PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

Organizational Context

This position is within the Public Information Unit of the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) in Jerusalem. The Public Information Officer reports directly to the Special Coordinator, playing a key role in managing the office's external communications and public engagement efforts.

Job Purpose

The Public Information Officer is responsible for managing outreach to local media, civil society, and government entities to disseminate information about UNSCO's mission, aims, and activities. This includes preparing press materials, fostering media relationships, and responding to disinformation. The role also involves building communication capacity with national partners, developing strategic partnerships to enhance public information objectives, and organizing events. Additionally, the officer prepares communication products in local languages, writes human interest stories, produces digital content for social media, and implements communication strategies to promote awareness and understanding of the UN's mandate and priorities. Support for internal communications is also a key function.

Responsibilities

Manage outreach to local media, civil society, government, and NGOs by producing and disseminating information about the Mission's aims and activities, and assisting in local language interactions. Prepare materials for press briefings and interviews, draft press statements and releases, and establish cooperative relationships with local media. Draft and edit various communication materials, including key messages, Q&As, and reports, while actively countering disinformation. Monitor and analyze local media, maintaining a contact list of journalists and outlets across all platforms. Build communication capacity with national partners through training and regular engagement, fostering partnerships to increase visibility and understanding of the Mission's work. Develop strategic partnerships to support public information objectives and organize/participate in public events. Prepare communication products in local languages, write human interest stories, and produce digital content for social media. Implement communication strategies for media relations, publications, web, digital, and community outreach. Contribute to reports on communication activities and coordinate with other Public Information Unit sections. Provide communication support to management and staff, and manage internal communications, including daily press briefs and newsletters.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in public information, journalism, international relations, or public administration is required. Prior experience in a Public Information Office within a UN entity, particularly related to political affairs, is desirable.

Skills

Public Information, Media Relations, Communication Strategy, Content Creation, Digital Media, Social Media, Partnership Building, Capacity Building, Crisis Communication, Media Monitoring, Report Writing, Internal Communications.

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