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 principal source of information about the United Nations system in the United States. The center is dedicated to promoting 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 overall, bringing the United Nations closer to the people it serves. The organization operates with a mission to enhance the visibility and understanding of the UN's work and its impact on global issues.

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 promote the UN's objectives. The assistant will be responsible for researching a wide range of information sources, compiling data, and producing communications products for external audiences. This includes organizing and executing special events, coordinating with partners and media, and assisting in the production of social media content aligned with strategic communication plans. The assistant will also monitor feedback on social media accounts and support the management of the UNIC website, ensuring that outreach products meet the needs of the audience.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Public Information Assistant will undertake a variety 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.
• Serving as a focal point for UN activities and developing strategic partnerships with key constituencies, including government officials, NGOs, think tanks, schools, and media organizations.
• Organizing and executing special events to highlight key UN activities, coordinating logistics and technical arrangements.
• Assisting in the production of social media content and coordinating its publication with stakeholders.
• Monitoring social media feedback and using analysis tools to measure engagement.
• Producing a range of outreach products and developing mechanisms to collect data on 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. Experience in a UN office or comparable international organization is also preferred.

Educational Background:
A high school diploma or equivalent is required for this position. There are no specific job-related qualifications listed beyond the educational requirement, but a first-level university degree or higher can reduce the experience requirement.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in public information, communications, or international relations. Candidates with a first-level university degree or higher may qualify with five years of experience. Experience with digital communication tools and familiarity with the UN's key counterparts in Washington, D.C. is highly desirable, as is experience in supporting outreach and advocacy meetings with senior officials.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of another official UN language is considered desirable, which may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for a six-month period with the possibility of extension. If the selected candidate is a current UN staff member, the selection will be treated as a temporary assignment. The position is subject to local recruitment, meaning applicants must be authorized to work in the duty station. The UN is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity in its hiring practices.