Senior Public Information Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is a part of the United Nations system and is dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights globally. Established in 1993, OHCHR operates in various countries and has a mission to ensure that the fundamental freedoms and rights of individuals are upheld. The organization employs a diverse workforce and collaborates with multiple stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and international organizations, to advocate for human rights and provide support in implementing international human rights standards.

Job Overview:
The Senior Public Information Officer will play a crucial role in shaping and driving the communications strategy of the OHCHR. This position requires a strategic leader who can ensure that the organization's messaging aligns with the priorities set by the High Commissioner. The incumbent will be responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of communication strategies that resonate with both internal and external audiences. This includes managing a diverse team, ensuring high-quality outputs, and fostering partnerships that enhance the organization's outreach and advocacy efforts. The role also involves integrating innovative communication tools and trends to maximize the impact of human rights campaigns and stories, ensuring they reach a global audience and yield measurable benefits.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Public Information Officer will have a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: driving the advocacy and communications strategy of OHCHR; providing strategic leadership and direction for the Communications and Mobilization Section; overseeing the quality of communication products and services; building strategic partnerships to enhance outreach; integrating innovative tools and data into communications; conceptualizing and executing communication strategies and campaigns; providing technical and policy advice on complex public information issues; leading a diverse team and managing work assignments; engaging with senior staff to ensure effective messaging; developing high-quality institutional communications products; reporting on the effectiveness of communication activities; and organizing flagship campaigns and events such as Human Rights Day.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communications or a related field. A first-level university degree in communications, combined with two additional years of qualifying work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a strong understanding of public information and strategic communications, with the ability to navigate complex political environments and advise on sensitive communication challenges. The role requires a proactive approach to communication, with a focus on innovation and analytics.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in communications is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree in communications, along with two additional years of qualifying work experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of public information and strategic communications within an international context.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible work experience in public information, strategic communications, journalism, international relations, public administration, or a related area. At least five years of this experience should be in a managerial capacity. Experience in digital outreach and social media is also required, along with a proven track record of effective management, including results-based management and staff oversight. Experience working within the United Nations system or a similar international organization is essential, and familiarity with human rights, development, or humanitarian issues is desirable.

Languages:
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this position, proficiency in English is required, with a minimum level of proficiency at UN Level III. Additionally, candidates must have proficiency in either French, Chinese (Mandarin), Spanish, Russian, or Arabic, with a minimum level of proficiency at UN Level I. This multilingual requirement reflects the diverse nature of the UN's operations and the need for effective communication across different languages and cultures.

Additional Notes:
The position is subject to the availability of funds and the extension of the mandate. Staff members of the United Nations Secretariat must fulfill the move requirements to be eligible to apply for this vacancy. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. Applicants from unrepresented or under-represented Member States are strongly encouraged to apply. The recruitment process adheres to the principles of efficiency, competence, and integrity, with a focus on geographic diversity. The UN Secretariat is a non-smoking environment, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.