Public Information Officer
Organizational Context
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), part of the UN Secretariat, is responsible for coordinating humanitarian actors to ensure coherent responses to emergencies. OCHA's mission is to mobilize and coordinate effective humanitarian action, advocate for the rights of those in need, and promote preparedness. This Public Information Officer role is situated within the Crisis Response Division in Caracas, Venezuela, reporting to the Head of Office.
Job Purpose
The Public Information Officer in Caracas, Venezuela, is tasked with managing information flow and analysis related to humanitarian developments within the country. This involves establishing and maintaining reporting systems, tracking trends, and producing relevant communication products in coordination with HQ and key partners. The role requires building professional relationships with stakeholders, including local and regional communication focal points, to enhance OCHA's visibility and support fundraising efforts. The incumbent will lead the development and implementation of communication strategies, ensuring coherent messaging and publicizing priority issues and events. This includes monitoring media and public opinion, advising on media relations, and producing various communication materials for local, regional, and global OCHA platforms, as well as contributing to web and social media outreach.
Responsibilities
The Public Information Officer will establish and maintain country-level reporting and analysis systems, ensuring the flow of information on Venezuelan developments to HQ and partners. They will identify communication products with the Head of Office and establish predictable production systems. Professional relationships with key constituencies and a network of humanitarian communication focal points will be initiated and sustained. The role involves highlighting OCHA's value to Member States, media, and the public to support fundraising and visibility. A communications strategy and action plan will be developed and implemented in consultation with HQ and senior management. Local communication efforts with humanitarian organizations will be led to ensure coherent strategies and messaging. Communication programs will be executed to publicize priority issues and events, involving strategy development, coordination, monitoring, and analysis of outcomes. Current events, public opinion, and media reports will be monitored and analyzed to advise on media relations. The officer will produce or oversee the production of communication products, including research, writing, editing, and coordinating design and distribution, and contribute to web and social media content. Initial drafts for OCHA's local, regional, and global products will be prepared, and the officer will act as a focal point for specific issues, responding to inquiries.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressive experience in communication, journalism, international relations, or public administration is required. Experience with crisis communications is essential. Humanitarian field experience in emergency situations (complex emergencies or natural disasters) and experience in the Latin American region are desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, communication, and teamwork are core competencies. Specific skills include knowledge of humanitarian issues, analytical and research capabilities, ability to work under pressure, effective speaking and writing, active listening, and collaborative work practices.