Public Information Assistant

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Public Information Assistant
Location: Washington DC
Country: United States
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Washington, D.C. is part of the Information Centres Service (ICS), Campaigns and Country Operations (CCOD), Department of Global Communications (DGC). UNIC Washington serves as the primary source of information about the United Nations system in the United States. Its mission is to promote public understanding and support for the aims and activities of the United Nations by disseminating information materials to a local audience, engaging local and regional partners, and bringing the United Nations closer to the people it serves. The organization operates with a commitment to transparency and accessibility, ensuring that the public is informed about the UN's work and initiatives.

Job Overview:
The Public Information Assistant position is designed to provide specialized assistance in the production and delivery of information communications products and services that support UNIC Washington's outreach efforts. The role involves engaging with various stakeholders, including policymakers, students, and the general public, to enhance understanding of UN activities. The assistant will be responsible for researching a wide range of information sources, compiling data, and producing communications products for external audiences. This position also requires organizing and executing special events, coordinating with diverse partners and media to highlight key UN events, and assisting in the production of social media content aligned with strategic communication plans. The assistant will monitor feedback on social media accounts and adapt strategies accordingly, ensuring that the outreach efforts meet the needs of the audience and end-users.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Public Information Assistant will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Providing specialized assistance in the production and delivery of information communications products and services to support outreach to policymakers, students, and the general public.
• Researching and compiling information from various sources for the preparation of communications products.
• Acting as a focal point for UN activities to develop strategic partnerships with key constituencies, including government officials, NGOs, think tanks, schools, and media organizations.
• Organizing and executing special events, coordinating logistics, and managing technical arrangements for advocacy meetings and events involving senior UN officials.
• Producing social media content and coordinating its publication with stakeholders, while supporting UN communications campaigns.
• Developing data collection mechanisms to ensure outreach products meet audience needs.
• Supporting the work of the Director and Deputy Director and performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of seven years of experience in public information, communications, international relations, or a related field. This requirement is reduced to five years for candidates with a first-level university degree or higher. Experience with digital communication tools, including websites and social media platforms, is essential. Additionally, experience working with key UN counterparts in Washington, D.C., and providing support for outreach and advocacy meetings involving senior officials is desirable. Familiarity with the UN system or comparable international organizations is also preferred.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. While specific job-related qualifications are not detailed, candidates with higher educational qualifications may have a reduced experience requirement, indicating that a university degree can enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of seven years in relevant fields such as public information or communications. Candidates with a first-level university degree can qualify with five years of experience. The role emphasizes the importance of familiarity with digital communication tools and experience in engaging with various stakeholders, including government officials and media organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official UN language, such as French, is considered desirable, enhancing a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Additional Notes:
This position is subject to local recruitment, meaning applicants must be authorized to work for the United Nations in Washington, D.C. Candidates selected from outside the duty station will be responsible for their relocation expenses. Local recruits are not eligible for allowances or benefits exclusive to international recruitment. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization adheres to strict standards regarding the integrity and efficiency of its staff, and candidates with a history of violations of law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law or other serious offenses will not be considered for employment. The UN Secretariat is a non-smoking environment, and reasonable accommodations may be provided for applicants with disabilities.