Public Information Assistant
Organizational Context
The Department of Global Communications (DGC) at UN Headquarters in New York manages Visitors Services, including guided tours, public inquiries, and briefings. The Guided Tours Unit, within the Outreach Division, serves nearly half a million visitors annually. This Public Information Assistant role is situated within this unit, reporting to the Chief of Unit.
Job Purpose
The Public Information Assistant (PIA-II) is responsible for conducting engaging lecture tours on the UN's history and work across peace, security, development, and human rights. This involves explaining the functions of UN organs and current developments, while showcasing key areas like Council Chambers and exhibits. The role requires participating in daily and special briefings, researching UN materials to stay current, and skillfully handling visitor questions, including those on sensitive political topics. The PIA must tailor information to diverse audiences and ensure tours are delivered accurately and effectively, maintaining a smooth operational flow.
Responsibilities
Conduct one-hour lecture tours on the UN's history and work, covering peace, security, development, and human rights, while explaining its main organs and recent activities. Participate in daily and special briefings on topics like peacekeeping and human rights. Continuously study and research UN materials to stay updated on current UN system activities. Handle visitor inquiries and sensitive political questions with tact, diplomacy, and accuracy, tailoring communication to diverse audiences including VIPs and media. Plan, schedule, and dispatch tours daily to ensure smooth operations and efficient workload distribution among Public Information Assistants. Monitor attendance and punctuality, ensuring tours depart on schedule. Adjust daily plans as needed and report operational issues to supervisors for resolution. In the absence of the Briefing Assistant, prepare and conduct daily morning briefings for PIAs on UN activities and world news.
Work Experience
A minimum of one year of full-time experience as an official Tour Guide in an International Organization is required. Experience in public speaking, engaging diverse audiences in a customer service environment, and conducting tours for children is also required. Experience in a multicultural workplace and within the UN system or another international organization is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, Public Speaking, Diplomacy, Research, Communication (written and verbal), Client Orientation, Tact, Judgment, Ability to tailor information to diverse audiences, Ability to handle sensitive questions, Planning, Scheduling, Organization.