Department/ Office: Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Duty Station: NEW YORK
Posting Period: 14 October 2013-13 November 2013
Job Opening number: 13-PUB-OCHA-29063-R-NEW YORK (X)
United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity
Organizational Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the ReliefWeb (RW) Section, Information Services Branch (ISB), Corporate Programmes Division (CPD), Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The Public Information Assistant reports to the ReliefWeb Chief Editor and the ReliefWeb Editors.
Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the ReliefWeb Editors, and overall supervision of the ReliefWeb Chief Editor, the incumbent is responsible for the following duties:
- Provides general office support; responds to complex information requests and inquiries; processes, drafts and finalizes correspondence and other communications; sets up and maintains files/records, organizes meetings, monitors deadlines, etc.
- Coordinates administrative services, including preparing, monitoring and processing various requisitions, service contracts and payment vouchers, coordinating special assignments and related travel authorizations, etc.
- Provides specialized assistance to officers in the production and delivery of information communications products and services.
- Provides client support; handles issues and queries; enforces editorial policy and procedures; promotes best practices; captures and reports on client service measurements and metrics.
- Manages, updates and further develops internal databases; performs cataloguing operations such as formatting documents and adding metadata to databases; updates web site, to include drafting and editing content; assists in design, development and maintenance of Internet applications; generates a variety of standard and non-standard statistical and other reports from various databases.
- Researches, compiles and presents basic information for use in the preparation and production of communications products/services.
- Serves as photographic assistant by writing captions for photos, producing digital imaging, producing photo prints, and serving as back-up photographer; write captions for UN photos.
- Coordinates media coverage of important events; liaises with news and publications agencies, public relations firms, UN photographers, etc. to provide advance notice of, and information on, upcoming meetings, briefings and special events and to ascertain coverage requirements; coordinates technical arrangements and organizes and allocates space for visiting news, photo, TV and film personnel; evaluates and processes applications for UN security clearances/accreditations.
- Participates in the planning and coordination of major exhibits; liaises with relevant departments/agencies; drafts and edits reports, production schedules, press releases and related texts, and correspondence related to the planning and production of exhibits.
- Using relevant computer software, creates designs in appropriate format for promotional and other material, e.g. brochures, presentational materials, announcements, video and audio cassette covers and catalogues, etc.; ensures that photos, graphics, etc. are appropriate and conform to UN standards for print materials.
- Ensures availability and appropriate packaging of products for distribution at special events, exhibits, conferences, media functions, etc.
- Assists in the production and editing of video/film projects, radio programmes or website projects; tracks all production material; produces scripts, cue cards, etc., selects and catalogues sound and visual materials for inclusion in productions, and obtains requisite clearances and copyrights; coordinates scheduling of commercial and internal production facilities; directs studio recordings and/or evaluates audio quality of recordings for inclusion in programmes.
- Monitors the performance of digital audio workstations and other computer-based editing systems with respect to proper digital file management; review entries, file storage, retention and deletion practices to ensure consistent application of basic guidelines; identifies problems/issues and liaises with appropriate personnel for their resolution.
- Identifies and prepares new material for inclusion in appropriate web pages by: researching various humanitarian information sources for relevant material and cross-checking humanitarian information with author offices as required;
- retrieving and downloading pertinent documentation and other information in requisite programming languages for Web format or inserting into database after determining appropriate categorization; preparing new pages, incorporating graphics as needed, using appropriate authoring tools and necessary programming languages;
- preparing and updating index of documents;
- posting documents on the UN web and/or development servers and ensuring the appropriate directory location;
- checking and testing for multiple browser support, etc.
- Provides guidance/training to junior staff.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Competencies
Professionalism:
- Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures related to communication, production and dissemination of public information.
- Knowledge of UN humanitarian response activities.
- Ability to research information from a variety of sources
- Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter including knowledge of relevant IT skills, including familiarity with web-based applications.
- Knowledge of automated information systems as applied to libraries and/or information networks.
- Practical skills in using Hypertext Markup Language (HTML), World Wide Web, Frontpage Editor or other HTML editor software.
- Practical skills in applying controlled subject terminology to add metadata to documents published online.
- Shows pride in work and in achievements; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
- is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns;
- shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges;
- remains calm in stressful situations.
- Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
Communication:
- Speaks and writes clearly and effectively;
- listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately;
- asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication;
- tailors language, tone, style and format to match audience;
- demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
Client Orientation:
- Considers all those to whom services are provided to be 'clients' and seeks to see things from clients' point of view;
- establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients' needs and matches them to appropriate solutions;
- monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients' environment to keep informed and anticipate problems;
- keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects;
- meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent.
Additional training/courses in communications, journalism, public administration or other related field is desirable.
Work Experience
- A minimum of five years of experience in public communication, international broadcasting or related area.
- Experience in information management is desirable.
- Experience in humanitarian and/or development affairs, or related area is desirable.
- Experience in performing English-language editorial work is desirable.
- Experience working within a large, international organization is desirable.
- Qualifying years of experience are calculated following the receipt of the high school or secondary school diploma.'
Languages
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable.
Assessment Method
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may be followed by a competency-based interview.
Special Notice
Recruitment for this position is done on a local basis, whether or not the candidate is a resident of the duty station. Passing the Administrative Assessment Test (ASAT) at Headquarters or an equivalent recognised locally-administered test at a United Nations office is a perquisite for recruitment consideration in the General Service category in the United Nations Secretariat.
This position is funded for a finite period of one year. Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or availability of funds.
United Nations Considerations
The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8). The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, TRAINING OR ANY OTHER FEES). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON BANK ACCOUNTS.
0 comments:
Post a Comment