Public Information Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located in the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General within the Executive Office of the Secretary-General (EOSG). The EOSG is responsible for supporting the Secretary-General in his duties and ensuring that the UN's vision, priorities, and policies are effectively communicated. The office provides information to the media about the activities of the UN system through various means, including daily briefings and press conferences. The organization emphasizes the importance of efficiency, competence, integrity, and gender and regional balance among its staff.

Job Overview:
The Public Information Officer will be responsible for providing in-depth coverage of specific regions and thematic issues related to the UN's work, particularly in peacekeeping and peacebuilding. The incumbent will act as a focal point for monitoring and reporting on developments in these areas, responding to media inquiries, and drafting materials for press briefings. The role requires the ability to anticipate questions and prepare responses for the Secretary-General, as well as maintaining contacts with various UN departments to gather relevant information. The position demands a high level of professionalism, communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure while meeting tight deadlines.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will perform a variety of duties, including:

• Conducting daily coverage of a specific region or thematic issue related to the UN's work.
• Monitoring breaking news that may affect the UN and selecting stories for inclusion in daily communications.
• Drafting notes for the Spokesperson's daily press briefing and summarizing the noon briefing for publication.
• Creating a 'Week ahead' planning tool for journalists regarding upcoming UN events.
• Establishing and maintaining contacts with desk officers in various UN departments to gather information.
• Following security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security Council deliberations relevant to the incumbent's area of responsibility.
• Conducting interviews in English and/or Spanish as required.
• Anticipating media questions and preparing answers for the Secretary-General's press encounters.
• Traveling with the Secretary-General as needed and participating in late duty officer rotations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a refined news sense and a broad knowledge of current affairs and UN policies. They should be able to identify public affairs issues and handle sensitive situations diplomatically. The ability to produce clear and concise written communications under pressure is essential. Candidates must also demonstrate maturity, discipline, and political judgment, as well as the ability to build trust with the media and anticipate their needs. Incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring equal participation of women and men in all areas of work is also required.

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 with the press, in international organizations, or in political analysis and reporting. Experience generating content for social media platforms is also beneficial.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, as well as proficiency in Spanish. Knowledge of one of the other UN official languages is desirable. The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French.

Additional Notes:
This position is temporarily available for 364 days, with the possibility of renewal subject to budgetary approval and the availability of the post. The United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and encourages female candidates to apply. The organization emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in its recruitment process and provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. The position is subject to the authority of the Secretary-General, who may assign staff to various activities or offices as needed.