Public Information Officer - Temporary Job Opening

Organizational Context

The News Section, part of the Department of Global Communications, produces daily news, feature stories, and audio-visual content in nine languages for the UN News digital platform. This role is situated within the News and Content Branch, News and Media Division, reporting to the Chief of the Unit.

Job Purpose

The Public Information Officer is responsible for monitoring and analyzing current events and public opinion to advise management on responses. The role involves writing and producing multimedia feature stories for the UN News websites, covering global UN activities. This includes developing media strategies, promoting media coverage of key events, conducting interviews, gathering multimedia content, editing, and ensuring timely and accurate reporting across various platforms, including social media, to build diverse audiences. The officer also prepares draft articles and maintains professional relationships with key stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Monitor and analyze current events, public opinion, and press coverage, advising management on appropriate responses. Write and produce multimedia feature stories for UN News websites, covering global UN activities. Develop and implement media strategies, promote media coverage of priority issues and events through proactive outreach, press conferences, and material dissemination. Produce or oversee the production of multimedia content, including video and audio, for news stories and feature materials. Conduct interviews, gather multimedia assets, perform digital editing, and ensure timely coverage of UN developments. Prepare content for news platforms and social media, aiming to build audiences. Draft articles based on UN documentation, initiate and sustain professional relationships, and act as a media contact person. Provide guidance and may supervise junior staff.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressive experience in public information, journalism, international relations, or public relations is required. Specific requirements include journalistic experience in Urdu for a global news environment, writing news/feature stories in Urdu under deadlines, producing multimedia content, and technical skills in audio/video production. Experience with social media management and analytics, and creating visual content is desirable.

Skills

Digital journalism (audio, video, online news production), political awareness, judgment, knowledge of international affairs, research and analytical skills, effective on-air presentation, communication (clear and effective speaking/writing, active listening), planning and organizing (goal setting, prioritization, time management, risk assessment).

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