters, demonstrating a high level of professionalism and communication skills. The role may involve travel with the Secretary-General and participation in late duty officer responsibilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will have a range of responsibilities including:

• Conducting in-depth daily coverage of a specific region or thematic issue related to the UN's work, acting as a focal point for monitoring and reporting on developments.
• Selecting and drafting stories for the 'Spokesperson's alert and daily headlines' distributed to senior UN officials.
• Drafting notes for the Spokesperson's daily press briefings and maintaining the UN's website with relevant updates.
• Establishing and maintaining contacts with desk officers across various UN departments to gather information and provide media advice.
• Monitoring Security Council discussions relevant to the incumbent's area of responsibility.
• Conducting interviews in English and/or other languages as required.
• Anticipating media questions and preparing corresponding answers for the Secretary-General's press encounters.
• Being available for travel with the Secretary-General and participating in the late duty officer roster.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a comprehensive understanding of communications strategies and methodologies essential for effective campaign execution. They should demonstrate the ability to analyze and integrate diverse information, identify public affairs issues, and handle sensitive situations diplomatically. The role requires proficiency in producing clear and concise written communications and delivering effective oral presentations. A strong commitment to gender perspectives and equal participation in all areas of work is also essential.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communications, international relations, journalism, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, or media relations at the national or international level is required. Experience in a news environment, such as a wire service or newspaper, is essential. Desirable experience includes working in an international organization or government, particularly in a UN communications context, as well as political analysis and content generation for social media platforms.

Languages:
English is required for this position, with a minimum proficiency of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. French and Spanish are desirable, also requiring a minimum proficiency of UN Level III in all language skills.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for three months with a possibility of extension, subject to funding availability. If the selected candidate is a current UN staff member, the selection will be treated as a temporary assignment. The position emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion, encouraging female candidates to apply. The UN does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.