PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

Organizational Context

This position is within the Strategic Communications Section (SCS) of the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO) at the UN Secretariat. The SCS provides media relations, publicity, external relations, and internal communications support to DPPA-DPO and its field missions. DPPA-DPO focuses on conflict prevention, management, and sustaining peace through political solutions.

Job Purpose

The Public Information Officer is responsible for implementing information programs to publicize priority issues and major events for DPPA-DPO. This involves developing communication strategies, managing media relations, and creating digital content across various platforms. The role requires monitoring current events and public opinion to advise management, promoting media coverage through events like press conferences, and producing diverse communication materials such as press releases, articles, and multimedia content. The officer will also maintain relationships with key stakeholders, act as a focal point for specific issues, and analyze data to inform planning and decision-making, contributing to the department's mandate of preventing and resolving conflict.

Responsibilities

Key duties include ensuring the successful implementation of information programs by drafting strategies, coordinating efforts, monitoring progress, and analyzing outcomes. The role involves monitoring and analyzing current events, public opinion, and press coverage to identify trends and advise management. Developing digital communication campaigns, products, and content across multiple platforms is essential, ensuring consistent messaging and brand alignment. The officer will promote media coverage through press conferences and other activities, developing media strategies and outreach plans. Production or oversight of various communication products, including digital, print, and broadcast materials, is required. Additionally, the role involves preparing drafts for UN publications, maintaining professional relationships with stakeholders, acting as a focal point for specific issues, and providing guidance or supervision to junior staff. Data analysis for planning and reporting is also a key responsibility.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressive experience in public information, journalism, international relations, or public administration is required. Essential experience includes leading global social media platforms, producing and overseeing digital content (news stories, social media, multimedia), managing high-profile multilingual social media accounts, and experience within a UN peacekeeping mission context. Providing communications guidance and training is also necessary.

Skills

• Professionalism: Campaign strategy, media operations, marketing, audience outreach, message targeting, information analysis, public affairs issue identification, diplomatic handling of sensitive situations, relationship cultivation, written and oral communication. • Communication: Clear and effective speaking and writing, active listening, appropriate response, tailoring communication to audience, information sharing. • Teamwork: Collaboration, valuing diverse input, willingness to learn, prioritizing team goals, supporting group decisions, sharing credit, accepting joint responsibility.

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